The Pumpkin Thief
By Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater
Pumpkins vanish, clues multiply, and Squirrel suspects his forest friends. Who’s really responsible?
funny · autumnal · mischievous · warm-hearted
Pageticker community rating
Average 4.75, from 24 readers
What do our readers think of The Pumpkin Thief? (AI-Generated Summary)
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What does the Pageticker team say about The Pumpkin Thief?
The Pumpkin Thief is a cheerful autumn mystery packed with expressive woodland characters, playful clues and plenty of pumpkin-coloured fun. Squirrel’s eager detective work makes for a funny read-aloud, while the story gently explores patience, generosity and the dangers of jumping to conclusions. A lovely seasonal choice for children aged 3–7, with extra pumpkin facts for curious minds.
Genres
What is The Pumpkin Thief about?
Squirrel is delighted when Bird helps him grow five beautiful pumpkins. But one by one, the pumpkins begin to disappear! Determined to solve the mystery, Squirrel searches for clues, finding footprints, peck marks and even a feather. Surely a pumpkin thief is hiding nearby. As he investigates, Squirrel starts to suspect their forest friends. Will he catch the culprit before the final pumpkin vanishes? A funny autumn adventure about friendship, sharing and the surprises behind a puzzling mystery.
About the author
Alice Hemming is a UK author who loves writing stories for children. She is best known for her popular book 'The Leaf Thief,' which many children enjoy. Alice enjoys creating fun characters and imaginative adventures. When she isn't writing, she likes exploring nature and spending time with her family and pets.
Discussion ideas around The Pumpkin Thief
Squirrel’s Clues: Which clue would help you most if you were investigating the missing pumpkins, and why?
Waiting Patiently: How do you think Squirrel feels while he waits for the pumpkins to grow, and what helps you when you have to wait?
Jumping to Conclusions: Why does Squirrel start to suspect his forest friends, and how could he find out what really happened?
Sharing Together: What could Squirrel and Bird do with their pumpkins so that their friends can enjoy them too?
Pumpkin Ideas: What would you grow in a garden, and how might you use it when it is ready?
Pages
32 pages
Reading age
Picture Book (2-7)
This edition
2026
First published
2026
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