About The Ugly Pumpkin​

The Ugly Pumpkin is a touching, funny, and heartfelt children’s story about embracing what makes us different and discovering that true beauty shines from within.

Pumpy, the not-so-typical pumpkin, dreams of becoming a Jack-O-Lantern just like all the others in the patch. But while the others are round and bright, Pumpy is long, squished, and oddly shaped—more like an orange eggplant than a Halloween icon. Laughed at, teased, and cast aside, Pumpy begins to believe that maybe he really doesn’t belong. Maybe he is too ugly to be part of something special.

But then, Halloween takes a turn—and Pumpy is the only one who can save it.

In the end, it’s not Pumpy’s shape that defines him. It’s his courage, his selflessness, and his character. Through this magical Halloween night, the other pumpkins (and readers alike) learn a powerful lesson: it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and those we often overlook are sometimes the ones who shine the brightest.

Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, and holiday storytelling, The Ugly Pumpkin is ideal for children ages 4–9 and the grown-ups who love them. With its gentle humor, vivid imagery, and universal message, it offers children a way to build empathy, embrace diversity, and grow in confidence.