Most pumpkins are carved for Halloween and gone by Thanksgiving…but not this one.
When one pumpkin refuses to stop smiling, a young badger decides to keep it a little longer…and then a little longer, through falling leaves, chilly nights, cozy fires, and even Christmas cookies!
Told with warmth and humor, Author Kelley M Likes and Illustrator Hannah Staley-Foster weave a gentle tale that celebrates friendship, imagination, and the bittersweet joy of letting go, just in time to discover that some smiles return year after year.
The Pumpkin Who Stayed for Christmas is a seasonal story little badgers will want to read again and again.
Kids ages: 6 and 7
Grade: 1st
Early Reader
Lexile Level 330L
The Pumpkin Who Stayed for Christmas has timeless seasonal appeal, with themes of friendship, imagination, and letting go wrapped in a cozy, humorous fall-to-winter journey.
~ Thanksgiving to Christmas story
~ heartwarming animal story
~ perfect for classroom holiday reading
Free Lesson Plans & Storytime Videos at www.likespublishing.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelley M Likes is an award-winning children’s author, publisher, and former T6 Certified educator who creates stories that inspire curiosity and kindness, build confidence, creativity, and resilience. Her books range from humorous picture books and beginning readers to social-emotional learning stories that help children navigate real-life challenges.
Drawing on her background in business, education, and educational technology, Kelley creates engaging books for children of all ages, from beginning readers and humorous adventures to social-emotional learning stories and imaginative picture books.
Her growing catalog includes titles such as Panic and the Happy Thought, The Pumpkin Who Stayed for Christmas, Quest for the Momma Violin, Snout, Ben Wise and the Purple Dragon, and the Mat early reader series.
As founder of Likes Publishing, Kelley is dedicated to producing high-quality books that inspire a lifelong love of reading while helping children navigate friendship, emotions, creativity, and personal growth.
A mini-stroke survivor, brain tumor host, and lifelong storyteller, Kelley believes books can help children see the world, and themselves, in new ways. When she’s not writing, Kelley enjoys encouraging young writers, speaking to students about the publishing process, and helping aspiring authors bring their own stories to life.
EDUCATION:
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Media and Technology
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Business Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration
Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Marketing and Management
MEMBER:
SCBWI
Storyteller Academy
The Authors Guild
IBPA Independent Book Publishers Association
Book an Author
Alliance of Independent Authors
Visit her personal website @ www.kelleymlikes.com
AUTHOR VISITS
I offer a full day of age-specific presentations for grades 1st to 12th, focused on what it means to be an author & publisher and creating stories.
Visits can include: Lunch with students, book signings, contest judging, classroom drop-ins, and individual classroom presentations and discussions.
In addition, free lesson plans with projects to extend the visit are included.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Hannah Staley-Foster is an illustrator and content creator who specializes in bright, cheerful, and usually nature or animal-focused art. Primarily a digital artist, she also runs a YouTube channel where she shares her work and process; in addition, Hannah loves to share her work at conventions and art shows. Hannah is eager to continue to use her art to share uplifting messages and add light to the world.
