The Pumpkin Patch: A Traditional Buddhist Tale

Sybil Taylor
Heian International (2002)
ISBN 9780893469351
Reviewed by Stephanie, Parish (age 3), and Isaac, Rollins(age 1) for Reader Views (5/07)

“The Pumpkin Patch” is a traditional Buddhist tale with meaning for every child and adult.  In “The Pumpkin Patch,” a wise old man lives in the country and grows a garden.  He lives in harmony with all of nature.  There are dogs, bunnies, birds, deer, and etc…  He liked to watch his garden grow after working the soil.

One day, the pumpkins began to quarrel.  Feelings were hurt.  He tells the pumpkins to stop.  He tells them to sit still.  He demonstrates a meditation pose.  A day went by, the pumpkins remained silent.  The pumpkins then told the wise man that they each are the same on a basic level.  They told him that they felt connected to each other. 

The last two pages are written for the adult reader.  It explains meditation and its benefits.  Though there are definitely Buddhist overtones throughout the book, this is a special book that may help children take time to realize their feelings and the feelings of others.  For the non-Buddhists, this book will still be a blessing. 

Parish liked the illustration of the rainbow and the bright orange pumpkins.  She said that she liked the book and wants to keep it.  This is a book I may read to her after she quarrels with her brothers.   The words are simple enough for third graders and above.  I recommend “The Pumpkin Patch.”

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