Fall Library Lesson Idea: The Biggest Pumpkin Ever Book Activity for 1st and 2nd Grade
Fall is one of my favorite times to share seasonal stories in the library, and The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll is always a student favorite! This sweet story about two little mice, Clayton and Desmond, is perfect for teaching character traits and comparing and contrasting story characters.
If you’re looking for fall book activities that are simple to prep and engaging for your primary students, this lesson is one your students will remember year after year.
A Fun and Meaningful Character Lesson for Your Library
In my first-grade library class, students come in and gather on the story rug for a quick mini lesson on what a character is. I use the Character Cards from my Biggest Pumpkin Ever activity set to introduce the concept. We look at examples together, discuss what makes someone a “character,” and connect that idea to the books we know and love.
After our mini lesson, I read The Biggest Pumpkin Ever aloud. My students love following the two mice as they each secretly care for the same pumpkin—one hoping to win the town contest, the other wanting to carve the biggest jack-o’-lantern ever.
Once the story ends, I ask the class to help me retell the story and identify who the main characters were. This oral discussion gives students a chance to recall details and practice using character vocabulary naturally.
Comparing Clayton and Desmond: Interactive Venn Diagram Activity
After our discussion, students head to their tables where we work through an interactive Google Slides Venn diagram together. As a group, we list the ways Clayton and Desmond are alike and different. This part of the lesson always sparks thoughtful conversation—students often notice details I didn’t even plan to highlight!
When we finish our whole-class activity, students complete a printable cut-and-paste Venn diagram on their own during book checkout. This independent practice reinforces the skill and gives them a tangible way to show what they learned.
Why Librarians Love This Lesson
This ready-to-use library lesson is designed with busy elementary librarians in mind. Everything you need to teach the concept of story characters is included—no extra prep required.
What’s Included:
Step-by-step lesson plan for library instruction
Character Cards to introduce and reinforce the concept of characters
“What Is a Character?” mini-poster for visual support
Interactive Google Slides Venn Diagram (whole-class)
Printable cut-and-paste Venn Diagram (independent practice)
Discussion prompts and reflection ideas
Aligned with AASL Standards: Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Engage
The Perfect Fall Book Activity for Your Library
Whether you’re planning a fall library lesson or adding to your collection of The Biggest Pumpkin Ever book activities for 1st and 2nd grade, this resource will help you create an engaging and standards-aligned experience for your students.
It’s also perfect for library centers, whole-group instruction, or small group lessons. Your students will love learning about story characters—and you’ll love how easy it is to implement!
Keep the Pumpkin Fun Going!
If you loved this lesson, you’ll also enjoy my Too Many Pumpkins Activities for First Grade post. It’s another fall favorite that pairs beautifully with The Biggest Pumpkin Ever for a pumpkin-themed library week! Your students will love comparing both stories and exploring how each character learns a valuable lesson about pumpkins and generosity.
