What if your dream didn’t go as planned—but something even more magical happened?
Ivy Blue longs for her very own playhouse, but her parents have a different idea—a pumpkin patch. Disappointed but determined, Ivy Blue discovers a lonely pumpkin and cares for it with extra love and attention. As the days pass, her pumpkin grows…and grows…until it’s far too big to be a jack-o’-lantern. Now, Ivy Blue faces an unexpected dilemma—what do you do with a giant pumpkin?
With beautifully crafted illustrations and an interactive element that invites readers to find a hidden butterfly in each picture, this heartwarming tale of friendship, environmental kindness, and realizing one’s dreams in unexpected ways will captivate readers of all ages, proving that sometimes the best surprises grow when we least expect them.
Do you spy the butterfly?
There are 29 yellow butterflies creatively sprinkled throughout the book, one in each illustration. Often the butterfly is obvious, making it easy for younger children to spot, but sometimes the butterfly is shy and requires a bit more searching to find. For a key to where the yellow butterflies are hidden, click here.
A splash of blue
Ivy Blue has a unique name and nickname (Blue Girl). While her favorite colors are pink and purple, she makes sure to wear a “splash of blue” to match the color of her sparkling blue eyes. The “splash of blue” may be small, such as a hair bow or trim on her clothing, or more prominent like a hat or backpack.
Wendy Schicktanz is a fresh voice in the world of children’s literature. After a twenty-year career as an award-winning Master Photographer, she decided to follow her heart and pursue her dream of becoming a children’s book author. Her stories promote activity, growth, and a love of nature, fostering curiosity and imagination in young readers.
As a devoted mother to two grown sons, and a proud grandma to two “little pumpkins,” Wendy draws inspiration for her work from her family. When she’s not crafting tales, she enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, and adventuring with her loved ones, always seeking life’s endless discoveries in the great outdoors. She and her husband split their time between Arizona and Colorado, embracing the beauty both states provide.
Lynn
Ann
Paige
Raye
Tammy
Joni
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County destroyed more than just buildings—they took away the heart of many communities, leaving children without their libraries and learning spaces. In the spirit of hope and healing, over 200 authors, including myself, joined a book donation campaign led by @kristirbradbury to help rebuild what was lost. Nearly 2,500 books have already been donated, bringing the magic of stories back into the hands of children who have lost so much. This incredible effort is a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness and generosity can light the way. If you’d like to be part of this beautiful movement, you can donate a book by visiting http://bhusd.org/books.
Amazon Bestseller!
Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse is an Amazon #1 Bestseller!
#1 Best Seller in Children's Gardening Books
#1 Best Seller in Children's Flower & Plant Books
#1 Best Seller in Children's House & Home Books
This fall, I collected pumpkin seeds to share with my young listeners as part of my elementary school book readings. I’m offering a hands-on presentation where we’ll talk about nature, growth, and giving back to the earth—key themes from my book. At the end of the presentation, each child will do an activity and take home a few pumpkin seeds, encouraging them to plant their own little piece of the story. It’s a hands-on way to inspire curiosity, connection to nature, and the joy of nurturing something that grows!
I would like to recognize and thank the following vendors that have either donated pumpkin seed packets or gift cards to purchase seed packets online: Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Ferry Morse, West Coast Seeds, Rick's Garden and Creek Side Gardens.
Download this fun Bingo game to play with your kiddos! Each square features delightful images and ideas from the story, making it the perfect companion to the book.
Thank you for downloading the Bingo game—I’m thrilled you’re bringing this fun activity to your kiddos! I hope it adds an extra layer of excitement and connection to your reading experience.
If you and your little ones enjoy the game, I’d love to hear about it or see photos of you playing! Feel free to reply to this email or tag me on social media—I always love seeing families having fun together.
Happy playing!
Warm wishes,
Wendy Schicktanz
Click here to download your FREE KID'S BINGO game.
Facebook: Wendy Schicktanz Author
Instagram: wschicktanz
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