The Bumpy Pumpkin: A Read-Aloud Story About Embracing Differences and Loving Yourself

by Natalie Horseman, Kelsey Marshalsey

What if being different is exactly what makes you perfect?

In the pumpkin patch at Stephens Farm, one little pumpkin doesn't look like all the others. While his smooth, perfectly orange friends feel confident about Halloween, the Bumpy Pumpkin worries that his colorful bumps make him too different to be picked.

But when a special little girl named Olivia comes looking for the perfect pumpkin, she sees something wonderful that everyone else missed. Sometimes the most beautiful thing about us is what makes us unique.

"The Bumpy Pumpkin" is a heartwarming fall story that celebrates self-acceptance, kindness, and finding where you truly belong. Perfect for children ages 3-8, this farm life tale teaches young readers that being different isn't something to hide—it’s something to celebrate.

Ideal for:
• Building self-esteem and confidence
• Story time and bedtime reading
• Halloween and autumn fun
• Classroom read-alouds and discussions about diversity and acceptance
• A colorful, thoughtful gift for young readers

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Halloween

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

Natalie Horseman is a passionate storyteller and nurse with nearly two decades of expertise in child and family development. Drawing from her background in healthcare, Natalie combines her knowledge of resilience, compassion, and personal growth with her love for writing. Her work spans from empowering stories of strength and overcoming adversity to playful, imaginative tales that spark curiosity in young readers. Whether guiding individuals through life's toughest moments or captivating children with lighthearted adventures, Natalie believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire and connect. Through her words, she encourages readers of all ages to embrace their inner strength and explore the world with wonder.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a charming, uplifting book. Happy, sweet illustrations. A fun story and endearing characters. The life lessons were wonderful, too. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Enjoy!

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Bumpy Pumpkin is an adorable children's picture book with a wonderful message within its tale.
On a local farm the pumpkins are all getting excited for Halloween as children come to pick their pumpkins from the farms pumpkin patch. But one little pumpkin is nervous and worried. He's not like all the other pumpkins with their smooth and unblemished skin. How will be ever be picked surrounded by them? But a little girl comes and looks specifically for a pumpkin who's different and unique and picks the bumpy pumpkin over all the others.
The story is really sweet with adorable illustrations and teaches children that being and looking different isn't a bad thing; it's something to cherish, embrace, and be proud of. And those who matter will love you no matter what and pick/choose you every time.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does it feel like to be different from the rest of the pack? This is explored in this new children's book "The Bumpy Pumpkin." In it, our pumpkin feels left out from the rest of the "normal" looking pumpkins who tease the pumpkin. What really hits though, is the pumpkin soon embraces their differences when the most unlikely of people sees through them, flaws and all! I loved how this really embraced diversity and even made me feel like I had some hope for somebody picking me.


Publishing Date: September 2, 2025

[Alexandra Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable! I love books that incorporate being different as a strong theme. I haven’t seen one written for Halloween/fall and the bumpy pumpkin example was well done. Since there are many pumpkins with lots of bumps, that doesn’t make them any less than ones that don’t have any bumps! I thought that the little girl who selected the bumpy pumpkin was great because she could see the beauty in the pumpkin. This teaches kids it’s ok to be different and different things can become the most beautiful! I can’t wait to use this for my son’s fall learning!

[Amber O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I had to read the pumpkin book with my kids who love fall time! This book was adorable and had such a great message for children. I have a five year old and a two year old that are in two different phases of life - yet this book captivated both of them!

The uniqueness of the writing from color, shape and size kept my baby interested & the message of always being kind was helpful for my kindergartener.

I can guarantee my daughter (also named Olivia) will be picking the special bumpy pumpkin from the patch this year!

[Sumra Barajas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story for teaching littles not to judge others based on looks! My kids really enjoyed it. Perfect for fall reading/lessons!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a netgalley arc! thank you for letting me read this 🫶🏼
very cute pictures with color, and gives a good story. i think kids would love this 🥰 teaches you there is something for everyone

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Maybe… just maybe… someone would see how special he was, even if he did look different.”

The Bumpy Pumpkin by Natalie Horseman is a cozy children’s story with an important message for all ages, that it is ok to be different from everyone else around you but most importantly to never give up on yourself as you don’t know who or what is just around the corner.
As an adult I fully enjoyed The Bumpy Pumpkin and the lovely illustrations by Kelsey Marshalsey.
Thank you NetGalley and Horseman Publishing for the chance to read an ARC copy of this Bumpy Pumpkins special story.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Warm Book About Being Unique

The Bumpy Pumpkin is the warm, although formulaic story about being so different that your peers pick on you until that special someone looks past you. We don't see what made our protagonist who he was, but instead that the difference is based on his appearance alone as is usually the case.

The plot is emphasized with simple words and a bit of a flow that will definitely be a winner for children. Throughout fun, colors have been added to some words or special effects to add emphasis like hollow words for when he is feeling empty.

What really makes this book stand out to me are the illustrations, though. Someone really likes autumn with the choose-your-own pumpkin patches, the autumn mums and the full-out Halloween decorations of times past. And the costumes are all nods to nostalgic Halloween pasts when costumes weren't too commercialized goons.

The book ends with a small collection of photos of the author with her mom during Halloween to finish up the cozy feeling.

All in all, it is a sweet and warm story that is perfectly coming out right on time for the autumn season.

***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my children's hearts and my own to the author, the publisher, and netgalley for allowing us the privilege of being able to arc read this book. We really appreciate it!

This was a very cute and sweet book. It reminded me and my kids a lot of Spookly the Square Pumpkin, but not at the same time. This book is so beautifully illustrated and the story unlike the aboved mentioned tells a story about a pumpkin who knows their different, but actually bides their time hoping someone will see the beauty they know they actually have inside and out. I love that! I love the moral of reminding kids that no one is the same, but to believe in themselves and that the good ones will always see your worth, just like the little girl in the story. That story line was so refreshing and I really loved it! Despite my kids ages they still adored this book too, they loved the pictures and the story, and they thought Bumpy Pumpkin was adorable!

Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts again for allowing us the absolute privilege of being able to read this book. We absolutely loved it and I really hope to bring this home.

[QuirkyTofurkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I getting emotional over a book about a bumpy pumpkin? YES. YES, I AM.

The artwork is gorgeous, with full color illustrations on every page that pull you right into the story. The narrative itself is simple, but the message is so impactful: the very qualities that make us different are also what make us special. Not everyone will see it, but the people who matter will.

I adore this bumpy pumpkin. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to the odd little pumpkins at the patch, so this story hit home. I can easily see this becoming an annual fall tradition: read the book together, then head out to pick your own pumpkin. The same way ’Twas the Night Before Christmas is tied to Christmas Eve, this could be the perfect autumn ritual.

Thank you to NetGalley, Horseman Publishing, and Natalie Horseman for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Natalie Horseman for my Arc!

Synopsis: What if being different is exactly what makes you perfect?

In the pumpkin patch at Stephens Farm, one little pumpkin doesn't look like all the others. While his smooth, perfectly orange friends feel confident about Halloween, the Bumpy Pumpkin worries that his colorful bumps make him too different to be picked.

But when a special little girl named Olivia comes looking for the perfect pumpkin, she sees something wonderful that everyone else missed. Sometimes the most beautiful thing about us is what makes us unique.

Pages: 35
Publication date: September 1st, 2025
Publisher: Horseman Publishing

We adored this book it was not only a cute festive fall into Halloween book. But gave a good lesson in how we are all special in our own way. I found the art in this story to be really cute full colour pages.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute and heartwarming story. Once of my favorite activities in fall that I've had since I was a kid is going to the pumpkin patch. As an adult I now not only pick out the best pumpkin to carve, but pumpkins to decorate my home and I love picking pumpkins of all different shapes, sizes, and textures. Even as an adult I love the idea that picking the weird pumpkins is heart warming.

I think this book will make kids look for the odd looking pumpkins the next time they go to the pumpkin patch among other things. The message of this story is that your "imperfections" make you perfect and I think a lot of kids will feel a kinship with the bumpy pumpkin. The books highlights empathy for yourself and others.

[Katelyn Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I received this book from NetGalley -

A sweet and heartwarming tale about how it is ok to be different, and how the right people will always see your worth.

Very well illustrated! The colors are very fall time, and the full page illustrations are a nice touch. It is always a fun addition when the words are different fonts and colors, helps draw kids eyes to them when you are reading with them, especially if they are showing interest in letters.

Overall a very good book for the fall season and was enjoyed by my 5 year old.

[Kae Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet children's storybook about how feeling bad about being different can be transformed into empowerment through love. The story unfolds with the emotions kids will understand, and everyone will cheer on the Bumpy Pumpkin when a little girl loves him for exactly who he is. Parents and grandparents will enjoy reading this story at bedtime for many years to come. Natalie Horseman tells a beautiful story, and the gorgeous illustrations help to make the story lively and bright. A story that all will love to read and listen to.

[Rosemary Olender · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! Filled with colorful and enticing graphics for young children, this book celebrates the value of being different and unique. This is a value that is so important for children to understand. The Bumpy Pumpkin is an excellent story for parents to read with their children and discuss what happens….how teasing and making fun of someone who is different is hurtful; about how recognizing that being different can be “special”; and importantly, how some people not only enjoy variety, but seek it. A great starter book for early readers.” Rosemary Olender, Author

[Emily Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute 7 minute read about the value of being different and self-acceptance. My son liked it, and the illustrations were cute. I wouldn't put it in the intro to reading category, but it would definitely do well as a bedtime story you read to them. I would put it in the level for readers who are starting to gain a little confidence due to a few larger words like 'nervousness.' I received an ARC from the publisher.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Horseman Publishing for a gifted ebook in return for an honest review.

This is perfect for the fall/Halloween season! It's very sweet and charming and I really enjoyed the art style and colors. It really gave the vibes of the season. Though the moral of the story is one we've seen before, it was done so well in this story and it felt a little different, in a good way -- just like the Bumpy Pumpkin.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable! My 7 year old read it to me and we talked about how he was feeling! She really enjoyed the book and stayed engaged and didn’t keep asking when will we be done haha. 10/10 for her!

On my end I loved the photos and representation! I also loved how the words represented the colors and shapes of the words (like big etc). It was a nice touch! Amazing read for us to start the fall off! I cant wait to add this to our book shelf!

[Cathy Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, this book is very cute. It teaches an important lesson to young readers about loving yourself for your unique traits and valuing diversity in the world. The illustrations are beautiful with bright colors and engaging facial expressions on the pumpkin characters (and humans). Great use of bolding, colors, and font size to make key words stand out in the text. This book will be a great addition to any young child's library or classroom.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bumpy Pumpkin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My very excited three year old said “ I picked out a bumpy pumpkin, too”! Such a cute story to get into the Fall spirit. A fun story to go along with adorable illustrations of the latest trend in pumpkin picking. My parents grew their own patch of “bumpy” pumpkins this year, so I knew this story would be a hit my my child. Added bonus, a nice lesson that it’s okay to be different.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love fall and Halloween. This book is so adorable. We meet Bumpy Pumpkin. Halloween is on the way and families are choosing their pumpkins. But Bumpy is worried. He doesn’t look like his friends and now he worries that he won’t get picked because he is different. That is until Olivia comes. She is looking for the perfect pumpkin and she finds Bumpy and knows that he is perfect.
A heartwarming story that shares an important message to our little ones. It encourages self-esteem and knowing that we all belong, together. We learn that it is okay to be different, to be proud of who you are and what makes you unique also makes you special. It also shares the importance of being kind to others. The illustrations are amazing, they really add to the feel of the story. I love the fall feeling the book shares.
Makes a great Halloween gift. Enjoy Bumpy’s Uplifting story together with your family.
Huge thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for allowing us to fall in love with this ebook. We can’t wait to add it to our home collection. It is already a new family treasure.

[Crystal McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming Lesson on Self-Love and Acceptance

The Bumpy Pumpkin is a beautiful story that encourages children to embrace what makes them unique. I loved how Natalie Horseman uses simple, engaging language and adorable illustrations to show that being different is something to celebrate, not hide. This book is perfect for classroom read-alouds or family storytime—especially around autumn. It opens the door for great discussions about kindness, confidence, and self-worth. I gave it five stars because it delivers an uplifting message that every child needs to hear!
Highly recommend for teachers, parents, and counselors working with young children (PreK–2nd grade).

[Sony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bumpy pumpkin is the odd pumpkin out in the pumpkin patch. While all the other pumpkins are smooth and round , this pumpkin is bumpy, misshaped and of multiple colored patches.
Then one day a young child finds the bumpy, unusual pumpkin and decides to turn it into a jack-o’-lantern despite its imperfections.

Such a cute book that gently teaches children about acceptance, creativity and finding beauty in imperfections.
Illustrations are bright and lively too.

Definitely a must read to your child this fall season.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about embracing what makes you different!

The illustrations were so cute and this is the perfect children’s book for the fall time. The pages were very colorful and I think younger kids will enjoy spotting all the pumpkins.

The message of being different and self love is explained in the perfect way for kids to understand. Shoot, it even sent a good reminder to myself.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Horseman Publishing and Natalie Horseman for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute book. I love the feelings the Bumpy Pumpkin goes through. Just like some children may go through trying to make friends with other students, when they look different or have a handicap. I hoghly recommend it.

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. We love Halloween in this house as my son was born in October. This book was perfect in every way. Such great pictures and a heart warming message about being different finding those who will accept you as you are.

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is just the sweetest! 🎃🍂 My daughter and I loved cheering for the little pumpkin who didn’t quite fit in. The ending is heartwarming and such a lovely reminder that being different can be the most special thing of all. A cozy autumn read, perfect for bedtime or snuggly story time.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book teaching about self acceptance in a fun way

This writer truly understands how kids feel when being different can be difficult, and the story teaches the reader to love all the “bumps” that make us each unique. A perfect book for Fall or any time of the year.

[Denise Mahaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bumpy Pumpkin

Very cute book! Perfect for the fall season! I think my granddaughter will love this cute book! I love it!