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Rosco the Rascal
Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch
On a sunny autumn day brother and sister James and Mandy head to the pumpkin patch with their friendly dog, Rosco, to choose a pumpkin for Halloween. While riding a hay wagon, visiting a petting zoo, and joining the kids on a scavenger hunt, Rosco sometimes makes mischief. But when the kids find trouble deep inside the corn maze, will Rosco shape up and help out? Join the kids and their rascally dog for fun and adventure in Rosco The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch. *Recommended for ages 6-9 *Grade level K-3rd *108 pages *15+ black and white interior illustrations
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
135 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Shana Gorian
53 books119 followersShana Gorian's latest projects are the Messy Week series, a funny chapter book series for ages 6-9, and the Tales of the Lost & Found, a hauntingly adventurous mystery series for ages 9-12 full of treasure hunts, ghosts, and historical secrets.
She is the author of the Rosco the Rascal series, chapter books for kids 6+ as well as several picture books, including Grandma Says Hush, Little Baby, A Cat Named Whiskers, and the What Am I? rhyming riddle series.
Shana grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has two grown children, and currently lives in Southern California with her husband and their labrador retriever.
To receive updates about new releases and specials, sign up for Shana's newsletter at shanagorian.com.
Shana is an avid lover of the great outdoors, spicy foods, dark chocolate, and spending an afternoon on a comfortable chair with a mug of hot cider and a good book. She is always working on more stories!
She is the author of the Rosco the Rascal series, chapter books for kids 6+ as well as several picture books, including Grandma Says Hush, Little Baby, A Cat Named Whiskers, and the What Am I? rhyming riddle series.
Shana grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has two grown children, and currently lives in Southern California with her husband and their labrador retriever.
To receive updates about new releases and specials, sign up for Shana's newsletter at shanagorian.com.
Shana is an avid lover of the great outdoors, spicy foods, dark chocolate, and spending an afternoon on a comfortable chair with a mug of hot cider and a good book. She is always working on more stories!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 5, 2016
***Rated by my daughter***
I thought it was pretty cute
I thought it was pretty cute
September 18, 2016
In the book Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch the reader gets to go on a trip with the family to the pumpkin patch. I buzzed through the book. I really liked the book because it really made me feel like I was experiencing everything with the characters. You could see the leaves, corn, pumpkins and apples because the story was written with so much description. I love that I know that when I read a book by Gorian that I will be entertained and will enjoy the story. She is really good at writing stories that keep me engaged. 4.5 stars
October 28, 2015
James and Mandy McKendrick live on a farm. They look forward to their annual adventure in late September to the pumpkin patch where they will walk the corn maze, go for a hayride, visit the petting zoo, ride a pony, and of course, find the perfect pumpkin. This year they are bringing their German shepherd pup named Rosco Their mischievous pup promptly finds himself in trouble by stealing another family’s pumpkin. In quick sequence Rosco gets into more mischief by opening the door and releasing baby sheep. He finds trouble on the hayride, but manages to redeem himself as a hero when James and Mandy get lost in the corn maze. Dad has a reputation to maintain; will he manage to find the children and still have the time to find the perfect pumpkin to carve? After all, every year James has managed to carve the best jack-o-lantern in the neighborhood. When all is said and done, the McKendrick family have an exciting day at the pumpkin patch, while learning valuable lessons in the process.
This chapter book is targeted for children in the six to eight age range. Illustrations add charm to the story, but they are quite small in the kindle version The tale could be broken up into a classroom read aloud or independent reader for second or third graders. Nice change of pace from the more common Halloween spooky story for kids.
This chapter book is targeted for children in the six to eight age range. Illustrations add charm to the story, but they are quite small in the kindle version The tale could be broken up into a classroom read aloud or independent reader for second or third graders. Nice change of pace from the more common Halloween spooky story for kids.
December 21, 2016
The Skinny
James and Mandy McKendrick visit the pumpkin patch with their parents and their fairly new-to-the-family dog. Rosco is a German Shepard and is a good dog in general, but he can get distracted easily. The McKendricks are known for their awesome Halloween pumpkin carvings. Mr. McKendrick always selects an overly large pumpkin at the patch, and the kids enjoy the petting zoo and corn maze.
This year the duo have convinced their parents they can manage the maze on their own. There are just two stipulations: they must stay together using the same punch-card, and Rosco must go with them. The deal is sealed and the kids set out only to find trouble deep inside the corn maze.
The Players
Rosco – an 85 lb. German Shepard, recently adopted, enjoys being off the leash, always gets up to some mischief
Mandy – 7 year old sister to James, likes the chickens,
James – 10 year old brother to Mandy, likes the piglets, doesn’t enjoy arguing with Mandy
Luke – 4 year old cutie in the corn maze
The Quote
Their giant jack-o-lantern would be the jewel of the neighborhood, every year. Trick-or-treaters would marvel at the size of it. Dad always loved the compliments.
So this day was about more than just petting zoos and hay rides for the McKendrick family. It was about finding another outrageously large pumpkin in that patch. It was about art and tradition.
As the holiday approached, the whole block at home would be anxiously waiting to see what new creation Mr. McKendrick would come up with this year. And trick-or-treaters would come from far and wide to delight in the spectacle on Halloween night!
The Highs and Lows
+ Family. I love that this children’s story focuses on the positive values of family. I don’t think there are enough examples of this in reading as children outgrow picture books. This is the kind of family you want to live on your street, be your neighbor, help you out if you’re in a bind and list them as an emergency contact for your child’s school.
+ Values. When James and Mandy stumble upon Rosco and what he’s found in the maze, the siblings step up. They extend a hand, are kind and compassionate, and stand up for someone who has been wronged in the right way. Rosco also helped with that a bit.
James and Mandy McKendrick visit the pumpkin patch with their parents and their fairly new-to-the-family dog. Rosco is a German Shepard and is a good dog in general, but he can get distracted easily. The McKendricks are known for their awesome Halloween pumpkin carvings. Mr. McKendrick always selects an overly large pumpkin at the patch, and the kids enjoy the petting zoo and corn maze.
This year the duo have convinced their parents they can manage the maze on their own. There are just two stipulations: they must stay together using the same punch-card, and Rosco must go with them. The deal is sealed and the kids set out only to find trouble deep inside the corn maze.
The Players
Rosco – an 85 lb. German Shepard, recently adopted, enjoys being off the leash, always gets up to some mischief
Mandy – 7 year old sister to James, likes the chickens,
James – 10 year old brother to Mandy, likes the piglets, doesn’t enjoy arguing with Mandy
Luke – 4 year old cutie in the corn maze
The Quote
Their giant jack-o-lantern would be the jewel of the neighborhood, every year. Trick-or-treaters would marvel at the size of it. Dad always loved the compliments.
So this day was about more than just petting zoos and hay rides for the McKendrick family. It was about finding another outrageously large pumpkin in that patch. It was about art and tradition.
As the holiday approached, the whole block at home would be anxiously waiting to see what new creation Mr. McKendrick would come up with this year. And trick-or-treaters would come from far and wide to delight in the spectacle on Halloween night!
The Highs and Lows
+ Family. I love that this children’s story focuses on the positive values of family. I don’t think there are enough examples of this in reading as children outgrow picture books. This is the kind of family you want to live on your street, be your neighbor, help you out if you’re in a bind and list them as an emergency contact for your child’s school.
+ Values. When James and Mandy stumble upon Rosco and what he’s found in the maze, the siblings step up. They extend a hand, are kind and compassionate, and stand up for someone who has been wronged in the right way. Rosco also helped with that a bit.
September 22, 2023
The third book in the Tales of Lost and Found finds the three friends on a Caribbean vacation. The Curse of Pirate's Cove by Shana Gorian has Noah, Oakley and Andre searching for buried treasure to be found in a lush tropical island setting. These preteens have a habit of getting in over their heads which they do again. Thank goodness for responsible adults who are there to help.
“X” may mark the spot, but it comes with a dangerous curse and an even more dangerous case of greed. This story takes a serious look at personal greed versus doing good with what we have as well as friendship and loyalty. Lessons that especially Noah needs to learn before it is too late.
Pirate shipwrecks, buried treasures, vindictive ghosts, and buried treasure make this an exciting fictional story for middle age and younger teens to enjoy. Old enough not to try this in real life but also old enough to enjoy an “Indiana Jones” adventure, imaging it happening to them. I especially loved the very last scene, seeing the humor in it even if Noah, Oakley, and Andre could not. Fate or karma can be funny that way. Three unforgettable characters since Cooper, the dog, wasn’t able to join them on this once in the lifetime adventure.
“X” may mark the spot, but it comes with a dangerous curse and an even more dangerous case of greed. This story takes a serious look at personal greed versus doing good with what we have as well as friendship and loyalty. Lessons that especially Noah needs to learn before it is too late.
Pirate shipwrecks, buried treasures, vindictive ghosts, and buried treasure make this an exciting fictional story for middle age and younger teens to enjoy. Old enough not to try this in real life but also old enough to enjoy an “Indiana Jones” adventure, imaging it happening to them. I especially loved the very last scene, seeing the humor in it even if Noah, Oakley, and Andre could not. Fate or karma can be funny that way. Three unforgettable characters since Cooper, the dog, wasn’t able to join them on this once in the lifetime adventure.
November 13, 2014
I won this wonderful book in a goodreads.com contest...thank you!
This book was a delight to read with my grandson Sam who is 7 years old. He came for a weekend visit and we read the book...he would read one page and I would read the next. It is a really fun book (the illustrations by Ros Webb are terrific) about a dog named Rosco who loves having fun but also makes mischief. He is the pet of 2 children who along with their Mom and Dad have a series of adventures with Rosco. Their last adventure lands the kids in trouble but it's Rosco to the rescue. This is an excellent book for kids and Sam and I enjoyed it very much.
This book was a delight to read with my grandson Sam who is 7 years old. He came for a weekend visit and we read the book...he would read one page and I would read the next. It is a really fun book (the illustrations by Ros Webb are terrific) about a dog named Rosco who loves having fun but also makes mischief. He is the pet of 2 children who along with their Mom and Dad have a series of adventures with Rosco. Their last adventure lands the kids in trouble but it's Rosco to the rescue. This is an excellent book for kids and Sam and I enjoyed it very much.
October 30, 2014
Rosco and his humans, James and Mandy and their parents head to the pumpkin patch to choose a pumpkin for Halloween. While riding a hay wagon, visiting a petting zoo and joining the kids on a scavenger hunt Rosco can't help but get into some mischief.But when the kids find someone in trouble inside the corn maze Rosco shapes up and helps out.
Geared to ages 6 and up this book is the first in the series. This book is an easy chapter book that will delight its readers.
Geared to ages 6 and up this book is the first in the series. This book is an easy chapter book that will delight its readers.
July 27, 2018
Rosco The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch by by Shana Gorian, Josh Addessi, Ros Webb
Silly children's colorful book about a dog that gets into trouble at the pumpkin patch. They family goes to pick out their annual pumpkin and the dog gets loose.
What I really like about this book are all the activities one can do on the farm. We have the events here in our town but they are all scattered about town, NOT in one location.
Super like the ending how the dog Rosco comes to the rescue...
Silly children's colorful book about a dog that gets into trouble at the pumpkin patch. They family goes to pick out their annual pumpkin and the dog gets loose.
What I really like about this book are all the activities one can do on the farm. We have the events here in our town but they are all scattered about town, NOT in one location.
Super like the ending how the dog Rosco comes to the rescue...
August 28, 2018
With delightful children and characters, as well as Rosco who is adorable, this is a great story for younger children. Descriptive but easy to read, this Halloween inspired story is a nice change from ghosts and ghouls and all things that go bump in the night. There is also a lovely underlying theme of love and kindness. I'm sure the fictional Rosco is as well loved as the real one!
January 5, 2015
My son really enjoyed this book. He adored the loveable but mischievous dog, Rosco. He could relate to the pumpkin patch and corn maze because that is something that he has gone to numerous times. I think most small children would love this story.
October 7, 2015
A great story, Rosco is a fun and entertaining dog who always seems to want to play around, but always seems to get it right in the end especially when there is any danger. I would definitely recommend this book to other dog lovers and children too.
September 21, 2019
A cute story, though I would have enjoyed it more if the author had spent less time with the set-up and dove immediately into the plot.
October 14, 2025
A read a loud to my kiddos. Not the greatest writing. My kids didn’t love it and the pictures were very very simple.
March 5, 2020
Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch was the first book that my grandchildren and I read written by Shana Gorian. The book was a hit with us all but I just never took the time to actually write a review until now. It is easy to follow the story line that is written for a third grader to read independently. Seeing the world through the eyes of Rosco was fascinating to the young ones in the family. Perhaps it was thought provoking to think of how dogs viewed the world around them. At times it is also pretty humorous. Family relationships, being open new experiences, problem solving and learning valuable lessons are all woven into the book.
The grandchildren found Rosco to be their favorite character, commenting on how he seemed to be like our family dog. His rumbustious behavior sometimes gets him in trouble but his heart is in the right place. The adventures at the pumpkin patch are interesting but not scary for the younger ones in the family. I liked that. There is also a wholesomeness to the story that is reminiscence of books I read years ago such as the Boxcar Children.
As a retired elementary school teacher, I can recommend this book for family time reading, classroom chapter-a-day book read aloud and even literature circles for primary students.
The grandchildren found Rosco to be their favorite character, commenting on how he seemed to be like our family dog. His rumbustious behavior sometimes gets him in trouble but his heart is in the right place. The adventures at the pumpkin patch are interesting but not scary for the younger ones in the family. I liked that. There is also a wholesomeness to the story that is reminiscence of books I read years ago such as the Boxcar Children.
As a retired elementary school teacher, I can recommend this book for family time reading, classroom chapter-a-day book read aloud and even literature circles for primary students.
November 23, 2016
Rosco the Rascal is a charming character that reminded me a bit of the beloved Hank the Cowdog, but for a slightly younger audience.
The story is adventurous, exhilarating, and well written for the intended audience of about 6 to 10 years old. The characters will be loved by the readers and kids, both boys and girls, will adore Rosco as he and his human family visit the pumpkin patch.
I know that many families will not care about the content in support of Halloween in this particular book and their tradition of pumpkin carving, but I am aware that some families may be looking for a simple book celebrating the fall season exempt of Halloween and if that is the case then unfortunately you will be disappointed. There is a good deal of Halloween content ranging from Jack-o-lanturn carving to scary scarecrows and pranks in the corn maze, but as I said, most families won't be bothered by this content.
So in overall, I give Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch 4 out of 5 stars and will definitely be keeping my eye out for other books in his series.
This review was originally published on Literature Approved (http://literatureapproved.wordpress.com).
The story is adventurous, exhilarating, and well written for the intended audience of about 6 to 10 years old. The characters will be loved by the readers and kids, both boys and girls, will adore Rosco as he and his human family visit the pumpkin patch.
I know that many families will not care about the content in support of Halloween in this particular book and their tradition of pumpkin carving, but I am aware that some families may be looking for a simple book celebrating the fall season exempt of Halloween and if that is the case then unfortunately you will be disappointed. There is a good deal of Halloween content ranging from Jack-o-lanturn carving to scary scarecrows and pranks in the corn maze, but as I said, most families won't be bothered by this content.
So in overall, I give Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch 4 out of 5 stars and will definitely be keeping my eye out for other books in his series.
This review was originally published on Literature Approved (http://literatureapproved.wordpress.com).
October 31, 2016
I was supposed to read this with my grandson Aeverie for Read Your E-reader, but we never got around to it while he was here, so I went ahead and got to it. This is a middle grade book, and it was very fun. It covered several of the challenges for this read-a-thon.
Synopsis
On a sunny autumn day brother and sister James and Mandy head to the pumpkin patch with their friendly dog, Rosco, to choose a pumpkin for Halloween. While riding a hay wagon, visiting a petting zoo, and joining the kids on a scavenger hunt, Rosco sometimes makes mischief. But when the kids find trouble deep inside the corn maze, will Rosco shape up and help out? Join the kids and their rascally dog for fun and adventure in Rosco The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch.
This was a really cute fall/Halloween read that anyone can enjoy. Even on the kindle it did have some really cute illustrations. It had a very fun plotline and some great characters. It was a very fast paced read that was really enjoyable.
Synopsis
On a sunny autumn day brother and sister James and Mandy head to the pumpkin patch with their friendly dog, Rosco, to choose a pumpkin for Halloween. While riding a hay wagon, visiting a petting zoo, and joining the kids on a scavenger hunt, Rosco sometimes makes mischief. But when the kids find trouble deep inside the corn maze, will Rosco shape up and help out? Join the kids and their rascally dog for fun and adventure in Rosco The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch.
This was a really cute fall/Halloween read that anyone can enjoy. Even on the kindle it did have some really cute illustrations. It had a very fun plotline and some great characters. It was a very fast paced read that was really enjoyable.
February 19, 2016
The great fun Pumpkin Patch contest vs Helping a very frightened kid!
I thought it was a splendid story for showing a couple of boys who were out to scare little kids to learn what it was like to be frightened too as little Luke was and had his ankle twisted too
and now James, Mandy and Rosco had come to Luke's rescue This is why I want to give this ebook five stars and recommend this for kids ages 6-8 for it being such a beautiful story with a great moral in it. I received this ebook for free and in return, is my honest review. Super job Shana! By Angela
I thought it was a splendid story for showing a couple of boys who were out to scare little kids to learn what it was like to be frightened too as little Luke was and had his ankle twisted too
and now James, Mandy and Rosco had come to Luke's rescue This is why I want to give this ebook five stars and recommend this for kids ages 6-8 for it being such a beautiful story with a great moral in it. I received this ebook for free and in return, is my honest review. Super job Shana! By Angela
September 19, 2016
In the book Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch the reader gets to go on a trip with the family to the pumpkin patch. I buzzed through the book. I really liked the book because it really made me feel like I was experiencing everything with the characters. You could see the leaves, corn, pumpkins and apples because the story was written with so much description. I love that I know that when I read a book by Gorian that I will be entertained and will enjoy the story. She is really good at writing stories that keep me engaged. 4.5 stars
October 30, 2016
Rosco, the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Shana Gorian introduces us to an adorable dog named Rosco. Rosco accompanies his human family to a Pumpkin Patch. Gorian is superb in her usage of descriptive language. Readers are transported with the family and Rosco to the pumpkin patch. Readers can visualize the autumn leaves and fall crops of corn, pumpkins and apples. Young readers will be delighted by all of Rosco’s antics. The illustrations are well done and add to the enjoyment of this tale.
Read
October 26, 2021What is the book about? You don't need to tell the whole story over — just give an idea of what it's about. The book is about rosco visits a pumkin patch and he is a bad dog.
Do you think other people would like it? yes
What emotions did you feel while reading the book (sad, funny…)? it is funny because he is doing funny stuff.
Did you learn something from the book? no
Did you think it was interesting? yes Would you want to read it again? no
Would you want to read other books by the same author or about the same subject? probably
What was your favorite part? when rosco was playing keep away.
Do you think other people would like it? yes
What emotions did you feel while reading the book (sad, funny…)? it is funny because he is doing funny stuff.
Did you learn something from the book? no
Did you think it was interesting? yes Would you want to read it again? no
Would you want to read other books by the same author or about the same subject? probably
What was your favorite part? when rosco was playing keep away.
September 9, 2016
This is a cute and fun story all ages can enjoy. Meet the McKendrick family. Mom, Dad, ten year old James, seven year old Mandy and of course Roscoe, their German Shepherd dog. Roscoe has a bit of a problem following orders sometimes, but it seems he always finds a way to save the day. This tale takes readers into a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and more harvest time fun. The illustrations are well done and add to this fun story that is enjoyable to read alone or out loud so all can enjoy.
February 18, 2017
Confronting bullies and choosing to help others (rather than do what you want to do) are two of the messages of this book. This was a slow read but the kids were interested enough. Rosco is a puppy who runs off. His family visit a pumpkin patch and the kids go through a corn maze and help a lost child and meet some bullies and through it all is Rosco. This had a very meandering feel - the story arc was not really strong or clear enough but it has a nice cover.
December 8, 2024
This is the third installment in the Tales of the Lost and Found Series, a middle grade mystery adventure series. I liked to follow Noah, Oakley and Andre in this entertaining, and ghostly adventure. The story is filled with mystery, danger, and twists and turns. Joshua Banks did a great job bringing this story to life. Looking forward to listening to The Whispering Woods, the next book in the series. #StoryOrigin
November 18, 2016
A Good Start
This is the first book in the series but can be read in any order. Is has a good story line and easy to read. I like to keep track of books like this for my nieces and nephews.
This is the first book in the series but can be read in any order. Is has a good story line and easy to read. I like to keep track of books like this for my nieces and nephews.
July 2, 2018
A good chapter book for young readers, especially those who love dogs. I enjoyed the farm setting of this story, and the characters were likeable and relatable. The plot is simple, with some humour and a message about bullying.
September 8, 2022
My granddaughter loved it!
My fourth grade granddaughter reads to us every time she comes over. We all really enjoyed Rosco The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch! We are looking forward to reading more of the series with her!
My fourth grade granddaughter reads to us every time she comes over. We all really enjoyed Rosco The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch! We are looking forward to reading more of the series with her!
December 28, 2016
Happy story
This was a nice easy read. It had a conflict, but ended happliy. Also spoke of family and tradition. I would recommend this book to others, or a library.
This was a nice easy read. It had a conflict, but ended happliy. Also spoke of family and tradition. I would recommend this book to others, or a library.
October 24, 2019
Roscoe is a Rascal
A great book for all ages. The story was fun, thoughtful, and provided cool life lessons for children. More importantly, Roscoe is so adorable.
A great book for all ages. The story was fun, thoughtful, and provided cool life lessons for children. More importantly, Roscoe is so adorable.
September 15, 2022
This book is a great story for children, I love Rosco dog!
October 11, 2023
Cute Fall and Halloween 3rd grade book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews