LIBRARY NOTES: PUMPKINS


PAUL BIRKHEAD – OCTOBER 7, 2012



This is the time of year that wherever you look, you’re bound to see a pumpkin. Whether they are displayed at the store or sitting in a field, these orange-colored cousins of the squash are a reminder that autumn has arrived. Not only do pumpkins abound in our community, but in Rowan Public Library as well.

Pumpkins have their origin in Central America, but are now more likely to be grown in North America. In fact, the state of Illinois produces most of the world’s pumpkin supply. Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. While the average pumpkin weighs a respectable fifteen pounds, some of the largest have tipped the scales at over 1,800 pounds. The quest to grow some of these gigantic pumpkins is told in the book Backyard Giants by Susan Warren. This humorous and fascinating tale describes the competition between farmers as they grow these monstrous pumpkins from seed to weigh-in.

Can you imagine how many pies you could get out of a 1,800 pound pumpkin? Pumpkin is the main ingredient in many seasonal favorites such as pies, muffins, soups and breads. The library has shelves and shelves of recipe books. One of my new favorites is Baking with the Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro. Buddy is an award-winning baker, owner of the famous Carlo’s Bake Shop, and star of TLC’s popular show, Cake Boss. In this book, Buddy teaches his techniques and tricks for successful baking and decorating. Yes, there is a recipe for pumpkin pie in the book.

Sometimes a pumpkin gets cut up for use in a pie, while other times it gets carved into a jack-o-lantern. Carved pumpkins are synonymous with Halloween. While most anyone can take a knife to a pumpkin and stick a candle inside, those who want to create a jack-o-lantern that’s extra special consult a book from the library. I recommend Sarah L. Schuette’s How to Carve Freakishly Cool Pumpkins.

There are a multitude of children’s books in the library that involve pumpkins. It’s early in the season, but these types of books are already flying off the shelves. Some of the most popular titles include: Five Little Pumpkins, Too Many Pumpkins, Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch, The Pumpkin Fair, and The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin.

Whether you’re baking a pie, carving a jack-o-lantern, or simply decorating your porch, pumpkins play a big role during the fall season. Make sure to come by Rowan Public Library this month and celebrate pumpkins.