From Dark To Light Book Review

Lovers of the season and all things fall, From Dark To Light is the book for you. This wonderfully written story is about struggle, resilience, and joy through the eyes of Pumpker the pumpkin.  What is more impressive is that this lovely fall picture book written by 5th grader Isabella Murphy.

Bonus: Scroll to the end to enter the book giveaway.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book from the author to facilitate this review. All opinions, as always are my own. 

From Dark To Light

Stories about pumpkins were always enchanting to me. Growing up in Southern California, we didn’t have pumpkin patches to my knowledge. The idea of getting to pick out your very own pumpkin from a field full of pumpkins to take home to carve seemed very magical to me as a child. Additionally, the same is true for the majority of my students in the 5 different international schools where I share these kinds of books often in the fall.

What stands out the most in From Dark to Light is that child author Isabella is authentically writing about the very real excitement of a pumpkin patch. Isabella’s main character Pumpker takes readers on an adventure. However, he simultaneously teaches children about the life cycle of a pumpkin.

Pumpker starts out as a seed, and like most kids, can’t wait to grow up.  He yearns for the day he can pop out of the ground. Finally, Pumpker cannot wait for his shining moment where he is chosen by a family to be taken home.

Perspective Changes Everything

Very relatable for children, Pumpker sisters are constantly teasing him. They make Pumpker’s life hard as often as possible. He can wait to escape their merciless teasing. However, Pumpker and his sisters are selected by children in the same family. What happens next is a critical lesson for children. This very important book shows kids what happens when you face problems head on.

The themes of the story have such wonderful depth, however because the author is a child herself, her youthful resilience shines through her characters. Pumpker does not allow the world’s expectations to hold him back. From Dark To Light is both completely charming while being completely inspirational to readers.

Using From Dark To Light as a Mentor Text

As an international educator, I always have big dreams for my students to see themselves as authors. In my opinion, writing your own stories is something every child should do. From Dark to Light is a very real example that children are so very capable.

When we ask children to dig deep and use art as activism, therapy, creative outlets, and tell them one voice can change the world, we stop telling them they need permission to shine.  There is nothing children cannot achieve when they are encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

About the Author

Isabella Murphy is an Italian American teenager who is in 8th grade and lives in California. Currently Isabella is working on a collection of poems.

She recently won the 2018 Half Moon Bay Library Teen Poetry Contest for her poem “I Felt Rhapsodic.” Isabella is also committed to giving back to other children through donating a portion of her profits to Save the Children.

She collaborated with Venezeulan based illustrator Natalia Perez. The publisher Pink Umbrella Books has also used an educator and native Spanish speaker translate the book. Isabella and her multicultural family have so much in common with mine and it is an honor to work alongside her to share the message of love through the simple act of reading a picture book.

Order From Dark to Light on Amazon.

How to Get Children to Read More

Children will read more if they think the book is funny or interesting. So, let’s give the people what they want and find award-winning children’s literature to fill your diverse bookshelf. Furthermore, this will help them become global citizens with a little reading magic.

Take out the guesswork and give children the most colorful bookshelves possible. Join my Facebook group to simultaneously raising global citizens as you raise readers.

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Need More Book Recommendations: Read on for more of my favorite children’s books with multiracial characters.

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