“Everyone is different, and that’s what makes the world a fun place. If we were all the same, it would just be boring. What makes you different is what makes you special.”
One day in the pumpkin patch, a unique little pumpkin grew. The other pumpkins teased Spookley because he was different, until they realized that a square pumpkin in a round patch can save the day. What started out as a Halloween bedtime story for Joe Troiano’s son more than 20 years ago has become a perennial fall favorite with a message of kindness that lasts all year.
Watch this Scholastic Book Clubs–exclusive author interview to discover more about how Joe created the unique character and story, including:
• How Spookley came to be
• The long-lasting impact Spookley has had on readers
• Joe’s advice for students on embracing their differences
• How Spookley became the “Official Spokes-Pumpkin” for National Bullying Prevention Month
Do you know a teacher or reader who would enjoy this exclusive interview with Joe Troiano? Please share on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #ScholasticBookClubs.
About Joe Troiano
Joe Troiano is the author, script writer, lyricist, and producer behind all of the Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Holiday Hill Farm books, movies, songs, and stage shows. He is the award-winning author of more than ten children’s books, including The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, The Legend of Mistletoe and the Christmas Kittens, The Legend of JellyBean and the Unbreakable Egg, and TEAM Rudolph and the Reindeer Games. Joe is also an accomplished lyricist, having written songs for film, music recordings, television, and stage. His credits include Caillou, Arthur, Disney’s Jojo’s Circus, and Monster Mash the Movie.
Behind the Scenes
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