In a small town where everyone knew each other, Halloween was the most exciting time of the year. All the children happily jumped from house to house, trick-or-treating and trying to gather as many sweets as they could. But for Pip, a little mouse who was new to town, it was a mystery how all of his neighbours prepared for the big day.
One sunny afternoon, Pip decided to visit the pumpkin patch. It was a spot full of big, round pumpkins, perfect for Halloween. But as he walked through the patch, he noticed that the biggest pumpkin of all was being blocked by a sign that read: “Property of The Grumps Family.” Pip peeked behind the leaves and saw a family of hedgehogs pointing and laughing at all the other pumpkins. Pip couldn’t understand why they would want to keep all the pumpkin goodies to themselves.
Concerned for his friends who were trying to choose their pumpkins, Pip ran up to his best buddy, Charlie the chipmunk. “Charlie, we need to do something! The Grumps family is hoarding the biggest pumpkin in the patch,” said Pip. “It isn’t right! Halloween is for sharing!”
“I agree. Let’s have a pumpkin fest this weekend and invite everyone!” suggested Charlie. “But what if the Grumps family comes too?” Pip asked. “Then we ask them kindly to share.”
When Pip and Charlie spread the word, every little animal in the forest was excited. Finally the day came, and soon Little Robin sent a tweet alerting the animals that it was time to get their pumpkin goodies and head to the fest. The little animals enjoyed pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, and even pumpkin soup.
However, there was a frown by the big fat pumpkin in the centre of it all. The Grumps family stood by it, mad that everyone was making a fuss over a pumpkin that did not belong to them. “Why do you think you’re all here?” Old Mr. Grump yelled. “It’s our pumpkin!” Pip went right up to Old Mr. Grump and said, “Mr. Grump, with all due respect, every year yourself and your family hoard all the best treats because of that big pumpkin. This year is different; it’s not just for you!”
With a counter grump, Old Mr. Grump said, “That pumpkin we’ve been cultivating for years is a surprise for Halloween. Every child in town will be given a slice and bag of goodies. You’ve spoiled our surprise by telling everyone about our pumpkin!”
“Is that true?” Pip asked happily, looking at the big, round pumpkin.
“Yes!” Old Mr. Grump admitted.
Then Old Mrs Grump handed Pip a big bag of sweets. Everyone cheered, and Pip knew that in the end, sharing was what brought everyone together.