Sunday November 1st, 2009 Pumpkins

Pumpkins! As sometimes happens, I found myself scrambling for a topic for this column when suddenly it struck me, pumpkins were clearly the answer. Whether carving them for jack-o’-lanterns or baking them in pies pumpkins are an integral part of autumn. Their rich orange colour and the changing leaves on the trees let us know summer is over and winter is on its way.

I searched our library catalogue for books about pumpkins and the range was fantastic. There are lots of children’s books (as one would expect), but also cookbooks, books on pumpkin carving, and even a novel with the word pumpkin in the title. Today being the day after Hallowe’en I thought it was a good time to look at pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns.

I turned to our Virtual Collection as a starting point and there I found reference to the story of Jack. Did you know that the story of Jack is that of a man who was denied entry to both Heaven and Hell? He was a disreputable fellow who tricked the devil out of his soul, but because of his character was not allowed entry to Heaven. Pumpkins were not traditionally used in the carved lanterns, but they are much easier to carve. The culinary aspects can be traced to the festival of Samhain celebrated by the Celtic peoples of the British Isles and Northern France. Samhain is a traditional feast day celebrating the Fall Harvest. Not surprisingly, the foods harvested at this time of year play a central role in the celebration. Bonfires are also integral as they provide light and warmth as we transition to the darkest time of year.

Cookbooks specifically focused on pumpkins in our library collection are:

Pumpkin: A Super Food For all 12 Months of the Year by DeeDee Stovel

Pumpkin & Squash by Elaine Elliot

Pumpkin Companion by Elizabeth Brabb

Pumpkins & Squashes by Caroline Boisset

Would you believe that at this time of year I couldn’t get my hands on any of these books? It seems everyone is out cooking with pumpkins and luckily I can turn to online resources for ideas. Lately I’ve been tempted by the idea of pumpkin risotto as friends rave about it and I want to try more savoury pumpkin dishes.

And if you’re more interested in carving jack-o’-lanterns than cooking pumpkins check out:

Extreme Pumpkin Carving: 20 Designs from Frightful to Fabulous by Vic Hood and Jack A. Williams

Pumpkin Carving by Ed Palmer

How to Carve Pumpkins for Great Results: 20 Traditional and Contemporary Designs for Pumpkin Carving

Extreme Pumpkins II: Take Back Hallowe’en and Freak out a Few More Neighbors by Tom Nardone

I had “Extreme Pumpkin Carving” sitting on my desk inspiring me whilst writing this article and some of the carvings are truly artistic. They look more like woodcarvings than vegetables! This book covers some of the history of All Hallow’s Day (November 1^st) and Samhain. The carving of pumpkins comes from the Samhain tradition of carving gourds and turnips and lighting them with candles or coals to guide deceased loved ones. It also tells the story of Jack in more detail and has information on pumpkin selection.

In addition we have many children’s books about pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns. Some staff favourites include:

Perfect Pumpkin Pie by Denys Cazet

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper

Jeb Scarecrow’s Pumpkin Patch by Jana Dillon

This is Not a Pumpkin by Bob Staake

I admit to being partial to books about cooked pumpkins, because they’re so good to eat! I hope these selections have piqued your interest and lead you to our bountiful collection. I wish you all a very happy Samhain!

Ruth Hamlin-Douglas, Children's and Youth Services Librarian