Manley Celebrates 25 Years of Spookley with Classroom Read-Alouds

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, celebrated the 25th anniversary of Spookley the Square Pumpkin with Read-Alouds at elementary schools across the 98th district.

Created by author Joe Troiano, Spookley began as a friendly Halloween bedtime story for his young son, who had asked for a story about pumpkins that wasn’t scary. First published in 2001, The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin introduces a square pumpkin in a round pumpkin patch, helping young readers discover that differences can be strengths.

Over the past 25 years, the story has grown into books, animated movies, music, stage productions and classroom activities.

“Spookley gives us a wonderful way to talk with children about kindness, friendship and making sure no one feels left out,” Rep. Manley said. “We want every child to know they belong and that the things that make them different are worth celebrating.”

Rep. Manley read the story to first graders at Cunningham, Taft, Crystal Lawns, and Carl Sandburg elementary schools throughout October.

Spookley also serves as the official “Spokes-Pumpkin” for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and National Bullying Prevention Month each October. Through classroom resources and a bullying prevention pledge, Spookley encourages children to “Speak Up, Reach Out, and Be a Friend.”

Families and educators can continue those conversations using PACER’s free Spookley classroom toolkit, which includes activities designed to help young children take an active part in bullying prevention.

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