The Pumpkin Runner

Written by Marsha Diane Arnold · Illustrated by Brad Sneed

An unlikely runner surprises everyone in a race from Melbourne to Sydney.

4.0 Goodreads · 267 ratings

32 pages· 1,434 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud· AD940L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In Blue Gum Valley, Joshua Summerhayes, a sheep rancher who prefers running to riding, enters a race from Melbourne to Sydney. Laughed at for his overalls and gumboots, Joshua surprises everyone by taking the lead. With Yellow Dog by his side and a slice of pumpkin for energy, Joshua's journey challenges perceptions and reveals that winning isn't the only reason to run. Inspired by true events, this tale of determination and humility asks: What truly makes a hero?

From the publisher

Nearly all the sheep ranchers in Blue Gum Valley rode horses or drove jeeps to check on their sheep. But Joshua Summerhayes liked to run…with Yellow Dog trailing behind him.” So it’s no surprise when Joshua decides to enter a race from Melbourne to Sydney. People laugh when old Joshua shows up in his overalls and gumboots, calmly nibbling a slice of pumpkin for energy. But then he pulls into the lead, and folks are forced to sit up and take notice. Inspired by a true event (and just in time for fall’s pumpkin harvest!) a talented team introduces a humble and generous hero who knows that winning isn’t always the reason to run a race.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 1,434
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD940L

Themes & topics

Books about perseverance Books about Australia Books about individuality Books about pumpkins Books about culture

Good to know

Stories behind the story

Where did you originally get the idea for this book?

THE PUMPKIN RUNNER was inspired by the legendary Cliff Young, who, in his sixties, competed in an Australian ultra-marathon. Against younger professionals, he surprised everyone by winning! The idea came from a short entry about Cliff Young in a sports magazine. At that time, it was much more difficult to find information on the internet, so most of the story is completely fictional, including my character's name - Joshua Summerhayes.

What is your favorite thing about this book's main character?

Joshua Summerhayes was an easy-going, kind soul, who did things his way. Yet with perseverance and against great odds, he won an ultra-marathon between Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. From everything I've learned about Cliff Young, since the book was published in 1998, he was the same.

The author