Where Does the Storyline Come From in Mudsock Meadow

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 · 218 ratings  · 33 reviews

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I've been very impressed with many of Patricia Polacco's books, especially Thank You, Mr. Falker, but this one was just okay.

Even though except for pumpkin carving and a "costume" it isn't much like other Halloween books, it takes place during a Halloween picnic so I suppose it could be an atypical Halloween book.

This was too mean spirited for me to like it that much. There's nothing that horrible but one kid being made fun of and called names "all in good fun" wasn't fun for me.

The best part of

I've been very impressed with many of Patricia Polacco's books, especially Thank You, Mr. Falker, but this one was just okay.

Even though except for pumpkin carving and a "costume" it isn't much like other Halloween books, it takes place during a Halloween picnic so I suppose it could be an atypical Halloween book.

This was too mean spirited for me to like it that much. There's nothing that horrible but one kid being made fun of and called names "all in good fun" wasn't fun for me.

The best part of this book, which has nothing whatsoever to do with the book, was an illustration of girls dressed up as the American flag, which reminded me of the movie Pollyanna when Hayley Mills dressed up at part of the American Flag for the 4th of July fair and sang America the Beautiful with her English accent.

...more

Oct 12, 2018 Abigail rated it it was ok  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Patricia Polacco Fans

When William attends his town's annual Halloween picnic at Grange Hall, in the middle of Mudsock Meadow, he has every expectation of enjoying himself. But the teasing of Hester Bledden - whose antics, and shouts of "Peeee youuuuu!" every time he is near, undermine William's confidence, and ruin his chances in one contest after another - cast a pall over the day. Then the picnickers spy ghostly lights out on Quicksand Bottoms, and are amazed when William sets out to prove, once and for all, that When William attends his town's annual Halloween picnic at Grange Hall, in the middle of Mudsock Meadow, he has every expectation of enjoying himself. But the teasing of Hester Bledden - whose antics, and shouts of "Peeee youuuuu!" every time he is near, undermine William's confidence, and ruin his chances in one contest after another - cast a pall over the day. Then the picnickers spy ghostly lights out on Quicksand Bottoms, and are amazed when William sets out to prove, once and for all, that they are not, as long believed, the spirit of Titus Dinworthy, a nineteenth-century miner, but merely swamp gas...

I'm not sure why it is that

Picnic at Mudsock Meadow left me so cold, when other picture-books from Patricia Polacco, with similar themes of community and outdoor celebration ( The Bee Tree , When Lightning Comes in a Jar ) managed to engage my interest, but I simply couldn't work up any enthusiasm for it. I found that I wasn't as sympathetic to William, or invested in his effort to finally prove himself, as I might have expected, and am having trouble pinpointing just why that is. This is one I recommend primarily to determined Polacco fans, who will doubtlessly enjoy the ebullient artwork, but otherwise, it's pretty skippable. ...more

The story takes place at the annual Halloween picnic and it seems that everyone is in attendance. Like many towns, the Mudsock Meadow has a legend about eerie lights coming from the swamp and it is said to be haunted by the ghost of an old miner. The swamp is smelly and the children frequently pinch their nose and say "peeee youuu" throughout the story. William and Hester are competitive friends and they tease and taunt each other during the pumpkin carving, at the fishing booth, at tug o' war b The story takes place at the annual Halloween picnic and it seems that everyone is in attendance. Like many towns, the Mudsock Meadow has a legend about eerie lights coming from the swamp and it is said to be haunted by the ghost of an old miner. The swamp is smelly and the children frequently pinch their nose and say "peeee youuu" throughout the story. William and Hester are competitive friends and they tease and taunt each other during the pumpkin carving, at the fishing booth, at tug o' war but the competition reaches its peak during the costume contest. William and Hester's interactions are not only humorous but accurately depict how competitive friends can be. The facial expressions of the pair throughout the book caused me to literally laugh at loud and I had a hunch that the story would end the way it did. I think many readers can relate with William, Hester, or both. ...more

Jan 15, 2014 Linda Lipko rated it really liked it

William has a huge crush on Hester. Hester, on the other hand, loves to taunt and tease, make fun and somewhat bully him.

When the Halloween picnic at Grange hall occurs, William tries to impress Hester. Sadly, each contest he enters makes him look more foolish in Hester's eyes.

When he decides to dive into Quicksand bottom swamp, something others are loathe and fearful to do because of the supposed ghost of Titus Dinworthy, he becomes covered in eerie swamp gas.

Glowing, he wins the prize as Hallo

William has a huge crush on Hester. Hester, on the other hand, loves to taunt and tease, make fun and somewhat bully him.

When the Halloween picnic at Grange hall occurs, William tries to impress Hester. Sadly, each contest he enters makes him look more foolish in Hester's eyes.

When he decides to dive into Quicksand bottom swamp, something others are loathe and fearful to do because of the supposed ghost of Titus Dinworthy, he becomes covered in eerie swamp gas.

Glowing, he wins the prize as Halloween costume prize and the affections of his beloved Hester.

I enjoyed the creativity of this book and smiled at the names given to the characters.

While not one of my favorites, Polacco never ceases to amaze and leave me longing to read more of her delightful tales filled with lovely illustrations.

...more

Feb 08, 2018 Amy rated it liked it

I didn't care for the characters. Nothing about this title drew me in, or was super memorable. I didn't care for the characters. Nothing about this title drew me in, or was super memorable. ...more

Jun 04, 2012 Mary Anjali rated it really liked it

This is a great story to use just before Halloween, the students can learn about different activities that they could do as a group to make their own "Harvest Festival". This story also sends a message about Bullying and how to overcome someone that is constantly teasing you. Having the strength to prove them wrong. In the end the boys shows courage and that is another message about different quality traits that people have, to show that we are all unique. Everyone has strengths and everyone has
This is a great story to use just before Halloween, the students can learn about different activities that they could do as a group to make their own "Harvest Festival". This story also sends a message about Bullying and how to overcome someone that is constantly teasing you. Having the strength to prove them wrong. In the end the boys shows courage and that is another message about different quality traits that people have, to show that we are all unique. Everyone has strengths and everyone has weaknesses. ...more

I had no idea this was a Halloween book. I think I'd gotten it because there was mention of ice cream that might work for the Sweet Treats theme. But no way. I did feel as if I'd gone back to the early 1900s and couldn't help thinking a little of "Music Man" with a couple of references in the book. It's typical illustration for Polacco, but I like it. The storyline had a couple of spots that didn't flow smoothly, but overall the book was not bad. There are just others I like better. I had no idea this was a Halloween book. I think I'd gotten it because there was mention of ice cream that might work for the Sweet Treats theme. But no way. I did feel as if I'd gone back to the early 1900s and couldn't help thinking a little of "Music Man" with a couple of references in the book. It's typical illustration for Polacco, but I like it. The storyline had a couple of spots that didn't flow smoothly, but overall the book was not bad. There are just others I like better. ...more

Oct 27, 2011 Dolly rated it liked it  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: parents reading with their children

This is a fun Halloween story from Patricia Polacco. It's a bit lighter than some of her other stories, but the interaction between the characters and the illustrations are very typical for her stories.

We enjoyed reading this story together. The story reminds me of another book that mentions the swamp gas. I'll see if I can find it in my reviews.

This is a fun Halloween story from Patricia Polacco. It's a bit lighter than some of her other stories, but the interaction between the characters and the illustrations are very typical for her stories.

We enjoyed reading this story together. The story reminds me of another book that mentions the swamp gas. I'll see if I can find it in my reviews.

...more

I read this when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade (about 8 or 9 years old), so I don't really remember it but I found this book at my parent's house the other day and was happy to find that they hadn't thrown it away. Patricia Polacco visited my elementary school and read this book aloud to my class in the school library, and afterwards she gave autographs to each of us who brought our own copy. She even drew a little Jack-o-Lantern face on the pumpkin in the illustration of the cover page. :) I read this when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade (about 8 or 9 years old), so I don't really remember it but I found this book at my parent's house the other day and was happy to find that they hadn't thrown it away. Patricia Polacco visited my elementary school and read this book aloud to my class in the school library, and afterwards she gave autographs to each of us who brought our own copy. She even drew a little Jack-o-Lantern face on the pumpkin in the illustration of the cover page. :) ...more

Apr 03, 2013 Shelli rated it liked it

In Picnic at Mudsock Meadow (1992), written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco, William just can't seem to do anything right in the eyes of Hester Bledden. She teases him about every competition at the Halloween picnic from pumpkin carving to tug-of-war, until William solves the mystery of the ghost of Titus Dinworthy.

Themes: Halloween

Ways to use with children:
*Read aloud around Halloween.
*Have a costume contest.

In Picnic at Mudsock Meadow (1992), written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco, William just can't seem to do anything right in the eyes of Hester Bledden. She teases him about every competition at the Halloween picnic from pumpkin carving to tug-of-war, until William solves the mystery of the ghost of Titus Dinworthy.

Themes: Halloween

Ways to use with children:
*Read aloud around Halloween.
*Have a costume contest.

...more

Dec 15, 2014 Rosa Cline rated it really liked it

As most of Ms Polacco's books she either writes from her own family history, her own experiences or like this one based this story from stories she grew up listening to from her grandparents. Very cute Halloween 'ghost'-girl playing hard to get story. This story isn't as long as some of her other books and as always illustrations are great. Even my almost 3 year old granddaughter sat and listened through the entire story and loved it. As most of Ms Polacco's books she either writes from her own family history, her own experiences or like this one based this story from stories she grew up listening to from her grandparents. Very cute Halloween 'ghost'-girl playing hard to get story. This story isn't as long as some of her other books and as always illustrations are great. Even my almost 3 year old granddaughter sat and listened through the entire story and loved it. ...more

As an Australian who has only recently started 'celebrating' All Hallow's Eve with our neighbours I didn't even realise at first that this was really a Halloween story.

Perhaps I enjoyed it more because I just read the story and enjoyed the characters and their day at the picnic. Loved the 'brave' jump into the will-o'-the-wisp though: terrific slimy, glowy, murky picture.

As an Australian who has only recently started 'celebrating' All Hallow's Eve with our neighbours I didn't even realise at first that this was really a Halloween story.

Perhaps I enjoyed it more because I just read the story and enjoyed the characters and their day at the picnic. Loved the 'brave' jump into the will-o'-the-wisp though: terrific slimy, glowy, murky picture.

...more

Nov 06, 2011 Laura rated it it was ok

I generally like Polacco's work but I don't think this is a particularly great title. William attends the annual Halloween party, desperately trying to impress Hester Bledden. When William chases away the ghost of Titus Dinworthy, he wins a prize and Hester's affection. There are better Halloween books and ghost stories out there and as much as I like Polacco, this might be a title to skip I generally like Polacco's work but I don't think this is a particularly great title. William attends the annual Halloween party, desperately trying to impress Hester Bledden. When William chases away the ghost of Titus Dinworthy, he wins a prize and Hester's affection. There are better Halloween books and ghost stories out there and as much as I like Polacco, this might be a title to skip ...more

Oct 06, 2015 Kelley rated it really liked it

Read with a group of second graders

William is the kid in town who can't seem to ever get things right. The other children laugh at him and call him stinky. But during the annual Halloween picnic at Mudsock Meadow, William turns it all around. It turns out that paying attention in science class can really save a kid's reputation!

Read with a group of second graders

William is the kid in town who can't seem to ever get things right. The other children laugh at him and call him stinky. But during the annual Halloween picnic at Mudsock Meadow, William turns it all around. It turns out that paying attention in science class can really save a kid's reputation!

...more

Sep 27, 2012 Jillian Reed rated it really liked it

This is an excellent children's book. Great imagery and message. This book is about a boy who seems to have the worst luck, but in the end shows great bravery and gets rewarded for it by the whole town. This is an excellent children's book. Great imagery and message. This book is about a boy who seems to have the worst luck, but in the end shows great bravery and gets rewarded for it by the whole town. ...more

Oct 25, 2015 Teri rated it liked it

We love pactricia polacco, but this isn't one of my favorites, mostly because I'd like to know if this story is scientifically possible and what bioluminescence could be the cause of the glow in the swamp. We love pactricia polacco, but this isn't one of my favorites, mostly because I'd like to know if this story is scientifically possible and what bioluminescence could be the cause of the glow in the swamp. ...more

This is a story of a boy who is trying to impress a girl so he is participating in all the events at the Halloween festival, but all that seems to be happening is he is making a fool of himself. Until the last event when he shows bravery, and the girl changes her mind about William.

I loved the illustrations in this book. I love the use of pencil and color in this. The story was alright, but I did enjoy the ending. Spoiler: Thought the ending was cute and it was nice that William finally won something as he failed in all the other events.

Oct 18, 2008 Benjamin rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Benjamin by: library

Benjamin loved this book, especially all the clever dialogue (for 4 year old minds) like, "pee uuu!" He also liked this line, "Boy lost in Quicksand Bottoms....outlook bleak!" Benjamin loved this book, especially all the clever dialogue (for 4 year old minds) like, "pee uuu!" He also liked this line, "Boy lost in Quicksand Bottoms....outlook bleak!" ...more

May 12, 2010 Relyn rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: teachers, parents, kids

Recommended to Relyn by: I love Polacco

I just love Patricia Polacco! This one is especially fun. I want to remember to read it to my students next year at Halloween.

Dec 30, 2015 A rated it liked it

Good story about a small town's fall festival where a boy named William shows courage. Good story about a small town's fall festival where a boy named William shows courage. ...more

Oct 20, 2017 Rachel Pennock rated it really liked it

A cute, realistic fiction book that will get kids engaged and learning new vocabulary. Great to make into a lesson plan for teachers! I would use this book for grades 3-5.

Aug 12, 2018 Judy rated it liked it

An atypical Halloween story. I don't like when kids make fun of each other, but it happens. This is a fun way to introduce the idea of 'swamp gas' (and it made me turn to google for more info). An atypical Halloween story. I don't like when kids make fun of each other, but it happens. This is a fun way to introduce the idea of 'swamp gas' (and it made me turn to google for more info). ...more

Although I usually enjoy Patricia Polacco's books, this one was a disappointment. When we opened it, I was surprised to find that the "picnic" was actually a Halloween carnival, and the initial pages were filled with rude behavior and subtle bullying between characters. After skimming through the remaining pages, I decided it wasn't worth reading aloud even once to my daughter. The "resolution" did not address the real issues in the book. Although I usually enjoy Patricia Polacco's books, this one was a disappointment. When we opened it, I was surprised to find that the "picnic" was actually a Halloween carnival, and the initial pages were filled with rude behavior and subtle bullying between characters. After skimming through the remaining pages, I decided it wasn't worth reading aloud even once to my daughter. The "resolution" did not address the real issues in the book. ...more

This one kind of made me sad. It was sad that it made me think of bullying because everyone was mean to the main character but in the end he turned out the be the hero so he became popular. I think there is a message here but for the majority of the book it was kind of sad reading about how mean they were to him.

Jun 04, 2018 Kate Matheis rated it really liked it

The boy is trying to impress his friends and a girl and she keeps embarrassing him. He keeps trying different things and still embarrassing himself. Then when everyone is afraid he is brave and proves to them that there is no ghost. He and the girl end up sharing ice cream.

The story takes place in a "haunted" swamp area and is about a boy named William who is made fun of by a girl named Hester. He tries to show her up multiple times but ends up failing each time. Eventually, William shows up Hester, and then they end up bonding over a piece of pie. (Picture book.) The story takes place in a "haunted" swamp area and is about a boy named William who is made fun of by a girl named Hester. He tries to show her up multiple times but ends up failing each time. Eventually, William shows up Hester, and then they end up bonding over a piece of pie. (Picture book.) ...more

Sep 19, 2018 ConnieLettow rated it it was amazing

Fun story about Halloween bravery. Our "rabbit hole" to follow: Will o wisps! Fun story about Halloween bravery. Our "rabbit hole" to follow: Will o wisps! ...more

Patricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.

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Where Does the Storyline Come From in Mudsock Meadow

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