It’s obligatory, guys: the October edition of Books and a Snack just had to feature pumpkin! Now, pumpkin pie is probably my favorite pumpkin treat—but that’s a bit elaborate for Books and a Snack, so we’ll be making pumpkin pudding instead.

To get started, you’ll need:

● a group of pumpkin-loving kids

● some pumpkin-themed books (see below for my personal favs from the Lerner library)

● 1 cup canned pumpkin

● 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix

● 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

● 1  1/4 cups skim or low-fat milk

● 1 cozy reading corner

First, gather up your books so they’re all ready. Set out a big blanket to sit on in your cozy corner. Toss some throw pillows or seating poufs on it too if you want to make it extra cushy.

Next, in a mixing bowl, stir the canned pumpkin, pudding mix, pumpkin pie spice, and milk together. Place the mixture in individual serving bowls and chill it until it sets. Once it’s set, it’s ready to serve! (Hint: It makes four servings.)

Finally, herd your little “pumpkins” over to the cozy corner, hand out the bowls of pumpkin pudding, and read the pumpkin books aloud while the kiddos enjoy some pumpkin-y goodness.  You’re the one who gets to lick the spoon (and, hey, maybe the mixing bowl too—no judgment here). After all, you’re the one who whipped up the pudding!