Exploring blended families in Poppy O'Neill's picture book, The Pumpkin Seed
About Author
Blended families are explored alongside planting and growing in Poppy O'Neill's debut picture book, The Pumpkin Seed. ReadingZone chatted with Poppy to find out more.
Poppy O'Neill writes books for children about understanding their emotions, and now also enjoys writing picture books. She lives in Sussex, England, with her wife, children and pets.
Interview
September 2026
Exploring blended families in picture book The Pumpkin Seed
ReadingZone caught up with author Poppy O'Neill to find out more about her debut picture book, The Pumpkin Seed, which explores what happens when a new step-mum joins a small family.
The story, for children aged four years plus, shows how the family's new connections grow as they tend to the pumpkin plant together.
More about The Pumpkin Seed Review: "A story about blended families and navigating change as new people are introduced to a family."
Q&A with Poppy O'Neill: Exploring blended families, change and growth
"Step-parents don't show up very often in picture books, and there are millions of children in blended, step and single-parent families in the UK who might go through this experience at some point."
1. Thank you for joining us on ReadingZone, Poppy. The Pumpkin Seed is your debut picture book - how did you become an author and what kinds of books do you enjoy writing?
I studied creative writing at university and started writing non-fiction books nine years ago. I've written about 25 books so far, and most of them have been about emotions. I love making complicated ideas simple and clear for readers. Writing a picture book has been very different and very exciting - I've especially loved working with the illustrator, Brizida.
2. What happens in your new picture book, The Pumpkin Seed?
The Pumpkin Seed is about a little girl who's mum's new partner, Sam, moves in. The little girl takes her time getting to know Sam, and she gets quite annoyed with her! At the same time, the little girl is growing a pumpkin plant, and we see how it grows alongside her relationship with Sam.
3. The story explores changes within families - what inspired you to write about this, and to feature a same-sex family?
The story is inspired by my own wife moving in. Step-parents don't show up very often in picture books, and there are millions of children in blended, step and single-parent families in the UK who might go through this experience at some point. I wanted to write a story showing this one version of a blended family being formed.
4. As you've mentioned, the story explores the changes the girl experiences alongside the planting and growing of a pumpkin seed. Why did you decide to give it this framework?
I liked the way a seed growing mirrors the slow way her and Sam's relationship forms. Just like the pumpkin seed, there's a lot going on under the surface which can't be rushed or skipped, and eventually the little girl's feelings come out - and when they do, the trust and connection grows between her and Sam.
5. For children who haven't had experiences like these, how does the story help develop empathy with the main character? What kinds of discussions do you hope the story might prompt?
While not all children will have experienced a step-parent moving in, I hope the way the little girl relates to Sam resonates with any child who's had to get to know a new teacher, sibling or member of their extended family. I hope writing the book from the child's perspective helps children put themselves in her shoes, and I hope the book inspires conversations about different kinds of families.
6. There's also a learning opportunity around planting and growing. What kinds of things does the child learn about in the story?
She learns about growing plants from a seed, how to care for a seed, the patience you need - as well as how compost is made.
7. What do you feel Brizida Magro's illustrations bring to the story? Do you have a favourite moment or spread?
I love how expressive she has made the little girl, her facial features are so vivid and add so much to the story. I also love all the colours and patterns Brizida has given the characters to wear and in the house. My favourite page is the one where the little girl is showing Sam her bedroom.
8. Can you suggest any follow-up Autumnal activities for children following a reading of The Pumpkin Seed?
They could save seeds like the characters in the book - tomato, pumpkin, sunflower and avocado seeds can all be saved for planting in the spring. They could even decorate envelopes for the seeds.
9. Do you have more stories planned about this family or other picture books?
I'd love to write more books about this family, I think they'll get a pet and perhaps move house - and one day the little girl will start school.
10. Are you a keen gardener like your family in The Pumpkin Seed? What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you're away from your writing desk?
I like to grow things from seed - especially sweet peas, which remind me of my grandmother Sassy. My wife is a brilliant gardener so she does most of the gardening. I do find pulling up weeds very satisfying!
When I'm away from my writing desk I like to walk our dogs and look for sea glass at the beach near our house.
Creative Challenge from Poppy O'Neill: Use collage like Brizida Magro does to design an outfit for yourself - use wrapping paper, fabric scraps or patterns cut from magazines. Extra challenge: draw your family and give them all colourful collaged outfits like the family in the book!
Poppy O'Neill's School Events: I really enjoy school visits, please feel free to get in touch at [email protected] if you'd like to organise one. I offer tailored creative activities, emotional wellbeing workshops and of course author Q&A's.
The Pumpkin Seed
