Once upon a time in a sunny patch of green, grew the roundest, brightest pumpkin that the world had ever seen. His name was Peter, and he shone like autumn gold, the finest little pumpkin that the farmers had extolled. But Peter had a worry that would fill his heart with dread, he had a tiny bump upon the crown of his orange head! "Oh dear," sighed Peter softly as he nestled in the hay, "I'll never win the contest if I'm flawed in any way! I'm almost close to perfect, but this bump ruins my style, and surely no one's winning with a tilted crooked smile." His friend the burly scarecrow said son I need to think and told him, "Perfection isn't what they want", and he gave a little wink." The autumn wind blew briskly, and the harvest time was near, the children came a-running with a merry, shouting cheer. They searched among the green vines for the magic prize to take, the greatest jack-o'-lantern that a happy kid could make. Sweet Lily walked right up to him and gasped in sheer delight, "This pumpkin has a funny bump! He's wonderful and bright!" She hoisted heavy Peter and she put him in her cart, and carried him away with a triumphant, joyful heart. With carving tools and candles, she sat down upon the floor, and whispered, "You're the finest one I've ever seen before!" She carved a beaming, toothy grin that stretched from ear to ear, and made two glowing, twinkling eyes to chase away the fear. And that little bump upon his head, which caused him such distress? She turned it into a wizard hat of festive spookiness! The judging day arrived at last upon the village square, with glowing orange lanterns lined up everywhere. The mayor walked along the rows and checked each smiling face, and stopped right in front of Peter, shouting, "This one takes first place. The crowd erupted loudly with a massive, booming cheer, the happiest and proudest little pumpkin of the year! So never mind your little flaws, or things you wish were new, for just the way you are is simply wonderful in you.
