We are in the heart of autumn here in Chicago, and we’ve even seen a bit of snow for the last few days. We have been inspired to read the books that we love that remind us of the joy of autumn. We hope you enjoy them as well!
My older kid has developed a love of non-fiction, so Nature all Around: Trees by Pamela Hickman and Carolyn Gavin was a perfect choice for her. She got to read all about the life cycles of trees, types of trees, and to see different leaves in our area. Now when we go on walks she’s eager to try to identify the types of trees she sees and compare the gorgeous fallen leaves to those in the book.
Hike by Pete Oswald was just published in March and is already a big hit in our home. Without any words, it shows the story of an adult and a kid who wake up one morning to go for an all-day hike. They see lots of amazing sights, they stop for snacks, and head home, exhausted, at the end of a day full of making memories together. We have started spending some time in some nature preserves near us, and while we aren’t ready to hike for several hours, my kids related to the characters in this book and loves the images!
I was reminded of the beautiful story of Frederick by Leo Lionni last winter when our local children’s theater did a production of it. In it, all the field mice scurry to put away stores of grain and nuts for the long winter, while Frederick appears not to contribute at all. When the food stores are nearly gone and the winter has been long, the mice are feeling sad. Frederick shares his supplies- memories of the warmth of the sun, the stunning colors of the summer, and a beautiful poem that reminds them all that winter will not last forever.
Samara Cole Doyon and Kaylani Juanita’s Homespun Brown was also new to us, and we fell in love with it immediately. In it, the main character celebrates all the beautiful browns in her life, in her spirit, and in her experiences. While many seasons are represented, the cover image is one of autumn, and we couldn’t wait longer to share this beautiful book with the world.
Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead are some of our favorite author/illustrator pairs, so Bear Has a Story to Tell had to be part of this stack. Bear wants to tell his story to his friends, but they are all busy preparing for winter. He helps each of them, deciding to tell his story when he wakes up in the spring. When he wakes, he has forgotten the whole story but finds a way to share a fun story any way. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but it makes me smile every time I read it.
Carron Brown and Alyssa Nassner’s Secrets of the Apple Tree is one of many Shine-a-Light books. These books feature pages where, when a light is held up to them, show the black and white image behind them, giving an x-ray appearance to the image in color. We love to read this on in the autumn. My kids love the interactivity of the book; it feels like they’re discovering a secret when they shine the light on the image!