In kids’ books, here’s fall, a fresh season to discover and celebrate
The thermometer may not agree yet, and the leaves are still mostly green, but fall has arrived on its little squirrel paws. Reading about the autumn delights to come is a perfect way to mark the time until cooler days scurry closer. These four new books about pine cones, acorns, colorful leaves, and pumpkins celebrate the joys of the season.
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“Fall Parade” by Camelia Kay, illustrated by Allyn Howard. (Ages 4-8. Abrams Books for Young Readers. $16.99.)
Filled with gorgeously warm, soft illustrations, this gentle book follows a fox parent and child as they explore the beauty of this time of year, from swirling leaves to plump pumpkins.
“Here come skies in a deeper blue and a low harvest moon,” and here come forests and fields full of softly illustrated animals enjoying the wonders of fall.
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Abrams AppleseedAlexander Posey, a celebrated Muscogee poet from the late 19th century, celebrates fall’s “cloth of gold … woven/ Over wood and prairie.”
“Autumn” by Alexander Posey, illustrated by Paige Pettibon. (Ages 3-5. Abrams Appleseed. $15.99.)
This deceptively simple book, part of the Petite Poems series, features a poem celebrating autumn by Alexander Posey (1873-1908), a celebrated Muscogee poet, journalist and advocate for Indigenous rights.
The dreamy celebration of jaybirds and fall light is full of wonder as “Cloth of gold is woven/ Over wood and prairie.”
The end of the book includes a brief biography of Posey as well as encouragement for young authors and artists to experience the sights, sounds and smells of fall.
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Flamingo BooksO, suspicion, so impervious to fact! Squirrel, frantic over his missing acorn, just won’t see what’s right in front of him.
“Have You Seen My Acorn?” by DK Ryland. (Ages 4-8. Flamingo Books. $18.99.)
Squirrel is a bit of a nut. As fall closes in, he’s obsessed with finding the acorn he buried, but for some reason the only thing in that spot is a little seedling. It “could only mean one thing … Someone took his acorn!” Over and over, his animal friends proclaim their innocence and try to point out what happens to buried acorns. Raccoon, for instance, tells him, “Listen, kid. I can rummage through trash cans in the city for five-star meals. Why would I want to steal a lousy acorn? You sure you haven’t seen anything growing where you buried your — ”
As the leaves begin to fall (and the acorns too), Squirrel keeps missing the point — but ends up with the acorn he seeks (if not the enlightenment he needs).
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“A Pinecone!” by Helen Yoon. (Ages 3-7. Candlewick Press. $18.99.)
Squirrel might be wild about acorns, but the little girl in “A Pinecone!” has a different fall obsession. With wide-eyed enthusiasm, she begins gathering her collection: “Hello, Mr. Pinecone. Hello, Mrs. Pinecone! Hello, Baby, Junior, and Oscar Pinecone!”
As her father struggles with a muddy, mischievous dog, the little girl pursues her passion, and the collection spills out of her room and into the entire house.
Confronted with this mountain of fall treasures, Dad has to decide what to do next — and, in Helen Yoon’s expressive and witty mixed-media illustrations, readers get a glimpse of how a little girl’s enthusiasm inspires the whole family.
Caroline Luzzatto has taught preschool and fourth grade. Reach her at [email protected].
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