On Story Bent

Follow squirrel as he zips round the farm getting ready for winter... While we have a full size copy of this, I can see why they also sell it as a board book, as it has that feel. It's really a charming little title with bright, cheerful illustrations, and a cute ending. A sweet read and perfect for short attention spans. Recommend!

This one always reminds me of Owl Moon -- what with the story revolving around the father-daughter duo going through the snowy forest, keeping an eye out for animals -- but the actual content is quite different so both are entirely valuable in their own right. Smoothly written, it's an excellent introduction to the subnivean zone -- that layer between snow and ground, which is an entire world in its own right -- full of hibernating animals and also those hunkering down with the larders they gathered earlier in the year and munching their way through the winter. A few top dwelling animals -- deer and foxes, etc. -- make an appearance as well.  There's a nice glossary at the back where it expands further on each animal mentioned, too.  A great selection for natural history.

A prestigious member of the c rème de la crème of seasonal books club, this is another one I remember from my childhood. It's stood the test of time and I'm now so happy to have it on our shelves. It's simple. It's straightforward. And it sticks with you. You remember it, when it pops up like an old traveling companion, years later, and when you have your own small ears to read to.  So yes, brilliantly capturing the nature of autumn and the very feel of the turning of the year, it's definitely a staple and a tip top recommendation for every home library!

"As the leaves fall from his favorite tree, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out..." Initially, I wasn't sure how much of a hit this one would be, but it's grown on us and actually become rather a favorite. The nature of the conflict (concern over a tree losing its leaves) is a little funny, but I think it's actually improved the Small Person's observation skills and it is interesting to step into sweet little Fletcher's shoes (as representative of a child's perspective), thinking through what the very first experience of fall is like. After one has lived through so many of them all the way to adulthood, it can be easy to forget what's really happening with the changing seasons and, by extension, how unique each leaf is -- like a snowflake -- and that our God knows and has delighted in coloring each one; and how, even though He...

We look forward to pulling this one out each year. The text is straightforward, clear, and engaging, while the pictures are actually quite decent and have always done an excellent job holding the small person's attention. All in all, detailing all the changes of the season, it fills an empty little niche and nicely rounds out our fall shelf. A definite winner!

This is a book I remember from my own childhood and, as such, it's hugely nostalgic. There's a haunting quality to the lilting text that just stays with you. And the illustrations, with all the real leaves and layers of shaped pages, always leave something new to be discovered. It literally forces you to blink and focus on the leaves in a different way. Very ingenious.  Anyhow, as I was flipping through it before writing this up, the Little Princess looked up and said, "Oh, I love that one." So there ye are, it now also has the generational stamp of approval. ;) It's definitely inspired us further on our own leaf foraging adventures so I'm happy to recommend it(!), particularly as a great seasonal read.

"As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change colors, everyone knows-- autumn is on its way! Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says goodbye to summer and welcomes autumn."  The book jacket blurb above pretty much sums it up, but I'll add my two cents worth and say that, with its beautiful illustrations, this book is just gorgeous. The text is ever so slightly stiff, but still, from cover to cover, I love the immersive, contemporary, deft, gentle way the whole thing captures the changing seasons. One of our favorites!

Starting a new label / recurring series over here and 3 Strikes seems to handily encapsulate the big picture of the idea (i.e. books that don't make the cut while having had multiple chances ;)). Today's simple contribution is Because of an Acorn. It looked promising re ecosystem education etc., but we just found it boring and disjointed / didn't make the connections. All in all, there's way more engaging stuff out there and I'm giving away our copy to free up precious shelf space. So! That's that. 3 strikes and we're out on that one. (There is a reading available on YouTube if anyone wants to see it.)