Hello Autumn! review

"Green leaves are turning colors. . . . Maple seeds twirl to the ground. . . . Animals get ready for the cold days ahead." (goodreads summary)





I could definitely feel the change of season this morning when I got up.  The bird feeder in my backyard is very busy and the chipmunks are packing their cheeks full of any extra seed they could find on the cold ground.  The air has a slight crispness but the breeze is what mostly adds a chill. Everything about it today tells me that Fall is arriving sooner than later.

If you are looking for a book for an Autumn unit, this would be the perfect read aloud for a preschool or kindergarten/1st grade classroom.   It begins with Summer slowly fading and how plants, people and animals prepare for the change of seasons.  As Autumn arrives, it shows leaves turning and falling to the ground, how animals ready themselves for the cold and the fall harvest brings us a bounty of food for the Winter. The text is easy to read and informative but what makes this book truly special are the beautiful and vivid photographs that go along inside.  All the oranges, reds and yellows, the up close animal photos and the many smiles of the children outdoors offers a warm and cozy feel of what Autumn brings us.  There is so much to see and learn about in this book that kids will be full of questions opening up for excellent discussion.  After reading, I can't wait for Autumn to arrive so I can go on a Fall nature hike or to the pumpkin farm next month!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~


Title:  Hello Autumn!
Author:  Shelly Rotner
Pub. date:  September 2017, Holiday House
Genre:  non-fiction
 Hardcover, 32 pgs


The author has other seasonal books you may want to check out as well -


     

    

 










 

Forever review

A little polar bear discovers that through life's ups and downs, a parent's love lasts forever.








Just because it has cute polar bears on the cover doesn't mean it needs to be winter to enjoy it!  This sweet story is about love a parent holds for their child and would be perfect for cuddling at bedtime.  The gentle hues of pinks, blues and grays on each page adds to the calming feeling as you read the simple rhyming text.  It is short but the words are meaningful.  Mama Bear expresses her love for little cub with her caring words and cuddles throughout the story offering a safe feeling for your little ones to pick up on.  This would also make a great gift for the new parent as a baby shower gift.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 0-4.~

Title:  Forever
Author:  Emma Dodd
Pub date: October 2013, Templar
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 24 pgs.

   

Say Something review

In this empowering new picture book, beloved author Peter H. Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. (goodreads summary)





This caught my eye the other day while visiting my local library and I couldn't wait to share it.  We are so fortunate that we live in a country where we have the freedom to be able to express ourselves. Whether it be with words, an action or creativity, this book encourages young readers that everyone has a voice and how they use it can make a difference for someone or something. The empowering messages to speak up, step up, share your ideas or inspire peace with others around you is just what we need in today's world for our children.  Through examples of art or planting a garden, it is a reminder that their voice is needed and expressing yourself in a good way can change the world. Each page is colorful with bold text bubbles for easy viewing and reading.  I am so glad I stopped for that moment to see what was on the inside and found an amazing must read book that will leave a big impact and inspire any reader young or old. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-10.~

Title:  Say Something!
Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Pub Date: February 2019, Orchard Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover,  40 pgs