Every fall, the forest animals are invited to the annual Windfall Ball before they get ready for winter. At the ball, they feast on crops blown down by the wind. The text features educational vocabulary such as hibernation, cache, and windfall to introduce young readers to new topics. I personally loved the breathtaking artwork, which resembles pieces I would decorate my home with. With a festive color scheme, fun rhyming pattern, and seasonal vocabulary, A Fall Ball for All is a read you don’t want to miss!
A Very Big Fall brings the changing color of the leaves to life. The different types of leaves are personified by adorable cartoon leaves who, like young readers, are curious about what changes they will experience in the fall. I loved how each leaf had a unique personality and different feelings about changing colors and eventually falling off the tree. I felt this was an excellent representation of how everyone experiences the same event in different ways. The book also incorporates the importance of patience and friendship. Pick up a copy of A Very Big Fall to meet Birch, Oak, and Maple and see their journey.
Bella’s Fall Coat follows Bella as she realizes she is growing up and nothing lasts forever. Bella recently outgrew her favorite jacket that her Grams made, and Bella refuses to replace it. However, while enjoying the new season, she accidentally tears the sleeve, and her Grams makes her a new coat that she loves even more. I recommend Bella’s Fall Coat to any readers who may have difficulty getting rid of old items to help them understand how nothing can last forever, and that change can be a very good thing in the end.
Fall Mixed Up incorporates all the American cultural traditions of the fall season, such as football, bonfires, and Thanksgiving, in a creative way. Everything in this book is filled with funny mistakes that flip the standard practices of these traditions, and readers will find the accompanying drawings hilarious. The story also touches on how the new season affects the senses, especially color and smell. See if the young reader in your life can spot everything that has gone wrong in Fall Mixed Up.
Fletcher is worried when the surroundings outside his den begin to change, especially when his favorite tree’s leaves turn different colors. He does everything he can to try to help the tree and is selfless and determined in his mission. The textured illustrations are beautiful and engaging. I recommend Fletcher and the Falling Leaves to any anxious readers who are worried about how fall affects the environment and others.
Full of Fall is an excellent resource to help teach young readers their colors. The story focuses on the changing colors of the leaves and follows a leaf through its entire life cycle. The end of the book also features more details about this process and what happens when the seasons change. Instead of drawings, the book employs rich photographs that provide a realistic element to the narrative and may help make color identification easier for young readers.
Told through whimsical illustrations and airy prose, Hello, Fall! answers the questions other curious young readers may have about the season. The story touches on childrens’ observations, such as how squirrels start hiding their acorns during fall and how the wind makes the trees sound like they are whispering. The key element to Hello, Fall! is working together to discover the causes behind these observations and enjoying the company of others.
Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! utilizes page flaps to promote engagement during reading. The illustrations are detailed and immerse readers in common fall activities and seasonal changes. I particularly enjoyed the fun language seen throughout, such as higgledy piggledy, alakazam, and razzle dazzle. Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! is an engaging read that can enamor even kids who dislike reading.
Step straight into a child’s creative imagination in If You Find a Leaf as the protagonist envisions all of the different places she can travel on a leaf. The storyline features fun fall activities such as reading a book in a hammock and apple and pumpkin picking to get readers in the fall spirit. Curious readers will also enjoy the leaf identification charts provided at the beginning and end of the book. Check out If You Find a Leaf to be whisked away by the fall season.
In the Middle of Fall is a short yet engaging read that captures the fleeting nature of seasons. The illustrations feature rich hues and authentic autumn representation. The story helps young readers recognize the changes that are to come during the fall season and appreciate them before everything transforms again for winter.
Initially, when Lawrence is tasked to bring a collection to school for show-and-tell, he is ashamed that he has nothing to bring. However, his papa brings him on a magical expedition to the forest, where Lawrence finds courage in himself and discovers the beauty of fallen leaves. Lawrence in the Fall teaches how to no longer be afraid and promotes the good feeling one receives from sharing with others. A guide is also provided at the end that identifies different types of leaves. Check out Lawrence in the Fall for the positive messages and detailed drawings.
As the weather gets colder, Leif begins to worry about falling from his tree. With the help of his friend Laurel, Leif brainstorms ideas to make the fall less scary, continuing his search even after numerous failed attempts and negative criticism from other leaves. Leif’s determination pays off when it comes time to fall. Leif and the Fall is a story about perseverance in the face of adversity. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a fall-themed read that incorporates the importance of imagination and commitment.
A game of hide-and-seek gone wrong leads best friends Elliot and Mouse to celebrate fall with new friends. Little Elliot, Fall Friends incorporates the positive aspects of being immersed in nature and the countryside. During their vacation from the city, the duo discovers the sights and smells of fall. The illustrations are adorable and help the reader engage with the story. Little Elliot, Fall Friends is a heartwarming book about friendship that you don’t want to miss this season.
Pinny in Fall integrates the importance of sharing and helping others throughout the changes of fall. Pinny notes the unpredictability of fall weather and shares everything she packs for her adventure with her best friends, Annie and Lou. The children also save a ship from crashing into the shore by helping the lighthouse keeper. Although the illustrations only fill a portion of the pages, Pinny in Fall offers advanced readers extra text and a more mature storyline they may be able to better relate to.
Bunny is devastated to hear that his best friend, Hedgehog, is going into hibernation at the start of fall. To delay Hedgehog’s hibernation, Bunny begins collecting all of the red fallen leaves and painting the leaves on the trees green. However, Bunny quickly realizes that everyone needs different things and that Hedgehog will still be close by, even during hibernation. I recommend When Will Fall Arrive? to anyone struggling with the prospect of a friend leaving to demonstrate how selfish it can be to trick them into staying and how distance does not define friendship.
Emilee Ceuninck, PRR Lead Writer and Editor