Books for fall and for starting school

Fall makes us think about picking apples, going back to school and walking through leaves. Going back to school can be exciting or scary, depending on who we are and where we live. Whether your child is excited to go to school, or is worried that she will not fit in, there is a book here for you to use. Enjoy these fall choices as the temperature finally cools off a little bit.

Hello, Fall! By Deborah Diesen, Pictures by Lucy Fleming

A young girl with her (assumed) grandfather reminisces about fall activities like walking through falling leaves, munching on crunchy apples and whispering with patient pumpkins. There is joy on every page, conveyed both through the words and the pictures. It would also be a great book to use if teaching memoir writing with young children, or using good word choice. Lots of ways to enjoy this joyful book!

Best Frints at Skrool by Antoinette Portis

I am not sure if this book is super clever or just very annoying. The story is a school story told about friends on Planet Boborp. While written in English, many words are changed to Boborp words. Luckily, these words often rhyme with English words, or use picture clues and context so the reader can figure it out. But, what about a struggling reader, or a young one who takes everything literally? The lessons are well told and the author is careful to point out that stoodents on earth don’t behave quite so badly as those on Boborp. Give it a read and let me know what you think.

Tractor Mac School Day by Billy Steers

Betty is an anthropomorphic School Bus who has a bad first day of school. Thanks to the advice of all her vehicle friends, including Tractor Mac, as well as the help of the farm animals, Betty is ready to go for her second day, which goes much better! A good book to read in the first weeks of school. Some days are not so great, but we can work together to make them better.

Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly

Have you ever been that girl? The one that stands out and is known only by weird characteristics? Geraldine is the only giraffe in her new school and she definitely stands out. Here is the story of how she makes one friend and then another and finally fits in when she cannot literally fit in. For any child who does not fit in right now at this moment, this book gives hope. And it’s fun to read!

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Jen Hill

 

When Tanisha has an accident with her grape juice, the narrator remembers that her mother always told her to “Be kind.” But, she does not know what to do to show kindness to Tanisha. She imagines many different responses and thinks up several ways to be kind to Tanisha and to others at home, at school and around the world. What a great book to share with early learners. They could share even more ideas!

Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, Illustrations by Jason Chin

With the help of beautiful, old-fashioned illustrations that reminded me of those by Alexandra Day in the Carl books, Ledyard tells the story of sharing. What can be shared, what is shared even when you don’t realize it and what is not usually shared. Set around a summer holiday picnic, maybe the fourth of July, this book would make a good introduction to a new classroom in the fall. What can the students in the room share and how will this help their year to go better?

Dude by Aaron Reynolds, Art by Dan Santat

A one word story with illustrations. A platypus and a beaver go surfing when they discover a shark, or maybe the shark discovers them. After an initial period of fright, they realize the shark wants to and can be a friend. This would make a marvelous story starter as a wordless picture book!

Fantasy Picture books for Young Readers

Animal Fantasy

One of the most common forms of fantasy for young children is that which is written about animals who act like humans. Here are a bunch of animal fantasy ranging from sloths who like to travel to philosophical ducks. There must be one here that you would love, too!

Peter and Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable

Peter and Ernesto are content to live in a tree and play games. But, Ernesto grows tired of their limited view of the sky, so he runs off on an adventure. And thus ensues, Ernesto’s trip, followed by Peter’s quest to find Ernesto. The reader gets to see similar things from two different perspectives, like the floating footbridge that is shaky and funny to Ernesto, but scary and almost uncrossable for Peter. Lots of great reading, simple words, complex concepts!

What the Ladybug Heard Next by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Lydia Monks

When the chicken is annoyed that her eggs are disappearing, the Ladybug offers to listen and report back what she hears. And thus begins the tale of how the Ladybug saves the day and helps the chicken avoid being stolen by Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len. Told in rhyme with plenty of repetitive language, this is a perfect read for a short, fun-filled story time. Plenty of lessons here as well, if you want them!

Kit and Kaboodle  by Rosemary Wells

Rosemary Wells is a beloved children’s book author and illustrator who continues to write and illustrate loving books for children. Kit and Kaboodle are kittens who love to do what they are told. The problem is that Spinka, a tiny mouse, follows them around and adds a touch of mischief to their day. Cute stories with a touch of humor, best for the youngest readers in the house.

The Other Ducks by Ellen Yeomans, Pictures by Chris Sheban

A philosophical exploration of what it means to be yourself and how you learn about the world around you told through the eyes of This Duck and That Duck. This might be a little confusing for young readers or listeners, but with the right teacher or parent, it could be quite interesting indeed.

Somewhere Else by Gus Gordon

First the illustrations: these are a combination of line drawings and collage interspersed with photographs and other interesting pieces of artwork. Next the story: George is a goose who stays in one place because he has a secret; he never learned how to fly. With the help of a good friend, George travels the world in a hot air balloon and comes home to bake a pie. Something about this strange amalgam of pictures and words works for me. I love it!

City Mouse, Country Mouse by Maggie Rudy

An old story, retold with Tansy and Will, two young mice who find each other. They both love their own homes and cannot leave, but it turns out, they can’t live without each other. Eventually, they settle, quite platonically, next to each other in a half way town, half way between the city and the country. The illustrations are small sets with stuffed mice interspersed within the scene. The sets are made of scavenged material, inspired by the worlds of Beatrix Potter.

Through with the Zoo by Jacob Grant

If you are a goat in a petting zoo and you do not like to be petted or touched, you have a problem. Goat tries to escape and hide out in the larger zoo, but soon grows tired of being left alone. When he returns to the petting zoo, he realizes that it feels pretty good, but it’s also good to get away once in a while. A perfect story to help children solve simple problems.