Autumn is almost here!

     Even though the temperatures here in Michigan are keeping us in summer mode, we know that, with the start of September, fall is just around the corner. Fall in the Midwest means apple orchards, cider mills, corn mazes and pumpkins. It is the season that begins with the last burst of color as the bloom of flowers leave us and trees begin to display their magnificent colors before dropping their leaves.

     A wonderful way to experience the changes of fall might be to read the story My Autumn Book by Wong Herbert Yee and then enjoy the wonders of nature with your child and collect the treasures the season has to offer and create your own Autumn Book.

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     Change at this time of year can also involve starting school or moving to a new grade. A wonderful story about the challenge of accepting change and letting go in order to grow up is Little Tree by Loren Long. With so many changes that occur in a young child’s life, it is vitally important that some routines and traditions remain, such as snuggling and sharing a story. Children are often confronted with daily changes and most of these changes are beyond a child’s control, which can lead to stress and anxiety. It is the established routines that can give a child a sense of control for they know what to expect. Routines give children a sense of consistency and security in an ever changing, unpredictable world. A routine of reading with your child will make them feel safe and secure and create an everlasting bond. Choose stories that help your child see that though life presents challenges, not all is lost such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.

     The season ends with what began as a festival in celebration of the harvest in giving thanks for its bounty. A simple book of thanks to read might be Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney or Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson and celebrate Thanksgiving by giving thanks in your own special way.

For more titles about fall, take a look back at our blog post: Fall Into Books!

Happy reading this fall!