Fall is in full swing. The leaves are doing their beautiful downward dance. Cider is on the stove. Football is in conference play, and baseball is drawing to a spectacular close. Chances are good you've picked apples or pumpkins - or both. What's not to love about this spice-infused kaleidoscopic season?
The Schulte House is clearly in the spirit. Check out our apple pie, decorated with hand-carved emblems of autumn. No surface is safe from our illustrative inclinations.
Picture books are a big part of each weather and holiday shift, too. At home and at school, seasonal titles reinforce science and cultural concepts with artistry and humor, helping my children better understand their world - month by month, year by year.
Literary journeys can even further enhance the way we experience the seasons, particularly when titles tap into the senses and deliver a special aesthetic. Twitter pal and children's book author Savannah Hendricks shares my passion for picture books and is visiting the blog this month to suggest five great picture books for fall.
Meet Savannah!
So divert your eyes from the Christmas decorations in your local grocery and craft stores, and take a few moments to enjoy Savannah's roundup of titles that honor this blink-and-you'll-miss-it season. Quotes below all attributed to Savannah (SH).
5 Picture Books to Fall For - A Guest Post by Savannah Hendricks
Leaves by David Ezra Stein
I love this story and its illustrations - simple yet beautiful. I've read it in paperback form, but it comes as a board-book and also hardcover. It often becomes a re-read in one sitting with a child. - SH
Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead
This story tugs at your heart, especially when everyone else is too busy to hear Bear's story. The illustrations provide the "hurry up feeling," drawing readers in. - SH
In November by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Jill Kastner
I love the lyrical words of this story. Illustrations come alive as families gather and share in the spirit of November. It's like Owl Moon for the fall. - SH
Fall is for Friends by Suzy Spafford
This one is hard to find anywhere; hopefully your local library or bookstore has a copy. This friendship story focuses on encouragement with a twist, as the girls try to encourage the fall leaves to drop from the branches. - SH
The Fall Festival (Little Critter Series) by Mercer Mayer
The Little Critter series was my favorite growing up. The illustrations are almost like a seek and find. I love the humor in each story. Technically this is a My First I Can Read book, but works as a picture book also. - SH
Savannah Hendricks is the author of the picture book NONNIE AND I, set in Botswana. She has more than 20 magazine publication credits to her name. Savannah writes for all ages and reads stories aloud to her dog for approval. You can find out more at her blog The Seashells of Life.
Thanks so much Savannah! You can follow Savannah on Instagram at @authorsavannahhendricks and Twitter at @AuthorSavannah.