Gather Grateful

K-Gr 2–A cozy portrayal of a fall evening spent among loved ones. Litwin explores the season by following a warm family gathering and the woodland animals surrounding it, all preparing to settle in for winter. Squirrels gather acorns, raccoons and foxes gather fruit, and birds gather leaves for their nests. They prepare to warm, feed, and herd, in readiness for the changing season. The story is made all the more atmospheric by the beautifully chosen palette for the artwork. The colors are limited to oranges and browns when showing the natural world, creating a similar palette to the transitional season. Then, blues and grays are added to the color scheme for the people and their world. Focused on togetherness, this story is inclusive and free of references to specific holidays, making it suitable for all readers. Children will feel inspired to gather with their own loved ones to share this story, ideally with a warm beverage and a soft ­blanket.