When summer’s seams Have come undone, Then greens to reds And purples run. —From “Awe-tumn” by Douglas Florian, Autumnblings (HarperCollins, 2003) It’s fall, and change is in the air. The weather is crisp; birds migrate; people harvest gardens and pick apples; bears hibernate; and children throw backpacks over their shoulders and head back to school. It’s a busy season as the earth prepares to lock down for the winter. It’s also a busy season for libraries as teachers search for curriculum materials for autumn-themed units. Few things engage a child’s attention more than the dramatic transformations of this season. It continues to be a favorite subject for children’s authors and illustrators, who can both educate young readers and give full play to their imaginations. With the advances in color reproduction, modern illustrations capture the vibrant hues and frenetic activities of autumn in a way that would not have been possible a decade ago. In nonfiction, photography often exposes young readers to close-up views that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the natural world. In poetry, folktales, and fiction, children are encouraged to think creatively and imaginatively about what they are seeing and learning. The good news about these books is that choices seem almost limitless. The bad news is: the choices seem almost limitless. The following list of recommended titles is intended to help narrow the field. Books are grouped into four themes and address the interests and information needs of preschool and elementary students.

A Change in the Air

EHLERT, Lois. Leaf Man. illus. by author. Harcourt. 2005. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-15-205304-8. PreS-Gr 2 -“A Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows” is the refrain in this imaginative tale of a figure crafted from leaves that takes off with the breeze. Everything he sees–squirrel, duck, butterfly–is created with a collage of real fall leaves. Die-cut pages form a mountain effect across the top of the pages. This spectacular book will inspire many art projects. EHLERT, Lois. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. illus. by author. Harcourt. 1991. RTE $17. ISBN 978-0-15-266197-7. PreS-Gr 2-The life cycle of a sugar maple is illustrated in this story about a child and parent planting and caring for a tree. Brief text, bold collage illustrations, labels, and additional information combine to deepen a child’s observation, understanding, and appreciation of the natural world, especially in the fall. GERBER, Carole. Leaf Jumpers. illus. by Leslie Evans. Charlesbridge. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-497-3; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-498-0. PreS-Gr 1-The shapes and changing colors of autumn leaves are explored in a jubilant combination of story and science. Lyrical text (“Stubby fingers, brown as dirt, reach from the slender white oak leaf”) and vivid block print illustrations of individual leaves encourage identification of common trees, including oak, sugar maple, and willow. GOGERLY, Liz. Autumn. (Holidays Around the World Series). Rourke. 2005. Tr $19.95 ISBN 978-1-59515-198-8. Gr 3-5-Especially useful for reports, this title looks at fall holidays, including Halloween in the United States and parts of Europe; Ganesh Chaturthi, a celebration of the birthday of Lord Ganesha, in India; and Ramadan, observed by Muslims across the globe. Ample full-color photographs illustrate the various celebrations, and insets highlight fictionalized comments by children based on factual accounts about each holiday. HERRIGES, Ann. Fall. (Blastoff! Readers. Seasons Series). Bellwether Media. 2006. PLB $15.95. ISBN 978-1-60014-033-4. K-Gr 1-Weather, plants, and the activities of animals and people are explored in this overview of the season. The one or two short sentences per page can be read easily by beginning readers: “Fall comes after summer. Fall is a season of change.” Brilliant full-color photographs appear on each page, giving the book important visual appeal. RYLANT, Cynthia. In November. illus. by Jill Kastner. Harcourt. 2000. RTE $17. ISBN 978-0-15-201076-8; pap. $6. ISBN 978-0-15-206342-9. PreS-Gr 2-Poetic text and rich autumn-hued oil paintings pay homage to the final prewinter activities of trees, animals, and people when “the earth is growing quiet.” Families gather; cows and horses shiver; bees hibernate; and leaves drop from limbs revealing bare trees, “all sticks and bones...spreading their arms like dancers.” Ideal for sharing one-on-one or with a class learning about the seasons and the senses. SPINELLI, Eileen. I Know It’s Autumn. illus. by Nancy Hayashi. HarperCollins. 2004. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-029422-9; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-029423-6. PreS-Gr 1-Hayrides, apple picking, and warm coats remind the young narrator that autumn has arrived. These and other signs of the season are explored with simple rhyming text and energetic color-washed illustrations. A good choice for storytime or as supportive material for an autumn unit. STEIN, David Ezra. Leaves. illus. by author. Putnam. 2007. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24636-4. PreS-K-Bear is bewildered when the first leaf falls: “'Are you okay?’ he wonders.” When his innocent efforts at reattaching the leaves fail, he gathers a pile and fills a hole with them before crawling in to take a nap. The story unfolds quietly across the seasons, beautifully illustrated by simple and charming watercolor paintings, capturing the wonder of nature through a youngster’s eyes. WALLACE, Bill. Coyote Autumn. Holiday House. 2000. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1628-8. Gr 3-5-In 12-year-old Brad’s first autumn in Oklahoma, he rescues and raises a coyote pup that turns out to be an entertaining and smart pet. Infused with a respect for nature, the plot takes a familiar turn when Brad must decide what is best for the animal. Fast paced and readable, with a contemporary setting and an important theme.

Autumn Bounty

BUNTING, Eve. One Green Apple. illus. by Ted Lewin. Clarion. 2006. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-618-43477-0. Gr 2-5-On her second day of school in America, immigrant Farah goes on a field trip with her class to an apple orchard. Her choice of a green apple to put in the cider press is a metaphor for the value of variety, in people as well as apples. This is a gentle story, beautifully illustrated with realistic watercolor paintings. Audio version available from Recorded Books. GHIGNA, Charles. Oh My, Pumpkin Pie! illus. by Kenneth Spengler. (Step into Reading Series). Random. 2005. PLB $11.99. ISBN 978-0-375-92945-8; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-375-82945-1. K-Gr 1-Rhyming text helps beginning readers explore the colors, shapes, and uses of pumpkins: “Pumpkins striped in shades of yellow,/One looks like a large marshmallow.” Some end up in pies and other tasty foods of the season, some as jack-o’-lanterns. Bold, colorful cartoon illustrations reflect diversity among the children and aid new readers with visual information. HARRIS, Calvin. Apple Harvest. (All About Fall Series). Capstone/Pebble Plus. 2007. PLB $21.26 ISBN 978-1-4296-0023-1. PreS-Gr 1–The illustrations in this attractive book convey most of the information: large photographs of apple trees loaded with ripe fruit, close-up shots of apples, and pictures of children enjoying the fruit. New readers will appreciate the brief text, simple vocabulary, and large print. HOPKINSON, Deborah. Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) across the Plains. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. S & S/Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Bks. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-689-84769-1; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6746-0. Gr 1-4-Spun loosely from the life of an actual apple-tree-transporting pioneer, Henderson Luelling, this high-spirited tall tale describes the challenges of hauling apple and other fruit trees overland to Oregon. Colorful language (“I spied a foul-looking bunch of clouds stomping round the sun just fit to be tied”) and zany illustrations make this charming story come alive. Audio version available from Recorded Books. McNAMARA, Margaret. How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? illus. by G. Brian Karas. Random/Scwartz & Wade Bks. 2007. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84014-2; PLB $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-94014-9. K-Gr 2-When Mr. Tiffin challenges his students to guess how many seeds are in each of three different pumpkins, the class divides into teams. Unfortunately, Charlie, the smallest boy, ends up as the only member of the smallest pumpkin team. This delightful, well-illustrated book successfully conveys information about pumpkins, counting activities, and a clear message: “Small things can have a lot going on inside them.” POWELL, Consie. Amazing Apples. illus. by author. Albert Whitman. 2003. PLB $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8075-0399-7. K-Gr 2–Striking wood-block prints effectively illustrate the enjoyment and efforts of a family tending its orchard, cleverly presented in acrostic poems: “Absolutely the/ Perfect fruit to/ Put in your/ Lunchbox and/ Eat later.” Interesting additional facts are included as are suggestions for how apples can be used. Teachers will appreciate the curricular connections. ROBBINS, Ken. Pumpkins. photos by author. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2006. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59643-184-3. K-Gr 3-Beginning with a photograph of a farmer planting her crop and concluding with rotting pumpkins spilling their seeds on the ground, the life cycle of the pumpkin is recorded in simple text and spectacular, full-color photographs that invite children to look closer. Instructions for making a jack-o’-lantern are included. Beautiful and informative. TURNER, Glennette Tilley. An Apple for Harriet Tubman. illus. by Susan Keeler. Albert Whitman. 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8075-0395-9. Gr 1-4-In a little-known story told to the author by Tubman’s great niece, the legendary Underground Railroad “conductor” is severely beaten as a girl for eating an apple from the orchard where she worked as a slave. This event sealed a lifelong drive to live in freedom where she could eat all the apples she wished. An enlightening and moving introduction to an American hero. DVD/video versions available from Nutmeg Media. YOLEN, Jane. Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth. illus. by Jim Burke. HarperCollins. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-059135-9; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-059136-6. Gr 3-5-The legend, facts, and historical context surrounding the life of Johnny Appleseed are explored with engaging prose and spectacular detailed paintings. Although much of the legend is dispelled, John Chapman’s contributions are acknowledged: “He really did change the landscape of the country…till all of America was apple land, from sea to shining sea.”

Animals on the Move

ALLEN, Kathy. Why Do Geese Fly South in Winter? A Book About Migration. (First Facts Series). Capstone. 2007. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-0-7368-6380-3. Gr 1-3-Using a question-and-answer format (“How Do Animals Know When It’s Time to Leave?”), a short, clear text conveys basic information about why, how, and when animals migrate and also considers how people affect migration. Photographs, “Did You Know?” insets, and a scientific inquiry activity encourage observation and curiosity while providing basic information. ARNOSKY, Jim. Every Autumn Comes the Bear. illus. by author. Putnam. 1996. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-698-11405-0. PreS-Gr 1-If the dramatic cover doesn’t intrigue children, the full-page spectacular watercolors and spare, informative text will. Naturalist Arnosky lyrically describes the annual fall visit of a black bear to the wooded hill behind his farm. This book is a strong candidate for group sharing. CROSSINGTON, John & Bobbie Kalman. What Is Hibernation? (The Science of Living Things Series). Crabtree. 1997. PLB $25.27. ISBN 978-0-8650-5987-0; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-8650-5964-1. Gr 3-5-The authors explain which animals hibernate and why, in a clearly presented text with numerous color photographs and graphics. Readers will be fascinated by the adaptations that make survival possible; insects’ bodies, for example, have a type of antifreeze that keeps them alive. Good for reports or browsing. FLEMING, Denise. Time to Sleep. illus. by author. Holt. 1997. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-3762-3; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-6767-5. PreS-K-When Bear smells “winter in the air,” she knows it’s time to sleep, “But first I must tell Snail!” So begins a story that circles through Snail, who must tell Skunk, and on to other forest creatures, finally returning to Bear, who is already asleep. Fleming’s trademark paper-pulp illustrations, large print, easy text, and basic information about a few hibernating animals make for great child appeal. HALL, Margaret. Hibernation. (Patterns in Nature Series). Capstone. 2006. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-0-7368-6339-1; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-7368-9616-0. K-Gr 2–Familiar animals, including bats, frogs, and chipmunks, and basic concepts about hibernation are presented with excellent photographs and graphics. The book has particular appeal for new or pre-readers, but struggling older readers will also appreciate the simple text in this attractive introduction. KNIGHT, Tim. Marvelous Migrators. (Amazing Nature Series). Heinemann Library. 2003. PLB $26.79. ISBN 978-1-4034-1149-5; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4034-3260-5. Gr 3-5-From hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies flying up to 2400 miles to Mexico to ruby-throated hummingbirds winging from Canada to Panama each fall, animals are on the move. In addition to familiar creatures, the author explains the migrating behavior of eels, spiders, and gnus. Large print, clear text, and ample photographs will appeal to young researchers and browsers alike. RUSTAD, Martha E. H. Animals in the Fall. (All About Fall Series). Capstone/Pebble Plus. 2007. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-1-4296-0022-4. PreS-Gr 1-As the weather gets cooler, squirrels hide nuts; bees make extra honey; bears eat more; snowshoe rabbits’ fur changes from brown to white; deer grow thicker coats, and geese and monarch butterflies migrate. Basic information is presented with subject-specific vocabulary and dramatic oversize photographs in this simple and effective offering. RYLANT, Cynthia. The Journey: Stories of Migration. illus. by Lambert Davis. Scholastic/Blue Sky. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-590-30717-8. Gr 3-5-Rylant teamed up with naturalist painter Davis to create a handsome book about the migration of six different animals. Arctic terns, locusts, monarch butterflies, gray whales, American silver eels, and caribou are poetically introduced, all of them “miracles in motion.” Visually, readers learn much about the terrain over which each animal travels through clear, effective paintings. TAFURI, Nancy. The Busy Little Squirrel. illus. by author. S & S. 2007. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-689-87341-6. PreS-Gr 1-It’s fall, and Squirrel is too busy gathering and storing food to play with Mouse, Frog, and Cat. Oversize illustrations in watercolor and ink mirror the hues of the season and highlight Tafuri’s characteristic attention to detail. Repetition, simplicity, and predictability encourage young listeners to join in when the story is read aloud.

Autumn Musings

BRUCHAC, Joseph. The Great Ball Game: A Muskogee Story. illus. by Susan L. Roth. Dial. 1994. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-1539-4. Gr 1-4-An argument over which are better–birds or animals–is decided in a lacrosse-style game, but on which team does Bat belong? In a spare retelling of a traditional Native American story, illustrated with unique paper collage illustrations that exaggerate the animals’ features, readers learn the answer and get an explanation of why birds fly south each year. FLORIAN, Douglas. Autumnblings. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2003. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-009278-8; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-009279-5. Gr 3-5-Florian’s signature paint on paper bag illustrations and quirky wordplay offer a creative excursion into the season. Children will enjoy the poet’s musings and observations: “Do brown bears really hi-bear-nate?” and maple seeds “fall down like fallicopters to the ground.” Inventive and very funny. HOROWITZ, Dave. The Ugly Pumpkin. illus. by author. Putnam. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24267-0. PreS-Gr 2-No one picks the odd-shaped pumpkin at Halloween, and everyone laughs and teases him. He just doesn’t fit in. In the tradition of an ugly-duckling story, however, the gangly gourd eventually discovers, “Oh my gosh/I’m a squash.” Expressive illustrations in deep autumn shades add punch to this humorous interpretation of a familiar tale. PLOURDE, Lynn. Wild Child. illus. by Greg Couch. S & S. 1999. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-689-81552-2; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-689-86349-3. PreS-Gr 2-Poor Mother Nature can’t get her exuberant autumn child to bed. Rhythmic text captures the “crackling,” “flittering” sounds; “snapperly,” “puckery” tastes; and the energy of the season. Extraordinary illustrations flood the pages, reflecting the changing landscape hues from late summer to early winter. Great story for sharing with “wild” children. ROGASKY, Barbara, sel. Leaf by Leaf: Autumn Poems. photos by Marc Tauss. Scholastic. 2001. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-590-25347-5. Gr 3-5-Illustrated with intriguing photographic images, the poems of 25 accomplished poets come to life on the oversize pages of this collection. Readable autumn poems by Marge Pierce, William Butler Yeats, Walt Whitman, Tzu Yeh, and others introduce children to powerful and accessible verse. SALAS, Laura Purdie. Shrinking Days, Frosty Nights: Poems About Fall. (Poetry Series). Capstone/A+ Bks. 2008. PLB $23.93. ISBN 978-1-4296-1205-0. K-Gr 2-Sixteen delightful poems introduce young readers to a variety of poetic forms, including haiku, concrete, cinquain, free verse, and acrostic, all explained in a useful appendix. Fresh images prompt closer observation. Pumpkins, for example, are “...golden moons dropped from the sky…future faces made of cuts...wobbly bowling balls–with stems.” Full-page photographs of corn, leaves, apples, and other images of the season are dramatic. VAN ALLSBURG, Chris. The Stranger. illus. by author. Houghton. 1986. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-395-42331-8. Gr 3-5-Who is this odd stranger Farmer Bailey has taken home to recover after hitting him with his truck? Why is the weather staying so mysteriously warm into autumn? The stranger’s memory returns dramatically, and both he and readers realize that he is Jack Frost. Illustrations are breathtaking, exhibiting the artist’s characteristically bold play of light.

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Lee Bock is the Library Media Specialist at Glenbrook Elementary, Pulaski Community Schools, Pulaski, WI.