Fall Into Reading

 

The mornings are crisp and the leaves are beginning to change color; sure signs that Summer is over and Fall is fast approaching.  The cooler air and multitude of changes that come with the season allow for many fun outdoor learning opportunities. Just remember, even though summer reading programs are over and the kids are back in school, it does not mean that family fun reading time needs to end!  A wide variety of books exist that can add to your fall outdoor excursion experiences!

Begin your jump into the season with It's Fall by Renee Kurilla.  It is a wonderful overall review of the season in rhyming text coupled with simple, fun illustrations. For some singing fun, add either Acorn : A Bingo Book or Five Little Hedgehogs by Cassie Veselovsky.  Both have a beautiful fall feel and are great rhyming books for toddlers and preschoolers.

After enjoying some scrumptious apple cider and donuts, check out Apple Cider Making Days by Ann Purmell (go for the kindle edition!) or The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons which includes a description of how an apple press works. Before a trip to an orchard check out Apple Picking Day by Candice Ransom. If you’re feeling a bit crafty after your tasty treats, take a look at Apples, Apples, Apples by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace which is not only fun and informative, but also provides instructions on how to make apple prints.

Pumpkins can be found everywhere this time of year; in stores, patches and roadside stands!  Check out Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht for a fun rhyming read-a-loud with awesome retro feeling illustrations by Jarvis.  Cathryn Falwell’s Mystery Vine: a Pumpkin Surprise provides pumpkin growing information for older children and also includes some pumpkin recipes!  You might also like Mark Kimball Moulton’s The Very Best Pumpkin or Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills for gently fun stories on finding a the best pumpkin.

There is nothing like a nature walk on a cool Fall day.  Prepare for your walk by sharing Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk.  The Fall inspired countdown rhymes coupled with beautiful realistic illustrations by Sherry Neidigh are sure to get everyone in the mood.  While on your walk, gather fallen leaves and try to identify the tree with the help of a book such as Leaf Jumper by Carole Gerber.  And after returning home with nature collections firmly in hand, share Leaf Man by Lois Elhert for ideas on how to create people and creatures out of leaves, nuts, seeds and twigs.