Autumn:  The season of the year between Summer and Winter, lasting from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice and from September to December in the Northern Hemisphere.  A Full moon in Autumn is called the Harvest Moon.  In other words Fall is here and we all love everything about it.

Since 2009, The Scarecrow's Dance by Jane Yolen sets the tone for Fall.  It is a gentle story of a Scarecrow that gets caught up in a breeze and begins to dance  Ms Yolen's rhythmic prose take you through his journey of movement and discovery that ultimately let's him see firsthand his true worth.

Note:  the illustrations are by Bagram Ibatouliine who is known for his stunning artwork in Kate Dicamillo's must read chapter book:   The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.  Which by the way is the perfect book to read with your 5-9 year old at bedtime or quiet time.  It's one of those books that because a precious memory that you shared this story together.

One bright fall day, Sophie chose a squash at the farmer's market.  Her parents planned to serve it for supper, but Sophie had other ideas...begins Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow and Anne Wilsdorf.  This book reminds me of the child that enjoyed playing with the box the toy came in instead of the toy.  This is a charming fall story that of course has little lessons, like not caring about what other people think.  It is truly a sweet story with a few giggles and fall is here, so read it soon.

Hello, My Name is Ruby is a brand new book by Phillip C. Stead.  The illustrations are so unique, I almost predict it will be in the running for a Caldecott Honor.  Ruby is a bird that is not afraid to introduce herself to others.  As children that is how we make friends.  I remember on the first day of middle school (we called it Jr High back then)  I didn't know anyone on my lunch shift. ( a tween/teen's nightmare) I noticed a girl sitting by herself.  I approached  her and asked if I could sit with her and eat lunch.  She said yes and became an important friend in my life.  So the beginning of the book is a good way to explain to young ones how to make friends.  Now, you will need to read the book to discover the twist about the name Ruby, it is delightful and you are going to wish you had thought of it yourself.

When the colors of life look muted and everyone else is happy with the way things are, Mr. Tiger is a pop of orange and he wants to run wild and be crazy.  This story is about how we all feel sometimes, the illustrations tell the story in a most contrasting way.  Mr Tiger Goes Wild is by Peter Brown.  Go "wild" and READ  it soon!

                                                               Photos by Anthony J Realmuto