We’ve asked Camille DeBoer [local mom of 3 and co-owner of Pooh’s Corner... a 35 year old independent children’s bookstore] to share great kids books with us each month. This month she shares books that are perfect for fall.
The captivating Oliver Finds His Way (written by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Christopher Denise, published by Candlewick Press) was born after Ms. Root moved her daughter to college and is one of my v
Oliver is a small bear in a big yard who, while on a brave jaunt out of his parents’ sight, gets a little mixed up. Not finding the “brambly bush” where he thought it to be and discovering that other landmarks don’t look quite right, Oliver is bereft.
Bewildered and alone he thinks carefully, gathers up a little courage, and unleashes a tiny delicate “roar”. Still lost, he turns up the volume a tad, and the third time bellows “ROAR” with all of his primordial might, bringing his parents to his immediate rescue. With deft storytelling and rich illustrations reminiscent of the Michigan north country woods….or perhaps your own backyard, this sturdy board book will be an immediate favorite.
Alphabet books are a favorite of preschoolers and their teachers…who usually like books very very much! As your children are learning letter shapes and sounds, they will delight in the familiar fall scenes in this beautiful book. Set in New England but looking very much like Michigan, the crisp images of autumn activities include families bicycling, kids dressed in Halloween costumes, and of course apple picking. Perhaps you have time for one more farm trip, hayride, or bonfire before the snow flies and while you are at it, grab a camera and create your own family alphabet book.
Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. (by Kate Messner, published by Walker Books) is the story of the very likeable Gianna Zales, middle school, and leaf collections. Remember those? (I can tell you from personal experience that the labels at Aquinas College are very hard to see by flashlight.)
Gianna is having a little trouble getting her assignments finished and her procrastination is starting to have serious effect. A star runner, she is faced with a bitter rival who wants to unseat her from the team, a grandmother who is starting to forget just a little bit, and a family going through monumental change. At turns funny, bittersweet and ultimately redemptive, this enjoyable story is a highly recommended read aloud and works well for kids in 4th and 5th grade.
You can find these titles and more at Pooh’s Corner in Breton Village Mall
