Cooler, darker evenings draw closer in Autumn making it the ideal time to cosy up with a spooky tale or a picture book with a distinctive autumnal feel. I think these books all offer an autumnal vibe, and will be read and loved widely.
The Witchling’s Wish by Lu Fraser and Sarah Massini, Published by Bloomsbury
An adorable and heartwarming tale of finding friendship. Little Witchling is desperate for a friend and so decides to magic one up with a spell. With just one item still needed, she flies off to find the “one eyed Ted”! What she doesn’t expect to find is Lily who adores her teddy bear and has loved him her whole life. All Little Witchling needs is one hair but he only has one…will she take this and magic up a friend or has magic already happened? A perfect Autumn read as we gear up for Halloween but honestly this is one to share any day of the year! The illustrations are so beautiful and are paired perfectly with the rhyming text.
No One is Angry Today by Toon Tellegen and Marc Boutavant, Published by Gecko Press
Decidedly autumnal with the cover and use of colours, this book of ten philosophical tales will provide plenty of food for thought. Originally written in Dutch by “master storyteller” Toon Tellegen, this translation is exceptionally thought provoking. Each tale deals with anger, an often misunderstood and hard to manage emotion. Animals in each tale will deal with anger for some reason and the reader can try to imagine how they might feel,or react in the same situations. Great for prompting family or class discussions, I would love to see how readers would react. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and help to bring each tale to light.
The Tiny Woman’s Coat by JoyCowley and Giselle Clarkson, Published by Gecko Press
A simple story of friendship and help, young readers will love this wonderful tale. Told with basic rhyming sentences and repetitive lines, it will be easy to join in together as we see the tiny woman and her animal friends build her a warm coat. From leaves to quills to wild seeds, the coat soon comes together and the woman can enjoy the outdoors. Readers can predict where each needed item might come from before the page gets turned. Enchanting and perfect for all ages, I plan to share this with classes of children! The illustrations are a joy as each helpful animal enters and we can see just how friendly and helpful they are.
Ratty’s Big Adventure by Lara Hawthorne, Published Big Picture Press
Set on Mount Bosavi in Papua New Guinea, we meet an entire eco system and rare animals. Ratty is a Bosavi Woolly Rat living in a crater. In his greed to get more food, Ratty discovers a vista of the world outside his volcanic crater home. Setting off to see the world, Ratty is quite rude and dismissive of his friends, believing he will find bigger, better and brighter things on his journey. Travelling through the jungle, Ratty learns that not all animals are friendly and welcoming, some even intending to eat him. When he is saved by some old friends. Ratty asks to just go home. The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful and readers will find minute details and wonderful use of colour on each page.
Group Hug by Jean Reidy and Joey Chou, Published by Scallywag Press
At a time when we all need a few more hugs, this book is timed perfectly. Beginning with slug who has a hug to share, this hug grows and grows including all who need one for various reasons. A bad day, lost smell, or stuck in a tree, each animal has need of a group hug. Rhyming and lyrical, this makes for a wonderful read aloud while the listener can become absorbed in the delightful illustrations. All animals are accepted, from the smelly skunk to the prickly porcupine until lumbering bear arrives. Brave Slug is there to welcome Bear and a giant group hug ensues. This book reminds me of home (Canada) with the animals in the forest.
The Wind May Blow by Sasha Quinton and Thomas Hegbrook, Published by Little Tiger
The young boy is certainly dressed for autumn and prepared for anything, just as he should be facing his life before him. Life can be difficult in so many ways for us and this book is a gentle message to persevere. Written with a younger audience in mind, I feel it would suit both child and parent. Reading this with a child would be a wonderfully calm and positive way to begin each week. Stunning illustrations and cutouts on each page add an extra layer of delight to the lyrical text and messages. I would happily read this book to a class bright and early on a Monday morning to remind them to face the week with a smile and confidence.
Saving Mr Hoot by Helen Stephens, Published by Scholastic
Is there anything more autumnal than an owl? In this charming book by well known author-illustrator Helen Stephens, a young boy becomes quite attached to the large owl who lives in the large tree outside his window. Ben has named him Mr Hoot. One day, Ben is shocked to see the tree about to be chopped down and knows he must act quickly to save Mr Hoot. Lovingly and without question, his parents run out to help. Helen Stephens heartwarming illustrations bring this lovely story to life. A brilliant introduction to how we can play our part in saving local wildlife.
Rita wants a Witch by Máire Zerg and Mr Ando, Published by Graffeg
Rita loves Halloween and wants a witch of her very own, one to fly with, do magical spells with and avoid homework with. That all sounds perfectly brilliant to Rita. However, what if the witch turned mean and nasty and scared away all her friends? Or insisted Rita be mean and nasty? No, Rita has decided she does not want a real witch at all, maybe just one for Halloween! Perfect for imaginative readers who love Halloween and spooky witches! Brightly illustrated, this will have readers giggling and wishing for their own witch!
The Good, the Bad and the Spooky by Jory John, Pete Oswald and Saba Joshaghani, Published by HarperCollins
I am a huge fan of Jory John and Pete Oswald. Their books are funny, insightful and among my all time favourites. This spooky title will delight an audience of all ages, especially parents who agonise over costume design and planning! Sunflower Seed is in a bad mood due to his lack of Halloween costume and so decides to postpone it for one night to allow him more time to dress up. Pumpkin seed is on hand to offer some sage advice about the reasons for dressing up and the true fun behind Halloween. Perfect for any reader who feels the need to compete and be the best, this book may just help to bring a bit of fun back to the holiday!
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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