Awesome Autumn: All Kinds of Fall Facts and Fun

PreS-Gr 3—This book holds all kinds of information, from what to wear in the fall, what grows at that time of year, and even migration. Beautiful photos are balanced with relatively short bursts of text that young children will find manageable. The discussion of days getting shorter and nights getting longer is followed by how this change affects the production of chlorophyll and how it ultimately results in leaves falling from trees. There is a strong logic in the presentation of the facts that aids in the understanding of the concepts presented. When the migration of birds is discussed, the author brings in the migration of whales and dolphins, insects, and even elk, as they travel from higher elevations to lower ones. What about the ones who stay behind? They hibernate or grow long coats to keep warm as winter approaches. The format is somewhat busy but the book will do well in the laps of or on the desks of the children who are reading it. Both Halloween and Thanksgiving are covered, which then leads into winter. Consider pairing this title with Lois Ehlert's Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf (1991) and Leaf Man (2004, both Harcourt), and Julia Rawlinson's Fletcher and the Falling Leaves (HarperCollins, 2006), all of which explore aspects of fall but in fictional narratives. Awesome Autumn could easily answer any questions that come up when reading them. This is a good reference book for young scholars who will love both the photos and the fun facts.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA