October Finds!

Image:AI Generated

 Opportunities for young readers to connect with the season of Autumn.

October, October by Katya Balen

Summary: This story follows October, a girl who lives a wild and free life in the woods with her father. She has to navigate big changes, including her father's injury and the unexpected return of her estranged mother, all while trying to stay connected to the wilderness she loves. It's a coming-of-age tale with themes of family. 

Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins

Summary: This humorous picture book tells the story of a baby vampire who swaps places with a baby penguin during a family trip to the zoo. With fun illustrations and a lighthearted story, Vampenguin delivers a cute tale of mistaken identity, perfect for young readers during the Halloween season. 

Book Review #104

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not 

Afraid of Anything.

Author: Linda Williams
Illustrator: Megan Lloyd
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0064431835
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: The Little Old Lady (who was not afraid of anything). She shows bravery on a spooky evening walk.

Plot: The story follows a little old lady who ventures into the forest. Along the way, she encounters various objects—two shoes, a pair of pants, a shirt, and more—that begin to follow her. She refuses to be afraid. She comes up with a smart way to use these strange objects. 

Setting: A quiet forest during autumn, creating a slightly spooky atmosphere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture book, bravery, repetitive text, and interactive read-aloud.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars? This book balances a spooky feeling with a comforting ending. Kids love the buildup of suspense. The repetitive text and possible sound effects make it perfect for an interactive read-aloud. It’s ideal for October. 

Critical Analysis: The repetition and sound effects (Clomp clomp, Wiggle wiggle) invite participation, making it a fun read-aloud book. The illustrations are lively, bringing just a touch of spookiness to set the tone. The story cleverly teaches children how to face fears with creativity and clever thinking.

Connections: This book is great for Fall activities, such as making scarecrows or acting out the story’s sounds and motions. It can also spark discussions about bravery and dealing with unexpected situations. Making scarecrows with kids.