Hooray for Fall, by Kazuo Iwamura

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

I loved the softly muted color palette as the story went along. The sunset picture was particularly beautiful and effective with its use of fall colors. The story seemed a bit sparse but this cute book could definitely be used to help show younger children what to look for as signs of changing seasons. Putting the cute little squirrel trio in red sweaters helps focus on the colors and how red becomes a dominant color as autumn begins, too.

Siblings Micky, Mack, and Molly are quick to note changes, always bringing it back to their new red sweaters lovingly made by their mama. By noting their observations, children can learn what to look for, whether the change in leaf or berry colors of simply the behavior of other animals. As an Alaskan where we have lots of bears, I particularly liked the short but effective injection of the fact that bears do need to eat, eat, eat in preparation for sleeping over winter. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooksInc for giving me some sweet moments of smiles as I tagged along with these adorable little squirrels as summer began to turn into fall.