Reading, Writing & Pondering

  It is hard to believe it is already August and some children are back in school. Before we know it, Fall will be upon us. Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner is a fun new children's book for Fall. Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is a good-sized children's book measuring about 8 1/2 inches by 10 1/2 inches. It is aimed at children ages four to eight. I especially like that this book encourages the use of repurposing pumpkins. Until I read the back page of this book, I had no idea that zoos could feed uncarved pumpkins to animals. Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is well-written. I Have enjoyed many of Susan Meissner's adult books, but I think this is her first children's book that I have read. This book has lyrical writing that flows so well--I think it is clearly written by an experienced writer. The words just roll out--one after another--so easily on the tongue. It is a fun book to read aloud with children. It also has great illustrations and will delight those who love animals a...

Candy Apple Blessings celebrates many people's favorite season of Fall. This book would be great fun for preschoolers in the upcoming Fall season with it's catchy rhymes and cheery illustrations. What young child doesn't love to pick out a fall pumpkin or help to make and eat candied apples? This board book, generously sized at almost 8 inches square with sturdy pages for little fingers, is full of fun, catchy rhymes to celebrate the fall season. Candy Apples Blessings is a fun book to read to little ones. While it isn't yet fall, I can see where this book would be fun to read with your family all season as it talks about and illustrates the fun activities of corn mazes, decorating for Fall, Fall festivals, going back to school, dressing warmer for Fall with scarves and eating fall goodies. I would recommend it to anyone with little ones who like to read together. The rhymes are all fun and catchy and the illustrations boldly show the fall seasonal pictures to h...