Picture Book Pair for a Fun Fall Story Time

by Rebecca J. Gomez Pairing two or more picture books with similar themes can open up a world of discussion possibilities, and those discussions are great ways to connect with your children or students. It can be fascinating to see how different authors and illustrators approach different topics and themes. Pairing books with similar themes during story time will help children learn that everyone sees the world a little differently, and it's good to see other people's perspectives. Read : Leaves by David Ezra Stein and The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater Discuss :  What is the main theme in each of these stories? How are these two books different? How are they similar? What were Bear and Squirrel both confused about?  Have you ever been confused or curious about something in nature? Talk about it! What is fall like where you live? Do you see leaves changing, then falling from the trees?  What other books about fall or leaves have you read? Are any of

Ten Story Time Activities to Pair with Fall Books

by Rebecca J. Gomez

There are so many things to love about fall, especially in a place where the seasons clearly change, and the landscape along with them. Because of the cooler temperatures, many people like to spend more time outside in the fall. Others take advantage of the coolness to bake more or to cook hearty, warm meals like chili and stew. And, of course, there's nothing quite like curling up with a book on a cool fall afternoon. 

Whether you live in an area where the seasonal changes are stark or not, now is the perfect time of year to enjoy some books about fall. Read some old favorites or discover some new fall books at your library to pair with some fun fall activities. These suggestions for fall activities to pair with books don't necessarily have to happen during story time, but can be great opportunities to foster discussions, build relationships, and create connections between books and daily life. With that in mind, here are some ideas for how you can enjoy some bookish fun with your kids this fall:

1. Make leaf art, such as rubbings, prints, or a leaf collage. Here's a tutorial for making leaf prints with real leaves and paint.

2. Crunch in fall leaves.

3. Look for fallen nuts like acorns and walnuts.

4. Take a walk and try to spot elements from your favorite fall books in your neighborhood.

5. Enjoy a book inspired snack, such as leaf or pumpkin shaped cookies. See our previous post for an easy haystacks recipe.

6. Print coloring pages to color. If you can't find printable pages for your favorite fall books, have your child create their own!

7. Carve or paint a pumpkin to look like a book character. Need an idea? Here's how to make a What About Moose? jack-o-lantern

8. Play book character dress up.

9. Visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard.

10. Tell (or retell) spooky stories by firelight. 

What is your favorite fall activity? What are some favorite fall books? 


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