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When autumn hits every year, adults and children alike seem to glow at a whole new level. There’s a sense of wonder, of peace and of joy each year when the calendar flips to this beloved season.
Jumping in leaves, carving pumpkins, giving appreciation for family and friends- it all captures the thrill of childhood. And perhaps, that is partly why so many adults love this time of year as well…it’s a reminder of all the fun from our growing up days.
Here are 5 books to celebrate this season–for kids and grown-up kids alike!
#1: Harvest Days: Giving Thanks Around the World
If you are a frequent flyer here at The Joyfilled Seeker then you know one of my favorite discussions to blog about is holidays around the world. And Kate DePalma’s Harvest Days is all about this.
From St. Martin’s Day to La Tomatina, this book dives into 12 different autumnal festivities held around the globe. It’s a wonderful way to gain new perspective and perhaps begin some new traditions to celebrate in your own home!
“People as far back as anyone’s known have gathered to give thanks for food we have grown. A bountiful harvest is perfect to share. What a wonderful way to show others you care!” – Kate DePalma, Harvest Days: Giving Thanks Around the World
#2: Martin and the Pumpkin Ghost
Halloween has a tradition of being focused on the creepy and the crawly. However, Martin and the Pumpkin Ghost by Ingrid Ostheeren flips this idea on its head!
When nervous Martin has a dream about a pumpkin ghost–he soon discovers the goodness that this friendly ghost can bring. And perhaps learns that this “pumpkin ghost” might be something else within him after all.
“In the dream a witch-good witch-said to him, ‘Ma-a-artin…don’t be afra-a-aid. Listen to the pumpkin gho-o-ost.’ ” -Ingrid Ostheeren, Martin and the Pumpkin Ghost
#3: Black Cats Get a Bad Rap
Have you ever felt misunderstood? Or labeled with something that you didn’t want?
Black Cats Get a Bad Rap by J.G. Piper is perfect for anyone who feels perhaps they have a rap that doesn’t ring true at all…and to not be so quick to judge others the same way.
Delivering a message from the world’s black cats, learn about why black cats aren’t so bad, especially around Halloween!
“If you look in your heart, you will see, black cats don’t deserve a bad rap, don’t you agree?” -J.G. Piper, Black Cats Get a Bad Rap
#4: The Thank You Letter
What happens when you take the time to thank the people in your life for everything they do that makes you smile?
In Jane Cabrera’s The Thank You Letter, Grace goes a little overboard with sending thank you letters after her birthday party-sending them to nearly everyone who crosses her path. But what unfolds is purely spectacular and reminder of gratitude’s magic!
“Soon Thank You Letters appeared all over town. They made everyone very happy.” – Jane Cabrera, The Thank You Letter
#5: Bless Us All
Once the month of November hits, the idea of cultivating gratitude comes to the forefront. While we can–and I really encourage us-to practice gratitude during the other 11 months of the year, November’s a reminder to take a step back and really consider what we have to give thanks for this year.
Cynthia Rylant’s Bless Us All offers us the chance to work our way through the year and give thanks for the gifts that each month offers us. It’s a wonderful chance to discuss appreciation and it might just give you a new gratitude practice to try.
“Bless the earth and those who love it… Bless the wonders, bless the glories, Bless the world and all its stories.” -Cynthia Rylant, Bless Us All
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Crisp Leaves and Cozy Reads: 5 Joyful Children’s Books for Autumn