Children’s Book Monday: In November

In November
By: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrations by: Jill Kastner
Ages 3-7

In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures…

In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones…spreading their arms like dancers…

In November, the smell of food is different. It is an orange smell…

This wonderfully descriptive book will most likely become a favorite fall read in our home. Well-loved children’s author Cynthia Rylant has written yet another treasure in which she makes the reader feel like they are a part of her book. Her word choices are perfect.

In this particular book, we experience the sights, sounds and smells of November, the month that the author describes as being “at winter’s gate“.  She describes how the landscape changes, how the animals seek shelter, and how people gather to celebrate their blessings with family.

The illustrations complement the text very nicely. Each time I read this book to my girls, they both instinctively snuggle up next to me. I think that is a sure sign that this author/illustrator team have been successful in trying to convey the feeling of November in this book.

Children’s Book Monday is hosted by Elise at A Path Made Straight. Please visit her to read more book reviews!

Happy Reading!