Autumn Daydreams: 7 Books to Imagine By This Fall
Sep 27, 2022
Animals, community heroes, and daydreams all have a way of coming to life through literature. Seven new titles listed here are sure to capture children’s imaginations. Storytelling magic, prose and illustration come together to form memorable fiction titles for toddlers and young readers. Browse these books online, at your favorite local bookstore or reserve online through the Kern County Library. by Callie Collins & LJ Radon
The Polar Bear in the Garden
by Richard Jones, Peachtree, for ages 4-8.
In Richard Jones’s latest picture book, a little boy discovers a teeny, little polar bear in his garden and watches it grow day-to-day, before embarking on a journey to return him home. The story progresses along the days of a week, allowing great opportunities for vocabulary as well as exploring concepts of time. It’s a great read to discuss the meaning of goodbyes with little ones.
Firefighter Flo!
by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino, Holiday House, for ages 3-6.
Follow along as Flo and her fellow firefighters race to stop a fire in this picture book filled with bold art and fun onomatopoeia. Dan Yaccarino (character designer for The Backyardians) and Andrea Zimmerman (best-selling author of Trashy Town) have crafted the perfect read-aloud. Firefighter Flo! kicks of the Big Jobs, Bold Women picture book series, which will focus on the empowering diversity of women in historically male-dominated occupations.
Wombat Said Come In
by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Brian Lies, Margaret Quinlin Books/Peachtree, for ages 4-8.
New York Times bestselling creators Carmen Agra Deedy, and Brian Lies teamed up to create this delightful picture book. Community, selflessness, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming story about help in the time of trouble. Older readers will gain a perspective on the unique environmental challenges presented by the country’s annual bushfire season.
Mega-Predators of the Past
by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Howard Gray, Peachtree, for ages 6-9.
An entertaining and informative look at some of the prehistoric creatures who have—until now—not had their day in the spotlight. Instead of featuring the usual suspects like T. rex, this book introduces young readers to some of the lesser-known predators: Marvel at the griffinfly, tremble at the sight of the Titanoboa, and more! Kids who are obsessed with savage animals are going to jump at the chance to read about these impressive ancient giants.
The Littlest Elephant
by Kate Read, illustrated by Kate Read, Peachtree, for ages 2-5.
The author/illustrator of Hey! A Colorful Mystery and One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller, is back with a new tale. This picture book follows the most adorable baby elephant you’ve ever seen as she crashes through the jungle on her way to the swimming hole. But, of course, there are consequences for tromping around and not looking where you’re going. This is a great introduction to concepts of patience, boundaries, and respect.
The Sun is Late and So Is the Farmer
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, for ages 4-8.
On a peculiarly long night, a mule, a milk cow, and a miniature horse rest comfortably in their barn. A realization slowly dawns on them. . . the sun is late to rise. So the trio set off on a daring quest to the edge of the world to bring the sunrise. With the same tenderness, wry humor, and illustration style as A Sick Day for Amos McGee, fans of Erin E. and Philip C. Stead’s books will instantly love this quirky barnyard fable.
The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey
Written & illustrated by Jason Chin, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, for ages 8-12.
Before there was Watercress, there was Your Place in the Universe, Jason Chin’s mind-bending book about relative size and scale. Now, we present The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey. This companion title explores the world of the very small, from the tiniest mammals to the intricate structures of microscopic organisms and subatomic particles that make up the human body.
These Precious Days
by Ann Patchett, Harper Collins Publishing, for adults 18+.
The New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, and friendships in this deeply personal collection of essays. This is a surprising and moving meditation on an unexpected friendship that explores “what it means to be seen, to find someone with whom you can be your best and most complete self.”
by Richard Jones, Peachtree, for ages 4-8.
In Richard Jones’s latest picture book, a little boy discovers a teeny, little polar bear in his garden and watches it grow day-to-day, before embarking on a journey to return him home. The story progresses along the days of a week, allowing great opportunities for vocabulary as well as exploring concepts of time. It’s a great read to discuss the meaning of goodbyes with little ones.
by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino, Holiday House, for ages 3-6.
Follow along as Flo and her fellow firefighters race to stop a fire in this picture book filled with bold art and fun onomatopoeia. Dan Yaccarino (character designer for The Backyardians) and Andrea Zimmerman (best-selling author of Trashy Town) have crafted the perfect read-aloud. Firefighter Flo! kicks of the Big Jobs, Bold Women picture book series, which will focus on the empowering diversity of women in historically male-dominated occupations.
by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Brian Lies, Margaret Quinlin Books/Peachtree, for ages 4-8.
New York Times bestselling creators Carmen Agra Deedy, and Brian Lies teamed up to create this delightful picture book. Community, selflessness, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming story about help in the time of trouble. Older readers will gain a perspective on the unique environmental challenges presented by the country’s annual bushfire season.
by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Howard Gray, Peachtree, for ages 6-9.
An entertaining and informative look at some of the prehistoric creatures who have—until now—not had their day in the spotlight. Instead of featuring the usual suspects like T. rex, this book introduces young readers to some of the lesser-known predators: Marvel at the griffinfly, tremble at the sight of the Titanoboa, and more! Kids who are obsessed with savage animals are going to jump at the chance to read about these impressive ancient giants.
by Kate Read, illustrated by Kate Read, Peachtree, for ages 2-5.
The author/illustrator of Hey! A Colorful Mystery and One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller, is back with a new tale. This picture book follows the most adorable baby elephant you’ve ever seen as she crashes through the jungle on her way to the swimming hole. But, of course, there are consequences for tromping around and not looking where you’re going. This is a great introduction to concepts of patience, boundaries, and respect.
by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, for ages 4-8.
On a peculiarly long night, a mule, a milk cow, and a miniature horse rest comfortably in their barn. A realization slowly dawns on them. . . the sun is late to rise. So the trio set off on a daring quest to the edge of the world to bring the sunrise. With the same tenderness, wry humor, and illustration style as A Sick Day for Amos McGee, fans of Erin E. and Philip C. Stead’s books will instantly love this quirky barnyard fable.
Written & illustrated by Jason Chin, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, for ages 8-12.
Before there was Watercress, there was Your Place in the Universe, Jason Chin’s mind-bending book about relative size and scale. Now, we present The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey. This companion title explores the world of the very small, from the tiniest mammals to the intricate structures of microscopic organisms and subatomic particles that make up the human body.
by Ann Patchett, Harper Collins Publishing, for adults 18+.
The New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, and friendships in this deeply personal collection of essays. This is a surprising and moving meditation on an unexpected friendship that explores “what it means to be seen, to find someone with whom you can be your best and most complete self.”
