Renée Kurilla

Two friends plant some flower seeds in hopes of saving the bees, then fall asleep while waiting for anything to grow. While they sleep, a magical gnome brings the garden to life!

This book is a beautiful thing to behold. The bright, colorful illustrations are fantastic, with tons of small details to pore over. I’m sure children could read this book multiple times and notice something different in the illustrations each time. The storyline is whimsical and lovely, with positive messages about nature and friendship intertwined without being too heavy-handed or didactic. There’s little bits of understated humor here and there, such as a gnome named David (presumably a nod to the old television show David the Gnome). And, it’s just an entertaining book as the reader wonders what will happen next and stays along for the ride.… (altro)

First sentence: Colors bursting, shadows tall.
There's lots to celebrate--it's fall!
Early-morning sunny skies.
Back to school with new supplies.
In class, our teacher asks to hear
what things we love this time of year.

Premise/plot: This picture book celebrates all things fall/autumn. (Think activities in September, October, and November.) It does feel like it is segmented into three distinct categories: the start of school, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. It is written in rhyming verse.

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the illustrations. The color palette is as awesome as you'd expect. I adored the end pages. The illustrations just won my heart. The text is solid. I liked the rhyming. It does seem to have rhythm--not all rhyme does. So it is 'proper' enough in that aspect.… (altro)