Autumn Feast: Nature's Harvest
What’s inside...
Autumn Feast: Nature's Harvest is a captivating exploration of the changes and adaptations in the natural world during the autumn season. Through the eyes of various wildlife, the book takes readers on a journey to discover how animals and plants prepare for the coming winter. It's a celebration of the bounty and beauty that autumn brings. Discover the wonder of fall and learn how wildlife prepares for the colder months ahead with this heartwarming non-fiction picture book. The wind is blowing. Golden leaves are falling. Animals are busy gathering food to store away. It’s time to celebrate nature during the cooler, fall months. In this beautiful, blustery fall story, join two young children and their moms as they go on an autumnal adventure in their local park. They spot amazing plants and animals, and are enchanted by the sights and sounds around them—crunchy leaves, vibrant fall colors, and a feast of nuts, berries, and fruit. They pass through several wildlife habitats and begin to see that nature is full of life during this time of plenty. They notice the little things—seeds blowing in the wind, mushrooms on the ground, and empty shells all around. Co-authors Sean Taylor (best-selling picture book author) and Alex Morss (ecologist, journalist, and educator) offer a gentle introduction to the concept of the fall harvest and different animal behaviors, including annotated illustrations. In the golden park, the fruit and leaves have fallen from the trees and the animals are collecting food. Why are the animals doing this? Where are they going? Filled with fascinating facts and stunning illustrations, the books in this popular series encourage children to discover more about nature and the seasons. This is the fourth and final book, following Winter Sleep, Busy Spring, and Wild Summer.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the ways animals prepare for winter in the book?
How do the colors in the book change as the story progresses? What do those colors make you feel?
Can you name some of the fruits or vegetables mentioned in the book? Why do you think they are important for the animals?
How do you think the animals feel during the Autumn Feast? Have you ever felt the same?
What's your favorite part of autumn and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences with seasonal changes to those depicted in the book.
Ask open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking about how nature’s cycles affect both humans and animals.
Discuss the importance of each animal’s role in the ecosystem, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Use the illustrations in the book to talk about the science of autumn, like why leaves change color.
After reading, consider a walk outside to explore signs of autumn in your own surroundings, linking the story to the real world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: In 'Autumn Feast: Nature's Harvest', the vivid descriptions and illustrations of seasonal changes and the harvest process help children understand and appreciate the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe nature, participate in gardening, or help in the kitchen, reinforcing their connection to the environment and understanding of where food comes from.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases various animals and plants working together to prepare for winter, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life through group activities such as team sports, school projects, or family tasks, teaching them to work collaboratively and supportively.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparation
Explanation: The narrative follows creatures as they gather food and make shelters, illustrating the importance of being prepared and planning ahead.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to organize their activities and responsibilities, such as doing homework on time or packing their school bags before bed.
Example Lesson: Cycle of seasons
Explanation: Through the unfolding story, children learn about the cycle of seasons and how each season serves a specific purpose in nature.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand the passage of time and the concept of change, which can be related to their own growth and development.