In November

I have another Cynthia Rylant book for you here today and will again. So, why not do a feature on the author you might ask? Well, for one her body of work is extensive. Second these books deserve a feature of their own. Last so many of them work well with themes and topics that we enjoy to study, that it's fun to include titles as they are appropriate to my post series. There will be some authors that I just decide to slowly share our favorite reads of.

In November, the aptly titled book for this month by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Jill Kastner has become a staple read for us. This is a wonderful book that looks at the transitions that take place as the seasons start to change from Fall into Winter. It ends with the celebration of Thanksgiving, a time for family and cherished memories. It's a great cozy read and the realistic oil painted illustrations are warm, vibrant and detailed.

Long Night Moon

My last read to share with you from our reading list on the moon this week is Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Mark Siegel. "Long Ago Native Americans gave names for each full moon they watched throughout the year", so starts this wonder filled story. January’s moon is a stormy moon, October an acorn moon and so on through each month. Rylant expands these given names and traits of the moon with an eloquent poem for each month's full moon. Equally magical are the charcoal, pencil and pastel illustrations that accompany the text. We love reading this from the fall through winter and watching the moon change as the months go by. It's a very peaceful and cozy read on a long chilly night.