Bella's Fall Coat
by Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by Susan Gal
This week's pick is from Cottager, Anika Denise.
What it's all about . . .
Bella's favorite fall coat—made especially for her by her Grams—is well loved and worn, and just a tad too small. But that doesn't stop her from whooshing outside to play in the crinkle-crackle leaves, or crunch the fresh red apples, or chase the honking geese. When at last Bella slows down long enough to sleep, Grams snips and sews so that when the first snowflakes fall, Bella is all set with a new "favorite" coat to wear. She even finds the perfect use for her old coat—adorning the first snowman of the season.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Plourde is a master at capturing the sights and sounds of autumn, and the exuberance of a young child bounding outdoors to revel in its glories. Textured golden browns and warm reds serve as the backgrounds for Gal's bold-lined, charmingly rendered characters, making the perfect pair with Plourde's crisply delicious text.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Plourde is a master at capturing the sights and sounds of autumn, and the exuberance of a young child bounding outdoors to revel in its glories. Textured golden browns and warm reds serve as the backgrounds for Gal's bold-lined, charmingly rendered characters, making the perfect pair with Plourde's crisply delicious text.
My favorite lines . . .
After lunch, Grams said, "Now, Bella, about that coat—"
But WHIZZ!
Bella was already outside.
She stretched and reached.
She picked and plucked.
She crunched and munched.
But WHIZZ!
Bella was already outside.
She stretched and reached.
She picked and plucked.
She crunched and munched.
Most swoon-worthy illustration. . .
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| Illustration ©2016 Susan Gal |
Why kids will love it . . .
The language, oh, the language! It's a delightful read-aloud that begs to be read again and again, with illustrations as warm and sweet as an autumn apple pie. Children will relate to Bella's high energy and enthusiasm, and will likely want to crinkle-crackle in a pile of leaves of their own after reading.
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Bella's relationship with her Grams is quite dear, which adults are sure to appreciate. It's simply a honey of a picture book: fun to read, relatable, and a lovely way to celebrate the fall season.
Bella's relationship with her Grams is quite dear, which adults are sure to appreciate. It's simply a honey of a picture book: fun to read, relatable, and a lovely way to celebrate the fall season.
Visit Lynn Plourde online at http://www.lynnplourde.com
To learn more about Susan Gal's work, go to: http://www.galgirlstudio.com.
Praise for Bella's Fall Coat
★"Adults may feel nostalgia over seasons past—and young readers will be introduced to the enticing lure of autumn and the joys of sharing it with someone they love." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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As an extra special treat for the BELLA'S FALL COAT BLOG TOUR, Nina from Mamabelly has prepared this sensational seasonal autumn Literary Lunch!
Meet Bella and her favorite coat. Bella loves everything about fall:
the leaves, the crisp apple, the geese AND her fall coat. It is
getting worn out and old but she wants everything "fall" to last
forever. Can Grams help keep Bella warm before the first
snowfall?
- spinach and apple leaves
- chex mix to keep the geese from leaving
- Cheese crackers in Bella's favorite fall color
- and a Bella chocolate and cherry sandwich
Want more fun literary lunch ideas? Follow Mamabelly here:
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* twitter: @LunchesWithLove
