Fall is here!

For a black pup and an orange cat, fall brings many simple pleasures: "It's time for friendly scarecrows... crunchy acorns... walks in the woods," as well as "bright, orange pumpkins" and "spooky costumes" in a spread devoted to Halloween. Striped mittens, floral wallpaper, and subtle brushed backdrops offer hints of texture to Galloway's digital art, dominated by a palette of autumn leaf colors. There's no plot to speak of; Jones simply presents a cheerful chronicle of the best fall has to offer as the dog and cat anticipate enjoying "yummy pies" and "candy apples," and rest on "fluffy blankets" before a roaring fire. Preschoolers can also spy additional animals (a squirrel gathers acorns, a mouse peeks out of its hole) in this innocuous board book. Simultaneously available: Where's the Pumpkin? Ages 1-4. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A brief introduction to the signature components of fall in temperate climates as discovered by a puppy, kitty, and squirrel.Together, the three friends explore the autumn world with its "friendly scarecrows // crunchy acorns / walks in the woods // hats and scarves / woolly mittens // bright orange pumpkins / spooky costumes // yummy pies / candy apples // fluffy blankets / warm fires // and jumping in leaves." With only a few words per page, the simplicity of the text allows the illustrations to take center stage. Children and adults alike will find them appealing and truly evocative of the season as the wide-eyed animal characters make their ways through a world suffused with yellow, orange, and red. In companion title Where's the Pumpkin, an adorable black cat named Spook searches high and low, mistaking various items for pumpkins before finally finding the pumpkin patch. Use this simple, effective title with its companion or pair it with other seasonal offerings to explore autumn with babies and toddlers. (Board book. 6 mos-2) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.