We read a lot of books these days, snuggled in the corner of the couch under blankets while I nurse my five-month-old and my three-year-old carves out some lap space.
I never give up hope that my older son will actually nap in the afternoon, so I try to find books that are calm and gentle to read as we start our quiet time. (Note: this is the ONLY time of my life I sort of wish my son wasn’t weaned, that I could just nurse him to sleep!)
My new very favorite book to read to kick off siesta time is called Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke. I always enjoy reading seasonally appropriate books. This one about a young fox named Fletcher who is confused and increasingly upset by the leaves turning brown and falling from his favorite tree. He works to preserve the leaves and protect his tree as the weather turns colder.
The book is wonderful for both of my children. The delicate watercolor images are interesting to both of them. The text is soothing–I love to whisper on the pages that talk about whispering wind, gently rub my sons’ backs on the pages that talk about napping or dreaming.
But the very best part is the surprise on the last page. I don’t want to give any spoilers, because it was pretty magical for me to discover as well,
but I will tell you that when I turned the page the first time we read it, my older son sucked in his breath in surprise and said, “Oh, Mommy! It’s wonderful!”
The last page is textured, too, so both kids like to touch that page when we get to it. Even my distracted nurser is able to shoot out one hand to rub the pages and look out of the corner of his eye.
I always love it when I find a good book that interests my older son during nursing sessions with my baby. I’m excited to check out some other seasonal books by this author.
What are some of your favorite books to read with your children? Leave a comment to let us know!
