Illustrated by Susan Gal

Cover design or artwork by Susan Gal

$17.99

$18.99 CAD

Format

Hardcover

Format:

Hardcover $17.99 $18.99 CAD

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This loving and whimsical intergenerational picture book captures the wonders of fall as it reflects the common childhood desire that everything stay exactly as it is forever.

Bella loves the sights and sounds of fall–the crinkle-crackle of fallen leaves, the crunch of crisp, red apples, the honking and flapping of migrating geese. She wants the season to last forever. She also wants her fall coat–the one her Grams made especially for her–to last forever. But the coat is worn-out and too small. . . . With a snip and a whir, Grams makes sure Bella will be warm when the first snowflakes fall. And Bella finds a perfect use for her old favorite coat — on the first snowman of the season. Adorned with beautiful fall oranges, reds, and yellows, and sprinkled with fun sound words, this read-aloud will help families celebrate both fall and winter.

Genre:

PRAISE FOR BELLA'S FALL COAT

*"Plourde's lovely text about the ephemeral nature of objects and seasons-and the lasting love of family-is beautifully realized by Gal's expressive, digital collage illustrations. . . 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 (starred review)
PRAISE FOR BELLA'S FALL COAT

"The mutual adoration between Bella and Grams is abundantly evident in the tender exchanges Plourde puts together, as well as in Gal's gauzy, multilayered images, which capture both Bella's near-inexhaustible energy and that of a woodland landscape in flux."—Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE DOING THAT IN THE TALENT SHOW?!

"With lively text and charming, vibrant cartoon illustrations, including ever-enthusiastic, colorfully clad Penelope and the more practical, low-key Tiny, this offers an entertaining, amusing read while insightfully portraying friendship's many facets, from appreciating differences to problem-solving disagreements to showing mutual support."—Booklist
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE DOING THAT IN THE TALENT SHOW?!

"Cornelison's brightly colored cartoon illustrations capture the different personalities of the two friends right from the opening spread. . . Youngsters will enjoy chiming in on the repeated phrases and giggle at Penelope's over-the-top costumes. The addendum "Tips for a Spectacular Performance" is a helpful bonus. VERDICT A showstopper."—School Library Journal
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?!

* "A hippo with her own sense of style shows her 1-year-older, uptight, mouse best friend that it's important to be true to yourself. . .Plourde's dialogue includes lots of give-and-take between Penelope and Tiny, encouraging children to join in, and Cornelison's illustrations positively revel in Penelope's outr glee.
Penelope joins the ranks of some other popular nonconformists, including Ian Falconer's Olivia, David Shannon's Camilla Cream and Victoria Jamieson's Bea."—Kirkus (starred review)
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?!

"Penelope's avant-garde choices will certainly appeal to kids who think feather boas go with everything, while Tiny's concern is handled with tenderness and compassion-he really believes he's looking out for his friend. . .Clear writing, lively dialogue, and a solid story structure enhance this title's readaloud value as well. Cornelison's slightly soft-focus illustrations are strongly composed. . .Share this before or during the first day of school for an entertaining discussion prompt about individuality."—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?!

"The text reads aloud smoothly, with Tiny's repeated, dismayed "Oh, no, no!" inviting participation. Cornelison is a master of facial expressions, displaying the characters' emotions for all to see. "Tips for a Hippo Happy First Day of School" are appended. Although plenty of starting-school books are available, this is a pleasant addition where more are needed."—School Library Journal

On Sale: Sep 6, 2016
Page Count: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9781484726976

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Lynn Plourde

About the Author

Lynn Plourde is the author of If I Could Give You Christmas, If You Were My Valentine, and many other children's books, including Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud, Wild Child, Bella's Fall Coat, and Maxi's Secrets. She considers herself a "teaching author," because she makes so many visits to schools to teach kids how to become better writers. Lynn lives in Winthrop, Maine, in a house surrounded by woods. She invites you to visit her online at lynnplourde.com and on Twitter @lynnplourde.

Jennifer L. Meyer illustrates books for children, including If I Could Give You Christmas, If You Were My Valentine, the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series, and The Biggest Little Farm: Saving Emma the Pig. Her artwork has won two awards from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles and been featured in Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art. She lives on Bonaire, Georgia and invites you to visit her online at jennifer-meyer.com, on Twitter @jenniferlmayer, or Instagram @jenniferl.meyer.

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