Fall is magic. Even when the blustery wind and endless rain sets in, the contrast of perpetual gray against the brilliance of the golden hills and mountainsides makes us all want to stand there a bit in awe.

OK, not too much, as days like the last few remind me that we are headed into a very dark space of the year – one that I tend to bemoan as I…love…sunshine. But, it is gorgeous.

Although the possibility of daylight is nearly cut in half, the sweater box has re-emerged and hats now never leave our heads, instead of my usual groan about it all, I’ve tried to think of it this year as preparing a bit for hibernation.

That’s where two Winter prep stories of a million reasons to love Fall popped up in our lives.

The first time we read The Lonely Scarecrow by Tim Preston, illustrated by Maggie Keen, our daughter was very concerned.

Lonely is about the worst thing that anything can feel, in her book, and to find out that this sweet guy was stuck in a field, all by himself, was quite worrisome for her. She just didn’t get why no one liked the scarecrow. He may be a scary sort of guy for the birds, but that was his job. Much like she told everyone about herself yesterday (she was dressed up as “Violet The Spooky”, a great purple monster), he was not really a monster in real life.

He goes through this lonely patch all Fall until one night when a heavy snow comes, he’s covered, and turns into a snowman. The animals come out to meet him and he is lonely no more.

Yay!

Preston’s writing is lovely, and really keys in on the scarecrow’s connection to Fall. But, what totally makes this book are the embossed illustrations that offer kids a tactile read, taking them into the scene and getting to know the sweet characters.

Super Fall goodness.

We loved scarecrow. But, our favourite Fall tale of friendship and learning about this amazing season is definitely A Friend For All Seasons by Julia Hubery, illustrated by Mei Matsuoka

Our daughter dug it, mostly, because it’s totally her vibe. Robbie Raccoon and his pals, who love Old Father Oak dearly, are working hard at trying to get him to stop “crying” his leaves off. They are seriously worried that Old Father Oak is sad. So, hugs commence, Robbie piles the leaves around his trunk to keep him warm and they all join in on the effort to cheer Old Father Oak up.

Turns out, Robbie’s mom tells the crew, Old Father Oak isn’t sad at all, he’s preparing to go to sleep for the Winter – just like all of them should be.

Robbie is amazed, and after he has gotten ready to hibernate for the Winter himself, mom has a task for both of them.

They take a handful of Old Father Oak’s acorns and plant them in the ground. Then, everyone goes to sleep and awakens to some new amazingness in Spring.

Hubery tells a great tale of the process of Fall that really resonates with young children and Matsuoka’s illustrations give this light book an even more lively feel that brings the ever-changing forest to life for a bit.

The tiny person has even taken to hugging trees now to make sure they really aren’t sad.

These two great stories for preschoolers and early readers are a sweet introduction to the season. You can pick them up at the library or order them through your local independent book seller.

Book covers courtesy of Atheneum, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Publishing.