In November

Can you believe we're already in the month of November now?  Here's a book describing the events that occur in November.  And if you haven't already checked out author Cynthia Rylant yet, here's your first opportunity with In November by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Jill Kastner.

First off, I just want to say that I want to frame a few of Kastner's brush-stroked oil illustrations in my home.  I mean, check out this beautiful painting of a cardinal couple in a snow and berry filled tree:

The illustration speaks for itself, doesn't it!

Then Rylant takes her readers on a tour of the fall-ending, winter-readying activity of animals hibernating, birds flying south, and families preparing for the blessings of Thanksgiving.  Rylant's beautiful lyrical voice evidences throughout this book.  Her soft, quite tone reverberates the story's content of preparing for the sleepiness of winter.  Allow me to give you a taste of the poetic imagery in Rylant's writing with her last lines:  In November, at winter's gate, the stars are brittle.  The sun is a sometime friend.  And the world has tucked her children in, with a kiss on their heads, till spring. 

So readers, tell me what you think about this book!