Twelve Days of Autumn

PreS-Gr 1–This story cleverly mirrors the structure of the classic holiday song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” but with a seasonal twist that celebrates the beauty of fall. On a gentle hike through the woods, readers encounter a variety of animals in their natural habitats. From a trotting turkey to snowshoe hares, bears, finches, and even salmon, new creatures are introduced to count and observe. The repetition makes it especially engaging for young readers, who will enjoy recalling what comes next and counting along with the illustrations. The artwork is a standout feature: Hilley uses soft, muted tones to capture the essence of fall, creating a warm and inviting backdrop for the woodland adventure. The visuals complement the text beautifully, enhancing the overall reading experience. While the book follows the familiar pattern, the rhythm doesn’t always align with the original melody. This might be a slight challenge for those hoping to sing along, but it doesn’t detract from the charm of the story.