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The Book Nook
Article by Catherine Bailey
Even here in sunny Florida, Autumn is in the air. There is no better way to kick off the season than with a cozy book, (or five!). Below are some fall-favorites, as well as new releases I am looking forward to reading.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
First on my list is The Thursday Murder Club, an English whodunnit staring a perfectly odious victim, four elderly friends who decide to take on the case, and two police officers who wish they wouldn’t. This book expertly weaves together humor and heart amid the rolling hills of a countryside retirement home. The best part? The book is the first in a series by author Richard Osman, so you will get to enjoy these characters and the author’s brilliant sense of humor in his follow-up books, The Man Who Dies Twice, The Bullet That Missed, and the forthcoming The Last Devil To Die.
The Three Conditions by Moshe Gersht
n addition to finishing Osman’s series, I am eager to switch gears and read The Three Conditions, a nonfiction book about bridging the gap between positive thinking and positive living. The book is authored by Moshe Gersht and promises insights and advice on acting with intention, expressing certainty, and finding joy. With summer travel winding down and kids heading back to school, it’s a great time to slow down and reflectively read this kind of introspective book. Think of it as literary “self-care.”
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
As a children’s author myself, I had to include a few kid-friendly books on my list. For older readers, I recommend The Girl Who Drank The Moon, written by Kelly Barnhill. This spellbinding book follows Xan, a kind witch who lives with a tiny dragon and a wise swamp monster deep in the woods. Ill-informed townsfolk are led to fear Xan and leave their young near her forest home as sacrifices. When Xan finds these children, she rehomes them with new, loving families until one small mistake – feeding a baby moonlight instead of starlight – leads her to take an infant in as her own. Perfect for fans of fantasy, fairytales, and folklore, especially those in middle and high school.
A Very Big Fall by Emmy Kastner
Next up is the charming picture book, A Very Big Fall by the talented author-illustrator Emmy Kastner. This lovely book follows three leaves as they encounter the beauty – and changes! – that Autumn brings. Birch is excited about the big adventure. Oak is worried about what’s to come. And Maple… well, Maple is just plain grumpy. Vibrant artwork and clever dialogue combine in this sweet story for children ages 3-8.
Dinos Don’t Meditate by Catherine Bailey
Finally, if you are looking for even *more* books for you and your youngest to curl up with, check out my latest release, Dinos Don’t Meditate. This story features a rowdy T-Rex who learns (albeit grudgingly) the value of downtime. Lively illustrations, fun read-aloud moments, and toddler-friendly meditations make this a great pick for high-energy little ones. More information about the book, my work, and myself is available at www.CatherineBaileyBooks.com.
