Simple story about change. ( )

Bella loves her fall coat, handmade for her by her grandmother, and her companion through all sorts of fun autumn activities, from jumping in leaf piles to munching on apples. Every time Grams begins to suggest that something must be done about the coat, which is threadbare and far too small, Bella is off life the wind, determined not to hear. Fortunately, Grams has an idea, and while Bella is sleeping, she makes her a new coat: a coat for winter, ideal for the first snowfall of the season. As for the fall coat? Once Bella has her new coat, she knows what to do with this treasured possession...

Pairing a sweetly engaging story of a little girl's loving relationship with her grandmother from author Lynn Plourde with gorgeously colorful autumn illustrations from artist Susan Gal, Bella's Fall Coat makes for a very appealing seasonal picture-book selection. I always enjoy tales about the changing of the seasons, and this was no exception. The parallels between the changes Bella is experiencing - growing up, and out of favorite articles of clothing - and the changes in the natural world, are worked naturally into the narrative, without undue fanfare. The deeper meaning is there, without intruding on the story. The illustrations capture all of the beauty of the season - which is my favorite - as well as Bella's energy. Gal appears to have a talent for fall picture-books, to judge by this selection, as well as Anne Sibley O'Brien's Hocus Pocus, It's Fall!, which she also illustrated. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for stories about the fall season, as well as those addressing the changes that growing up bring to children, or the relationship between children and their grandparents. ( )

This is a great book to read to young children to help them learn about fall. It uses great descriptions and experiences to help the reader feel like they are experiencing fall along with the little girl. You can also feel the love and the relationship with her grandmother. The pictures are fun and vibrant and really help visualize the story. ( )

I love reading my daughter's books and sometimes I buy them for her just so I could read them. :D This is one of those books. It's a wonderful picture book about childhood and holding on to the things we love, growing up and letting things go. It's so nostalgic and wonderful, emotional, but not overly sentimental. It bursts with the energy of childhood and wisdom of old age. The illustrator did a great job of making it feel warm and cozy. ( )

Everyday Bella goes outside to play in the fall weather. Her Grandma keeps telling her that her coat needs to be mended, but Bella doesn't listen until the coat is beyond repair. The book is full of wonderful sensory images and expresses a great appreciation for nature in the fall season. It also offers representations of positive familial interaction.