Our September Story Basket
September is here, and our days are slowing into that gentle rhythm between summer and fall. We’ve been curling up with many stories per usual but these are the ones my kids keep reaching for, so I thought I’d share!
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
An oldie but goodie. This sweet story follows a little girl and her grandmother as they bake a cake to calm stormy nerves. It’s full of warmth, family connection, and the magic of turning fear into something delicious. My kids love spotting all the ingredients as they race the storm, and it’s sparked a love for baking together on rainy days. We haven’t tried baking Thunder Cake, but I’ve seen others try their hand at it, and it always looks delicious!
Harriet by Deborah Inkpen
This sweet book follows Harriet, a tiny russian hamster, as she explores her world after escaping her cage. The illustrations in this book are so beautiful, and the gentle story makes it a perfect bedtime or naptime read. My kids are drawn to Harriet’s adventurous spirit, and they love spotting the cozy woodland details on every page. This is the first book in the Harriet series. I need to get my hands on the rest because they look adorable!
Raft by Jim LaMarche
Raft tells the story of a boy spending the summer with his grandmother in the woods. A mysterious raft becomes his doorway into the wild world around him, as he discovers animals, rivers, and a new sense of wonder. The soft illustrations make you feel like you’re drifting right alongside him. My kids are captivated every time.
Honey… Honey… Lion! by Jan Brett
In this beautifully illustrated tale set in the African savanna, Honeyguide and Honey Badger embark on an adventure to find honey, but greed quickly changes their friendship. We all know Jan Brett’s vibrant illustrations are absolutely amazing. In this story, they bring the savanna to life, and my kids love spotting all the animals hidden in the borders of each page. This one also kind of reminds us of We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.
Mossy by Jan Brett
Oh man. This one has quickly become a favorite. Mossy is the story of a turtle with a garden growing on her shell and how she becomes a beloved exhibit at a museum. The illustrations are lush and magical, and the ending sparks great conversations about kindness, empathy, and letting animals live free. This one always inspires us to slow down and notice nature’s beauty. We also love how there’s a QR code to Jan Brett’s YouTube channel in the back of the book. It directs you to a video on how to draw Mossy!
I love how certain stories seem to match the season we’re in. This month’s stack has been full of warmth, animals, and cozy adventures. Perfect for slow afternoons.
I’d love to hear! What books are your kids reaching for this September?
