FALL DAY, ALL DAY

Chillier weather has arrived, and six preschoolers are keen to learn what changes autumn will bring.

As the kids venture outdoors, Percival draws clear, enticing parallels between the seasonal preparations made by humans and those involving the natural world. Just as a fluffy apricot cat grows a “warm undercoat of fur,” children “pull on our fuzzy clothes to feel warm outside.” Flora and fauna serve as inspiration: A chipmunk gathering acorns spurs the children to triumphantly harvest their own garden goodies; watching a maple tree’s leaves move in the wind, the kids “wiggle and dance.” The author covers foliage change, hibernation, migration, and more. The closing statement—“I wonder what tomorrow will bring”—invites further exploration. With its tight focus on nature, decisive language, and copious labeling throughout, this one will be a boon to teachers and budding scientists. All readers will be drawn in by the stunning art. Woodcut-inspired digital illustrations are deliciously homey. Swathes of gold, maroon, crimson, and rust create a palette that could be summarized as “sweater weather.” Active spreads showing children jumping in crisp leaves contrast with muted images of salamanders and bats slumbering under fallen leaves and with radiant, star-dappled pages showing birds flying south. Cocooned in gloriously autumnal knit hats and patterned sweaters, the diverse group are sweetly spritelike. One uses a mobility device.

The vibes couldn’t be cozier, and the science shines.