Beautiful Books about change and new beginnings
Change is something children encounter in so many different ways. Sometimes it is big and obvious; other times the changes are small and happen almost without us realising.
Time Runs Like a River by Emma Carlisle
Through noticing nature and the path of a river, this book explores the passage of time. It gently shows that change is not to be feared. As we find our own paths through life, overcome obstacles, change, and grow, we can also appreciate the season of life we are in.
Some things last a long time while others last just moments. The book uses nature to make this big idea feel really tangible for children.
I adore the beautiful illustrations and find this a really thought-provoking book. It’s the type of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
I also really like that there are nature activities at the end, giving children a chance to explore some of these ideas themselves and gently encouraging them to embrace change.
Emma Carlisle · Picture book · Time, change & nature
Oak The Littlest Leaf Girl by Lucy Fleming
Oak lives with her family in an oak tree. As the seasons begin to change, Oak notices her world changing also: there’s a nip in the air and her friends want to hibernate instead of play. Her parents tell her it’s time to leave the oak tree, a change she is not ready for.
I really like that her parents allow her space to go at her own pace and wait until she feels ready. Eventually, Oak takes the big leap and discovers that although change can be hard, it can also bring new adventures.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful. The front cover has foiling, which adds an extra special touch. My daughter loves pointing out all the insects (every one is “a bee”) and finding the “snake” (the cute wiggly worm).
A gorgeous autumnal story about change, courage and growing up. It’s also one that has us looking a little more closely for the first hints of autumn when we’re outside.
Lucy Fleming · Picture Book · Change, courage, autumn & nature
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
A little girl takes a walk through her neighbourhood, greeting the trees, flowers and animals she meets along the way. As she walks, the natural world tells her about the changes taking place as summer slowly gives way to autumn.
I love how gently this book captures that in-between moment when one season begins to become another. There is also a lovely little detail where the girl collects flowers on her walk and then gives them to people she passes in the streets.
Kenard Pak's illustrations are beautiful and have such a soft, peaceful quality. There’s something lovely about watching the colours gradually shift as the girl makes her way through the story, until we eventually say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn.
This is one we enjoy bringing out as the seasons begin to change. It makes me want to head outside afterwards and see how many of those little signs of autumn we can find for ourselves.
Kenard Pak · Picture Book · Nature, Change, Seasons, Autumn
The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy
Beginning with a tiny acorn and growing into a magnificent oak tree, this book follows one tree through hundreds of years of change. Seasons come and go, people and animals find shelter beneath its branches, and the world around it gradually transforms, while the oak continues to grow.
I love the sense of time in this book. We see generations of people come and go and the landscape around the tree change, but the oak remains a constant presence. It’s a lovely way of showing children that even through periods of change, some things can remain reassuringly familiar.
Victoria Sandøy's illustrations are beautiful and full of life. I particularly like seeing the different people, animals and little moments taking place around the tree as the years pass. This book also captures moments from different periods of history, giving children a glimpse into aspects of British history through the narrative.
It’s a beautiful celebration of nature, but also of time, change and all the stories that can unfold in one place.
Julia Donaldson & Victoria Sandøy · Picture book · Change, time, trees & nature
Little Acorn
Beginning as a tiny acorn on a tree, this book follows Little Acorn through all the stages of becoming an oak tree.
I like the simplicity of this story and the way it introduces the life cycle of an oak tree through a little character children can follow. Little Acorn is positive and happy throughout the story. Acorn asks questions about the changes but giggles and wiggles and enjoys each stage. We see that growth happens over time, not all at once.
The illustrations are warm and inviting, with lots of details from the natural world to look at along the way. It’s a lovely book to read as the seasons begin to change.
A gentle story about growing, changing and the wonderful journey from one tiny acorn to a great oak tree.
Picture book · Growth, change, trees & nature