

The next book I chose to read while the pumpkin bread continued to bake was Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Lauren Stringer. This picture book with its depth of writing and beautiful images, which resonate well while the reader is being guided by the story, depict a richly sentimental fall time in a scarecrow’s daily life and his simplicity of purpose. Along the way, I myself was encouraged to take more time to appreciate the clouds above me passing by when I’m outside, as well as the living creatures that may approach me. It would be difficult not to fall in love with autumn all over again while reading this gem.

Not having time to read the whole book before the pumpkin bread finished baking, I still chose to start reading The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving and illustrated by Arthur Rackham. What a tale of suspense, the supernatural, and comedy all wrapped into one! Also, the illustrations are known to be illustrations that depict this story in its truest original form; this publication is worth a look whether reading the story for the first time or revisiting this beloved classic.

Lastly, I read The Scarecrow and the Spider written and illustrated by Todd Aaron Smith, a sweet picture book about a spider and a scarecrow who befriend each other and take the time and courage to help each other when in need. Friendship isn’t just for sharing, but also for helping each other. Scarecrow learns from the spider that God is always with him even when he feels alone. Well, the pumpkin bread has had time to cool. Guess what I’m going to do now?