It happens every year. The build-up to the summer is full of anticipation of the sunshine ahead. Then, in a flash, it’s been and gone, and the long, hot days (if we’ve been lucky enough to have any) are behind us.
Well, take heart! Because, as we wave goodbye to summer 2024, we can say hello to the autumn – and we love it.
As children’s book illustrators and designers, we’re enthused by the vibrant colours that autumn brings – the browns, golds and reds on the trees; the scrunch of the leaves underfoot; the bright, crisp days and clear blue skies; the chance to get out our favourite jumpers; and nature’s bounty, with nuts, berries, and fruit in abundance. And as for the pumpkins….
Finding inspiration in autumn
All the seasons have inspired artists, poets, and writers, but we’re sure autumn tops the others (or maybe we’re just excited because autumn has just arrived).
John Keats wrote about ‘seasons of mist’ in ‘Ode to Autumn’, Claude Monet painted ‘Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil’ and of course it featured in Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’.
Autumn hasn’t escaped the notice of pop music, either – remember Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘September’?
We’re equally inspired here at Happydesigner. Trees are at their most beautiful in autumn, and the star of one of our own books – written by our talented illustrator, Sarah-Leigh – is Sally Sapling. It’s the story of Sally as she grows from a young sapling to a mature copper beech. If you’d like to read Sally Sapling, follow this link.
Five things to do in autumn
Schools may be back, but there is still plenty to do in the autumn, particularly if you love books as much as we do.
Here are some ideas for free, fun, book-themed activities:
- Nature walks and scavenger hunts
Go on a walk through a park or forest and have a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items to find, like different coloured leaves, acorns, pinecones, or specific types of trees. Why not weave a story into your walk, making up a tale as you go?
- Artistic creation
You can use some of the leaves you collected on your nature walk to create a collage, which you could then thread into a book. You could even use leaf rubbings as illustrations.
- Storytime outdoors
Take a blanket and some favourite books outside for an autumn-themed storytime. The fresh air and changing scenery make it even more fun. Wrap up warm if it’s chilly.
- Keep a nature-themed diary
Take a notebook and write about your day. Include what you see, hear, and feel. You can illustrate the diary entries with drawings or pressed leaves and flowers.
- Look in the library for autumn-themed books
Why not take out books that are themed around autumn, pumpkins, or Hallowe’en? If you’ve not been to the library for a while, this is a great excuse to go.
If autumn inspires you as much as it does us, then why not see if you can write a book or poem about it? Just start writing – see where it takes you. And if you’d like to see your story in print and need help with book design and illustrations, why not get in touch to find out what we do and how we can work with you? So… don’t wait… get writing!
