Children's Book Review: Fern & the First Day of Fall by Kathleen Converse

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What better way to start the first day of fall than with a children's book review on this very topic?! I have not had the pleasure of reviewing any children's books yet on my blog, so I am very excited to bring the first one to all of my readers today. I know many of you have children at home and are looking for witchy reads to share with them.

Fern & the First Day of Fall by Kathleen Converse and illustrated by Hanna Sultanova is the fourth installment in the Wheel of the Year series, which celebrates the seasons and sabbats. As the title suggests, Fern & the First Day of Fall focuses on Mabon and the autumn equinox, offering both a cute story with beautiful illustrations and seasonal spell work!

The story follows Fern as she tries to figure out how to feed her friends and family after a failed harvest due to blistering heat. It combines mundane and magical problem-solving in a very real-world situation. Climate change is ravaging the planet, causing crop failures and ongoing hunger. Combined with inflated prices, recalls, and cuts to SNAP benefits here in the United States, mutual aid is more important than ever to ensure our communities are fed. I loved that Converse tackled these situations in a way that children can understand, without causing anxiety. Instead of focusing on doom and gloom, children are given practical and magical means to approach an ever-changing world.

From an illustration standpoint, Sultanova did an amazing job conveying the story through vivid and inclusive imagery. There are a variety of ethnicities and genders represented, allowing young readers to see themselves in the text. My only complaint is that I wish there were more disability representation present.

The book ends with a brief introduction to Mabon, a discussion of the tarot cards Fern pulled and their meaning, plus journal prompts and a variety of spells children can perform alone or with a trusted adult. The spells range from breathing exercises to divination to recipes.

I am 37 years old and really enjoyed reading Fern & the First Day of Fall by Kathleen Converse. I cannot wait to gift it to one of my witchy friends with a little witchy daughter. I know they are going to absolutely love this book, as well as the others in the collection. I highly recommend picking up a copy for a child (3-7ish) in your life!

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