Marty Layne - mothering and homeschooling information

	Autumn Stories story and photographs by Marty Layne This enchanting new picture book includes two little stories about animals preparing for the coming of winter. In the first story, Little Blue Feather Is Surprised, Nutkin, the squirrel, stores his acorns in a hollowed out pumpkin with Little Blue Feather’s help. In the second story, Little Blue Feather and the Rabbits, Little Blue Feather and his rabbit friends go for a walk together and discuss the upcoming winter season. One of the rabbits sings a song to Little Blue Feather as he rests in the grass – “Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, we must all get fat and furry, not a moment to be lost, I can hear bold Jackie Frost.” Both stories are illustrated with photos of the author’s needle felted and sewn sculptures. The text is easy to read and flows along smoothly. When asked what inspired her to write the book, Marty said, “I was taking photos of all of my little needle-felted animals, when I realized I had two stories that just seemed to create themselves as I took the photos. The second story was also inspired by a song I’ve been singing for the last 27 years - first to and with my children, then recorded on my children’s music CD, Brighten the Day – songs to celebrate the seasons, and then in my baby and parent music classes.” 32 pages, illustrated with colour photographs 8.5" x 8.5" saddle stitched paper back picture book Order now and pay with major credit cards and/or Paypal Price $9.99 US/Canadian + shipping Will ship overseas
	Little Blue Feather Is Surprised Once upon a time on a fall day, Little Blue Feather was sitting by a pumpkin. He was thinking about the changing weathering, wondering if the woodland creatures had harvested enough food for the winter. ... page 4
	Nutkin was sorting though his acorns when he heard a "Woof." He looked out of the top of the pumpkin. ... page 10
	Little Blue Feather and the Rabbits "We're going for a walk. Do you want to come?" asked Little Brown. “Sure. Can we walk over to the meadow where there’s some very sweet green grass?” “Good idea, Grey Ears. You both need to get fat and furry and that grass is just the thing. Winter is coming soon. I know because Jackie Frost was here last night. I saw his ice sparkles in the grass this morning, " said Little Blue Feather. page 20
Reviews: I love the vivid colors of the pictures as contrasted to the softness of the figures in them. It almost feels three-dimensional. I also love the way the simple story draws the young child into a world of fantasy that is actually based on pure, real, joyful emotion and sharing. My nine-year-old son enjoyed it, so it’s not just for tiny children. Kelly Green, A Matter of Conscience* *Two pages into this book, I became aware of how mesmerized I felt by the way Marty has woven her storytelling with her delightful photos. In a sea of over-the-top children's books where more is less, her book captivates children (and the big people reading with them) through a purity of intention and love. The result is a book that's an invitation to simplicity, to the heart, to relationship. Lu Hanessian, Let the Baby Drive
Reader comments: "I read this book to my son everyday. He loves it! All the characters have become part of our lives. Thanks for writing such a sweet book!" “My girls, nine and six, loved the stories, the pictures, and the size of the book. Thanks!” (refers to first printing in tiny/small format) *"Autumn Stories is absolutely enchanting."