Meet September Review: A Cheerful Picture Book for the Start of Fall

The first weeks of school and the first cool mornings arrive together, and young children notice both. Meet September, part of April Martin's Calendar Kids series, turns that moment into a story: a girl named September who loves fall, a class nature walk and a hunt for one colorful leaf.

This review covers the story, the learning extras and who the book suits best.

Who it's for

• Children aged about 5 to 8, from kindergarten to second grade.
• Teachers looking for a read-aloud to open the school year or a unit on seasons.
• Parents and grandparents who like to mark the months with a book.
• Homeschooling families teaching the calendar, weather and traditions.

What we liked

• A character children can relate to. September is excited about her favorite season, and each Calendar Kid has a quirky pet as well.
• A gentle story with a goal. The teacher assigns an autumn nature walk, and the question of whether September and her friends will find a colorful leaf before the scavenger hunt is due keeps pages turning.
• Learning built in. The book covers the weather, traditions and observances of the month, including Deaf Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Written by a former elementary school teacher. The pacing and content fit a classroom.
• Generous extras. There are fun facts about the seasons, a kid-friendly recipe and discussion questions.
• Reversible jacket poster. The dust jacket turns into a poster of facts and key words.
• Online resources for parents and educators.
• A good length. At 48 pages, it's substantial but still fits one sitting.

What could be better

• It's tied to one month. The book shines in late summer and September, and may sit on the shelf the rest of the year.
• Younger listeners may drift. Forty-eight pages with facts and back matter is long for most children under 4.
• Part of a twelve-book series. Children who enjoy it will likely ask for their birthday month and more.
• Jackets and small hands. The reversible jacket is a nice feature, but dust jackets tear easily. Consider keeping it aside as the poster.
• Fall looks different everywhere. Families in warm climates may need to explain colorful leaves.

Key details explained

• Calendar Kids: a series with one book for each month, each led by a child named after that month.
• Reversible jacket: the paper cover has a poster printed on the inside.
• Back matter: the facts, recipe and questions that follow the story.
• Grade level K to 2: suitable for reading aloud to younger children and independent reading for confident early readers.

Tips for getting the most out of it

1. Read it before your own nature walk and collect leaves to compare.
2. Make the recipe together as a follow-up activity.
3. Use the discussion questions at dinner or circle time.
4. Hang the jacket poster in a reading corner or classroom.
5. Pair it with the calendar. Find the month, count the days and mark family events.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What age is it for? The publisher recommends ages 5 to 8.

Q: Is it only useful in September? The story is seasonal, but the facts about autumn work all through fall.

Q: Do I need to read the series in order? No, each book stands alone.

Q: Is it a hardcover? Yes, this edition is a hardcover with a jacket.

Should you buy it?

For a child starting school, or a teacher planning the first month, Meet September is a warm, well-made choice that entertains and teaches in equal parts. It's most valuable at the start of fall, and it makes a thoughtful gift for a September birthday.

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