Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively look at a new school year and expanding friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Young Ravi describes the opening months of the school year in the picture book, FALL IS FOR BEGINNINGS. In this sequel to Summer Is for Cousins, he starts with the first day of school and being reunited with his best friend Joe. They do everything together. Then a new girl appears, certain that they will be her new best friends. Ravi and Joe are resistant. Ellie is persistent. Meanwhile, the friends enjoy seasonal activities such as apple picking, leaf-pile jumping, deepa lighting, and having a Halloween party. Ellie finally realizes that her efforts are unwelcome, and Ravi finally realizes that he has hurt her feelings. He turns to his older sister for advice that prompts another realization: "Maybe Ellie is already my friend." Throughout the year, the teacher has each student add leaves to a paper tree to note each new experience. Ravi concludes, "I'm proud of all the leaves on my tree because fall is for beginnings and friendship."
Is It Any Good?
Common childhood experiences are celebrated in this lively picture book that chronicles the fun of a new school year along with the bumpy ride to new friendship. A range of feelings is acknowledged in Fall Is for Beginnings as a new girl in class attempts to get two long-standing best friends to make room for her. The boys are resistant. She is persistent. What ensues? Frustration disappointment, hurt feelings, remorse, amends, and finally acceptance. The title offers gentle irony. In nature, spring is for beginnings, but, for kids, it's fall and all that a new school year brings. Exuberant digital art is action-packed but still well able to capture moments painful and poignant, hopeful and happy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Fall Is for Beginnings and discuss the changing seasons. What is your favorite season of the year and why?
Do you have a best friend like Ravi does in the story? If so, what makes for a special friendship?
At first, best friends Ravi and Joe do not want to befriend Ellie, the new girl in class. They want to be a duo and not a trio. What makes them change their minds and include her? Do you think it takes courage to change your mind?
Ravi is upset that he has hurt Ellie's feelings. He finally feels empathy for her and he talks to his sister about his feelings. Does it help you to talk to someone when you are upset? How does communication help you understand confusing situations?
Ellie wants to be friends with Ravi and Joe. They are unsure at first about adding a new friend to their bond, but she persists. What do you think about her determination? Do you ever need to persevere to make something happen?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Abhi Alwar
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : August 5, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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