Firsts and Lasts: The Changing Seasons

Leda Schubert's 'Firsts and Lasts The Changing Seasons' is a beautifully crafted picture book that invites young readers to observe and appreciate the subtle shifts between seasons. Through lyrical text, it explores the 'first' signs of a new season and the 'last' glimpses of the one departing, touching on both the joy of new beginnings and the gentle melancholy of endings. Clover Robin's stunning cut-paper collages bring warmth and magic to everyday occurrences, making this an ideal read-aloud for children aged 4-11. It's perfect for sparking conversations about nature, change, and the feelings associated with transitions.

With evocative words and glorious cut-paper collages, this celebration of the transitions between seasons summons the first—and last—signals of the seasonal cycle. What is the first sign of spring? And what is the last glimpse of winter? The joy of the changing seasons means saying hello to new but familiar rituals, like spring picnics in the park or homemade lemonade in summer. But there’s also the bittersweet feeling of doing something for the last time, like mowing the lawn one final time on a brown day in autumn, or watching the last of the geese fly south in the early weeks of winter. Whichever way you mark the changing of the seasons, every year feels like an extraordinary miracle! In this jubilant ode to seasonal rituals, Leda Schubert evokes the familiar, enchanting rhythm of the four seasons, while Clover Robin’s bold collages bring warmth and magic to everyday occurrences.