Beautifully illustrated, In the Autumn Forest has animals facing an impending storm. Starting with denial and panic - the forest foursome seek to find protection as the wind and rain develop. Fox, Mouse and Crow express sadness and wistfulness as summer comes to an end. Squirrel offers the positive outlook - colorful leaves, warm sun, crisp air, blue skies - what could be better? Several emotions to explore as the animals find that the storm offers its own type of bounty.
The text blends nicely with the illustrations which are vibrant and bring movement to the storm.
Thanks to Charlesbridge, Daniela Kulot, and NetGalley for this ARC.

A tender autumnal tale that encourages empathy, curiosity, and togetherness—this is fall reading at its finest.

In the Autumn Forest is a beautifully illustrated, gentle story that perfectly captures the spirit of fall and the power of listening to one another. As Fox, Mouse, Crow, and Squirrel prepare for an approaching storm, young readers are treated to a thoughtful, friendship-centered tale that explores emotions, perspective, and empathy in a way little ones can truly understand.

With lyrical language and soft, inviting artwork, this picture book makes a lovely read-aloud for cozy afternoons. It gently introduces social-emotional lessons—like trusting others, noticing feelings, and embracing different viewpoints—without ever feeling didactic.

Ideal for ages 3–7, this story is a calming, heartwarming addition to any seasonal bookshelf and perfect for sparking conversations about weather, emotions, and the value of community.

This book is a simple celebration of autumn. The fantastic art really carries the story with both its accurate portrayals of fall and the animated expressions of the characters.

A lovely way to celebrate the season.

These illustrations were so beautiful and made me so excited for fall. My toddler won't stop asking me to get out the ipad so I can let him read this. It was educational and sweet.

A heartwarming story set in fall. Fox sits and watches the changing of seasons. Welcome Fall! Fox's friends crow, squirrel, and mouse also notice the changes and talks about what they notice about the changing season, and what they enjoy about it. Will the dark clouds rolling in change their mind? with vibrate detailed illustrations, this sweet story will welcome Fall into your home.

Thank you Net Galley and Charlesbridge publishing company for providing an E ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This is a wonderful new companion to the author's book In The Winter Woods. Fox, crow, mouse, and squirrel each has their own way of knowing that something is coming and what they need to do. Then the storm comes and everyone is okay and they laugh together. Lovely story with delightful illustrations by the author!
Thanks to Elizabeth Lauffer for translating from the German.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital proof on Thorium PDF from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Pub Date Aug 05, 2025 *****review #bookbub #thestorygraph
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Sweet, simple little story perfect for a read-aloud about cute woodland creatures experiencing the autumn season, good and bad. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and evocative of fall weather. Love it!

Thank you so much to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Fox, Mouse, Crow and Squirrel, gather together to observe the autumn weather, the apples for Mouse to nest in, the leaves for Squirrel to play with, the pretty views it brings. But then a storm arrives and everyone must duck for cover, when the storm fades they gather together once more to look at the autumn wonders.

This was so beautiful, from the stunning illustrations sharing the perfect location for the autumn weather to the sweet animals friends which I adored looking at. We got such a sweet story of friendship from these unlikely friends, we saw so much connection and kindness with each other.

The setting during autumn was perfect it really set the story up perfectly, fall is both a beautiful season and a bit of a sad season and that was depicted wonderfully, from the beauty that it provides with the trees and the colour tones, but to the scary storms and the barrenness that gets left in its wake.

A absolutely perfect even read for young ones, especially during the autumn season, it’s such a cozy and beautiful book full of friendship and laughter, with so many beautiful pictures to look at on each page.

I received a free copy of, In the Autumn Forest, by Daniela Kulot, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. A storm is coming, some of the animals in the forest, know its coming, but squirrel does not think a storm will come. This is a cute story, with beautiful illustrations of a forest in the fall.

I love a good seasonally themed book, and this one leans into autumn without feeling like they are beating you over the head with it. I love the vibrant and fun illustrations and my toddler and I were both amused by this story and it's illustrations multiple times while reading.

With its lovely illustrations and endearing characters, IN THE AUTUMN FOREST is an adorable seasonal read that is sure to charm little ones both at home and in the classroom. With its uplifting and positive nature, it shows us that there is beauty to be found everywhere, even when something changes. A wonderful addition to any personal or school library. Highly recommend.

In the Autumn Forest by Daniela Kulot opens with enchanting art and writing that immediately invite a strong connection.

The story is simple yet profound—Fox, Mouse, Crow, and Squirrel reflect on the arrival of autumn and the quiet fading of summer’s warmth and coziness. Then, quite suddenly, a storm sweeps in, and they all rush to safety. Once it passes, they check in on each other and go right back to enjoying all that autumn has to offer.

The story is a tender reminder that even as the world shifts around us, kindness and connection remain, with emphasis on listening.

In the Autumn Forest is a lovely book with friendly wild animals who share their feelings about the changing temperature and environment. They look forward to the best of autumn but know the perils of the strong weather. Living in the midwest has taught many of us that there is beauty in the environment as the colors change from green to russet, but there are also scary sights such as dark clouds and strong winds that blow everything about. The illustrations were so colorful--warmer tones of changing leaves and dormant grass. The art of the environment/background were striking. This is an enjoyable read for all ages.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely book about four friends, Fox, Mouse, Crow and Squirrel. The text stays quite true to their base personalities. It's about how the four of them deal with autumn and it's boons, a sudden storm and how they help Squirrel out with a little accident. The text is simple and engaging. The art is gorgeous with the shapes, expressions and the bright colors used. I had a lovely time reading this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“In the Autumn Forest” evokes a nostalgic longing for the golden ease of summer, as the first whispers of autumn begin to stir. The fox, mouse, and crow share the same concerned anticipation of colder weather, but the squirrel is blissfully ignorant. As the first gusts of cold wind disperse the animals and send them fleeing for cover, they all experience Fall. As the winds die down, they check on each other. The little squirrel has been caught unprepared, and his friends help him. Interestingly, he looks unconcerned and keeps on showing appreciation for the forest as is at this moment (still abundant with fruit and seeds), so his friends join him. The test of the weather assures them that, no matter what lies ahead, they have each other to face it.

In the Autumn forest was wonderful to read! The story focuses on Fox Crow Mouse and Squirrel pondering the end of summer and the joys of fall. Crow points out the downside of the Fall season while Squirrel concentrates on the joys of the moment leaving Fox and Mouse to find a balance between the extreme view points. This a beautifully illustrated picture book using traditional fall colors in orchard / forest setting. A great book for preschoolers to first or second grade. The text is clear and matches the actions drawn on the page. I would use this book in my story times to talk about Fall, the colors of the season and animals you might see in the woods.

Thank you Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the digital copy to read and review. The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning! Kids could spend a much time just staring at them.

This book is about the shift to autumn and how it impacts a group of forrest animal friends. It’s a sweet and simple story that kids will enjoy.

In the Autumn Forest, written and illustrated by Daniela Kulot and translated by Elisabeth Lauffer, is a beautifully crafted picture book recommended for children ages 3–7. Scheduled for release on August 5, 2025, this seasonal story is a lovely way to introduce young readers to the changes and beauty of autumn.

The illustrations are particularly striking, rendered in a warm, traditional autumn color palette that perfectly complements the theme. I was especially impressed by how the animals’ emotions were clearly and effectively conveyed—no small feat when maintaining realistic depictions of wildlife. The story touches on common concerns brought by seasonal changes—shorter days, colder and more unpredictable weather, and the scarcity of resources—but ultimately celebrates the unique beauty and quiet wonder of the fall season.

This book can be a great tool for sparking meaningful conversations with children about nature, wildlife, weather, and the passage of time. Living in New England, where we experience all four seasons in full, I especially appreciate stories that reflect and honor these transitions.

Fans of this title will be pleased to know that a companion book, In the Winter Woods, is set to release later this year on October 15, 2024. Together, these books would make a thoughtful seasonal collection for young readers.

I rated In the Autumn Forest 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A cute book about friendship and preparing for a storm.

In the Autumn Forest - 4/5

In the Autumn Forest, written and illustrated by Daniela Kulot is a beautiful picture book about the changes that occur when autumn starts and summer ends. With its bright and vibrant colors this book shows how pretty autumn is, and particularly forests in the fall. How weather, fauna and flora, change, evolve and adapt through the new season.

"The sun is still shining, warming our feathers and fur. The fine air smells of soil, dry leaves and mushrooms - and the sky is bluer than ever. Now this is autumn !"

Fox, Crow, Squirrel and Mouse are hanging out by the lake, below the fall trees, noticing the small first changes around them. When suddenly the sky turns grey and dark...

"And whenever Fox slips away, danger is near. Crow certainly knows that and hightails it to safety."

I chose to read that book because I love autumn, the forest and storms. Plus the illustrations are really eyecatching. The orange's omnipresence and vibrance, all its shades, the blue sky, clouds and color changing landscapes, show how autumn forest transforms.
The drawings are very well done and detailed. I appreciated the precision in the lines, how it's colored. There's attention to details.

Let me tell you how much I wished I could enter the book to sit on that bench and admire the beautiful view of the lake and orange trees and multicolored leaves falling and flying from the sky.

It's great to learn new vocabulary, and introduce young readers to what comes with changing seasons. Also about noticing the signs of a storm, when to take cover. Friendship, compassion, helping each other out. And how each individual can see an event in a different way : When his three friends were quite sad about autumn coming, Squirrel thought about all its good sides : sun, mushrooms, multicolored leaves, and now, a feast !

"Autumn has so much to share. (...) Though storms may catch us unaware, we don't mind - It's all good !"

#IntheAutumnForest #NetGalley.