Cozy Autumn Books and Puzzles


We’ve had the first hard frost of the season here in the southern Blue Ridge mountains. Thus, the trees are baring the beauty of their branches (one of my favorite things to paint during the Inktastic Art Adventures). Serendipitously, I found a new favorite picture book about branches.

As it’s a wonderful time to get cozy with a great book or a beautiful puzzle, I’m sharing some of my favorites for Fall in case you might appreciate them as well. I am so grateful for a state wide library system that enables me to enjoy so many by having them sent to our little local library. If you don’t have a library card of your own, I highly recommend getting one! I’m also including affiliate links to make it easier for you to find these suggestions online. If you prefer to support small book stores, you can browse the lists I’ve curated at bookshop.org.

Even though my kids are in college now, I still love picture books. We Are Branches is a new favorite that I’ll be getting for my collection and for gifts! It has glorious illustrations along with a lovely message about family, connections, and nature. I also love listening to audio books using the Libby app to check them out through our library (or with Audible or Scribd if they are not available through Libby). It’s a great way to enjoy more stories while going for a walk or drive, doing chores, or making art! This month, I enjoyed listening to Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe (affiliate link). It was full of tasty treats and had an uplifting message.

You can click images to read more about each of them (using affiliate links).

The cooler and shorter days usually mean we spend more time inside and puzzles can be a nice way to spend some time enjoying seasonal art in a more intimate and interactive way. Here are a few puzzles that feature warm fall scenes and one of my favorites with a cuddly cat.

If you like puzzles, you might also like to browse some featuring my art in the Pixels or Redbubble shops. I’d love to hear if you have a favorite! The following is one of my faves for fall. (It’s also available printed on many other items if puzzles aren’t your thing.) The handwriting says “May joy grow like weeds wild and free.”

I’ve also noticed that the Born to Bloom Bright book has been on sale a lot recently. If it’s been on your list, this could be a good time to get a copy! There are verses and nods to each of the seasons. The pages about an orchard and a cornucopia are especially reminiscent of autumn.

If you haven’t joined me for story time yet, you can watch a full video flip through and reading of the book. Get the free access information from ThriveTrue.com/gifts.

Do you choose books according to mood or season? I usually have several checked out from the library to scatter around our home for anyone to read. Books also make great inspiration for art even if they do not include any pictures. The words and vibes can be prompts for paintings. If you’d like to explore your own imagination or make art inspired by the world around you, you might enjoy one of the art adventures that I host. There are several to choose from and I’d love to have you join me.

I think we are all artists, life artists!  It is in our very nature to create.

May we all find joy in the art of living. ♡

Wishing you bountiful blessings

Jules

Enjoy this? You can receive monthly love letters with art and inspiration from ThriveTrue.com/MagicMail along with insider access to other free gifts and seasonal give-aways.

You can see more book suggestions on the virtual book shelf at ThriveTrue.com/bookshelf.


Julia Ostara © 2023

~ Creator of the Heart of Life & Soul Songs Inspiration Card Decks
~ Artist, Presenter, and Hostess of Fun Creative Courses

* I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program (an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com) since I often link to items anyway! If you see something you’d like to have and are willing to use the links (click image of book) from this page, they’ll throw a few cents my way for sending you there.

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