The Winter Letters

Why does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving in October while the United States celebrates in November? Join Auntie Jo Jo and Amelia for the second episode of our four-part Thanksgiving Around the World History Sode series.Travel back to 1578 to explore an early ceremony of thanksgiving during Martin Frobisher's Arctic expedition. Discover the French settlers' Order of Good Cheer, learn how Canadian Thanksgiving developed through harvest celebrations and national observances, and find out why the holiday moved to the second Monday in October in 1957.We'll also explore Canadian Thanksgiving food traditions, the importance of preparing for winter, and the distinct Indigenous histories that long predate the modern holiday.

When Maya discovers a mysterious letter beneath an old footbridge in her hometown, she sets out to uncover the story behind its unusual message. Her search leads her through the November woods to an abandoned house, where a forgotten collection of letters reveals the memories of a girl named Evelyn and her deep connection to the town she once called home.

Amelia and Auntie Jo Jo are teaming up for a 4 Part Series to celebrating Thanksgiving and Thankfulness around the world!Discover the history behind the 1621 harvest gathering at Plymouth, learn about the Wampanoag people and their place in the story, and explore how Thanksgiving evolved into the American holiday celebrated today. Then get ready to travel beyond the United States to discover how other cultures honor harvests, family, and gratitude.

As autumn turns to winter, one little boy discovers that the end of a season can be the beginning of something wonderful. Join Oliver in The Last Golden Leaf, a cozy autumn story for kids about changing seasons, the beauty of nature, and learning to embrace new beginnings. When Oliver discovers the last golden leaf clinging to the oak tree in his grandmother’s garden, he decides to preserve a little piece of autumn before winter arrives. Along the way, he learns how trees prepare for winter, how we can care for birds and gardens during colder months, and why every season has something special to offer.Perfect for children and families who love gentle bedtime stories, autumn adventures, falling leaves, and the magic of the changing seasons.

Why do leaves turn red, orange, and yellow in the fall? In this History Sode of Auntie Jo Jo’s Library, discover the fascinating science behind autumn leaves and how trees prepare for winter. Learn about chlorophyll, the pigments that create brilliant fall colors, and why weather can make some autumns more colorful than others.

Step into the Whispering Woods, where mysterious voices, glowing blue lights, and a hidden secret await! When Oliver and his younger sister Lily venture into the forest one October evening, they discover that the strange happenings in the woods are more than just spooky stories. With the help of a woodland sprite named Thistlewick, they set out to solve a mystery involving a missing magical lantern and a rather unexpected visitor.

Did you know the Appalachian Mountains and the Scottish Highlands were once part of the same mountain range? In this History Sode, we travel back hundreds of millions of years to explore how ancient continents collided, how enormous mountains formed, and how the opening of the Atlantic Ocean separated them. Discover the fascinating geological connection between Scotland and North America and the incredible story written in the rocks beneath our feet.

Sometimes, the most treasured memories come from the simplest moments. In The Little Things We Remember, a parent and child spend a crisp autumn afternoon collecting colorful leaves, visiting the park, and enjoying a little adventure together. What begins as an ordinary day becomes a beautiful reminder of how quickly childhood passes and how meaningful the little moments can be.

Did you know that October is filled with fascinating holidays and celebrations around the world? Join Amelia, Auntie Jo Jo's guest reader, for a journey through the history of five unique celebrations, from Germany's famous Oktoberfest to India's Festival of Lights.Discover how Oktoberfest began as a royal wedding celebration, why Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, and how Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October. We'll also explore Dussehra, India's celebration of the victory of good over evil, and China's Double Ninth Festival, a tradition honoring older generations.This family-friendly History Sode explores the history, cultural traditions, and fascinating stories behind October's holidays. Perfect for curious kids and adults who love learning about world history, different cultures, and celebrations from around the globe.

Celebrate the beauty of autumn with two original fall poems from Auntie Jo Jo’s Library! In The Colors of Autumn, explore the golden leaves, crisp breezes, and changing seasons that make fall so special. Then, join a little pumpkin in A Little Pumpkin’s Wish as he discovers the joy of finding his place in the world.This special poetry episode is filled with cozy autumn imagery, colorful leaves, pumpkins, and the magic of the changing seasons. Perfect for children and families who enjoy seasonal poetry, gentle storytelling, and a little fall inspiration.