September Read-Along: The Festival of Empty Baskets

[Hawthorn Quill Publishing]

As summer gives way to the gentle hush of autumn, we’re delighted to invite you to September’s group read: The Festival of Empty Baskets from the Châtenay Fables series by Eloïse Belleveau.

Join us as we journey to the heart of Châtenay, where the annual Festival of Empty Baskets brings the entire village together in a celebration of generosity, gratitude, and community spirit. Through Belleveau’s signature blend of warmth and whimsy, this tale explores how even the smallest hands can help fill the world with kindness.

How to join the read-along:
* Grab your copy (print or ebook).
* Share your thoughts, favourite moments, and questions in this thread all month long.
* Educators, parents, and young readers—feel free to post activity ideas or reflections inspired by the story!

Whether you’re revisiting Châtenay or discovering its magic for the first time, we can’t wait to read along together.

Happy reading!

[Anna]

Just finished Festival of Empty Baskets—such a tender, enchanting tale! The imagery and heart behind it linger beautifully.

[Eliza]

I found Festival of Empty Baskets deeply moving—how it captures the resilience of rural culture, where giving and sharing form an unspoken social contract. Beneath the celebration lies the hidden reality of food poverty, and Isaline’s choice to act was both touching and quietly powerful.

[Hawthorn Quill Publishing]

Well that wraps our September read. Thank you all for joining in September's read-along.

How did you all enjoy it? Please feel free to share your comments here so others can share in your joy. Or share the book with a friend, teacher or librarian, or even drop a review. It would mean the world to us and help us bring this story to others.

Join us for October's read along of The Kingswell Bears.
Until next time,
-The Hawthorn Quill Team

[Eva]

Holy moly, its October already. Where did September go to?! Finished our September read-along of Festival of Empty Baskets — what a joy it was! The story blended warmth and imagination beautifully, with such a festive spirit that carried through every page. A delightful way to end the month before diving into our October pick! Well done, Eloise!
-Eva

[Audrey]

Sorry haven't been very active. I wanted to drop a note and say what a beautiful story we shared this September! Festival of Empty Baskets gave such a tender reminder about gratitude, generosity, and finding joy in the simple things. A gentle, uplifting tale that felt perfect for the season, and much needed during a very trying time we all are seeing globally. Reminds us of our quiet duty to one another, that should never be ignored. Looking forward to this series developing, and for the bilingual readers. Need to spruce up my french! 💛 Thanks Eloise.

-Audrey

[Eliza]

Harvesting from my garden this week, thinking will it last until next spring and I was reminded of this story and paused in gratitude. ❤️

[Rafaela]

Sorry. I'm late posting, too. The Festival of Empty Baskets is such a gentle, hope-filled tale. I love how it reminds us that even when things feel scarce, community and imagination can fill us up in unexpected ways. A beautiful story to share — it left me smiling long after the last page. – Rafaela

[Eloïse]

Thank you all so much for your kind words about The Festival of Empty Baskets. This story is very close to my heart, and seeing how it has touched each of you means the world to me. Your reflections remind me why I write — to share hope, warmth, and a little light. I’m deeply grateful for this community.

Eloïse