As the seasons change and autumn arrives, the magic of fall comes alive for children. The wonder of leaves transforming into vibrant hues, the sweetness of fresh apples and squash, and the warmth of homemade pumpkin pies evoke a sense of excitement and curiosity. Amidst the return to school routines, Halloween celebrations, and Thanksgiving gatherings, there’s an abundance of topics ripe for exploration through literature.
This curated list of fall books for kids features picture books perfect for cozy reading sessions together, early readers and beginner chapter books designed for independent exploration, as well as activity-filled volumes that range from simple song lyrics to detailed instructions on roasting pumpkin seeds. Additionally, I’ve included books that tackle the universal experience of feeling nervous when facing new challenges, a timely consideration given the recent return to in-person schooling.
As we welcome this special time of year, I hope these autumnal tales bring joy and a sense of celebration to you and the young readers in your life.
Fall Picture Books for Kids
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kendard Pak
This charming picture book masterfully weaves together evocative prose and stunning visuals to transport readers on a journey with a curious young girl as she explores the transformative power of nature’s cyclical rhythms. As she ventures through the forest, her keen observations reveal the subtle yet unmistakable signs that summer is surrendering to autumn, painting a vivid portrait of the ever-changing seasons.
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger and Miki Sakamoto
Embark on an unforgettable journey with three adventurous friends as they trek up a majestic mountain in search of elusive leaves. This charming rhyming picture book is designed to delight both children and parents alike, offering ample opportunities for repetition and playful reading experiences. As you share this story aloud with your young readers, get ready to join the friends on their hilarious and thrilling quest.
Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller and and Anne Wilsdorf
As Sophie’s family ventures out to the farmer’s market in search of dinner, little does she know that her life is about to take a dramatic turn. Amidst the vibrant stalls and colorful produce, her mom brings home a humble-looking squash, which Sophie promptly names Bernice. In her childlike imagination, Bernice becomes more than just a vegetable – she’s a friend, a companion that can’t be eaten or harmed.
As Sophie’s parents and friends try to bring her back down to earth, explaining that Bernice won’t last beyond the next meal, Sophie remains resolute in her conviction that this squash is special. But as the days go by, Bernice begins to show signs of decay, her once-firm skin giving way to softness and squishiness. Will Sophie’s perception of reality be shattered when she’s forced to confront the inevitable fate of her beloved friend?
The Shadow in the Moon: A Tale of the Mid-Autumn Festival by Christina Matula and Pearl Law
As the seasons change, a heartwarming tale unfolds about two sisters eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Mid-Autumn Festival. With Ah-ma’s warm storytelling and the sweet aroma of freshly baked mooncakes wafting through the air, these young girls are surrounded by the sights, sounds, and flavors that make this Chinese holiday so special.
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry and the Fan Brothers
The scarecrow’s solitary existence was a familiar tale in the agricultural landscape he called home. For years, he watched as animals scurried about, avoiding his very presence. Yet, amidst this desolate backdrop, a chance encounter with a vulnerable baby crow would forever alter the dynamics of their relationship. As fate would have it, the young bird’s precarious perch near the scarecrow’s stationary form marked the beginning of an unlikely bond.
With the scarecrow’s gentle guidance, the baby crow managed to thrive, only for the seasons to pass and the time come for its departure on the great migration.
Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda
This enchanting tale combines the best of both worlds, seamlessly blending a storybook with interactive play. The narrative follows a curious bunny as it attempts to pluck apples from a tall tree for Mama’s signature pie. However, the bunny’s diminutive stature prevents it from reaching the coveted fruits. That’s where young readers come in, armed with an array of creative solutions to help our hero overcome this obstacle.
As they navigate the story, children are encouraged to think outside the box and explore different approaches to assist the bunny in its quest.
In the Leaves by Huy Voun Lee
As Xiao Ming’s mother led the group of children on a visit to a farm, he seized the opportunity to illustrate the connection between Chinese characters and their meanings. With sticks and mud, he skillfully drew the characters in the dirt, his friends gathered around him with curiosity. Meanwhile, the picturesque autumn landscape served as a stunning backdrop for their impromptu lesson, beautifully captured through vibrant collage illustrations.
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi and Lorena Alvarez
This delightful rhyming picture book perfectly captures the essence of learning and growth, making it an ideal read for the fall season and back-to-school period. The story’s central premise – every character possessing a magical yet – serves as a gentle reminder that skills and abilities can be developed over time.
With relatable scenarios ranging from riding a bike to mastering the bassoon, the book encourages young readers to approach challenges with patience and perseverance, emphasizing that it’s not that they can’t do something, but rather they just haven’t figured it out yet.
Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde and Susan Gal
Bella’s affection for fall is unwavering, but this season brings an added layer of excitement as she gets to wear her Grams’ iconic handmade coat. However, her joy is short-lived as she realizes it’s no longer a perfect fit. The once-sturdy fabric has given way to the passing of time, leaving Bella feeling deflated.
Yet, her clever Grams steps in, not only reviving memories of the old coat but also guiding Bella through the process of repurposing its worn-out remains while crafting a brand new one that mirrors the vibrant hues of autumn’s foliage.
The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade and Jennifer Davison
In a world where leaves attend school, Lance Cottonwood stands out as the most exceptional student in his entire tree’s academic institution. His peers look up to him with admiration, but Lance himself is plagued by self-doubt when it comes to the ultimate test: falling from the tree. As the day approaches, he can’t help but wonder if he’ll be able to overcome his fears and confidently let go, or if he’ll succumb to anxiety and become stuck forever, a lone leaf clinging to its branch.
Fall Early Readers
Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro and Loretta Krupinski
While the arrival of autumn is a time for cozy sweaters and warm apple cider, it’s also a season of transformation. As the days grow shorter, the trees begin to prepare for winter by changing the color of their leaves from green to vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown. This nonfiction early reader delves into the fascinating science behind this phenomenon, providing young readers with a comprehensive understanding of why autumn’s leaves take on these stunning hues.
Apple Picking Day by Candice Ransom and Erika Meza
This delightful early reader follows the adventures of two siblings as they embark on a thrilling autumn escapade to a bustling apple orchard. With its cheerful tone, the story masterfully guides young readers through the process of picking apples, from selecting the ripest varieties to collecting a bounty of fresh fruit.
The carefully crafted rhyme scheme serves not only to entertain but also to cultivate phonemic awareness in beginning readers, ultimately ensuring a joyful and successful reading experience.
From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer and James Graham Hale
This engaging book takes young readers on a fascinating journey through the life cycle of a pumpkin, using an elementary school Earth science approach. Beyond exploring the pumpkin’s development, it also delves into various autumnal activities, such as roasting pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack and baking pumpkin pie – a delicious treat. Additionally, the book offers interactive science experiments that bring the subject to life, making learning a fun and hands-on experience.
Rocket and the Perfect Pumpkin by Tad Hills
As Rocket and Bella ventured into the pumpkin patch, they stumbled upon the perfect gourd – its vibrant colors and unique shape making it a standout among the rest. However, transporting this prized find back home proved to be a more arduous task than anticipated. The real challenge lay in navigating the incline of the hill without their precious pumpkin rolling back down, defying all their efforts.
In order to overcome this obstacle, the friends would need to tap into their collective creativity and collaborate to devise an innovative solution, ultimately securing their perfect pumpkin’s safe return home.
Mouse Loves Fall by Lauren Thompson and Buket Erdogan
As the autumn season unfolds, Mouse and Minka eagerly anticipate embracing the outdoors. The narrative’s linguistic nuances cleverly weave together themes of color, quantity, and descriptive adjectives, skillfully evoking a sense of nostalgia in readers who have ever reveled in the simple joys of a leafy romp. Notably, key terms are strategically highlighted to facilitate vocabulary enhancement.
Never Bring a Zebracorn to School by Jack Lewis
As the start of a new academic year approaches, this charming early reader perfectly captures the essence of back-to-school season. The story follows a little girl’s misadventures as she brings her unique pet zebracorn to school for show and tell. What makes this tale even more delightful is that it’s told in rhyming verse, making it a joy to read aloud.
Boo, Katie Woo! by Fran Manushkin and Tammie Lyon
For Katie Woo, the highlight of autumn is undoubtedly Halloween. She’s particularly excited this year, having concocted an elaborate costume designed to send shivers down everyone’s spines. Her plan is to don a fearsome monster disguise, hoping to create a sense of unease and frighten all who cross her path.
However, as she waits for the reactions of those around her, Katie can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when people fail to be genuinely frightened, instead recognizing it’s just her in a getup.
Fall Chapter Books for Beginning Readers
Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy
Mildred’s nostalgia for her childhood is palpable as she reminisces about her mother who left this world when she was just six years old. Her desire to reconnect with the past takes an unexpected turn as she embarks on a journey to cultivate a massive pumpkin, inspired by the Circleville, Ohio pumpkin festival.
This heartwarming tale intertwines Mildred’s personal story with practical guidance on growing pumpkins, offering aspiring young botanists a unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside her.
Roscoe the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Shana Gorian
As the sun shone down on the pumpkin patch, James and Mandy brought their rambunctious German Shepherd, Rosco, along for the fun. The day had been filled with playful antics from the energetic pup, but little did they know that their adventure was about to take a dramatic turn. As they ventured into the corn maze, they stumbled upon a group of older bullies donning skeleton masks, intent on frightening younger kids.
It was then that Rosco’s playful demeanor gave way to a sense of purpose, as he recognized an opportunity to use his keen senses and quick thinking to protect the smaller children from these frightful foes.
Ninjas Don’t Bake Pumpkin Pies by Debbie Dadey and Marcia T. Jones
The Bailey School Kids are back with another thrilling adventure. This 1990s classic expertly blends humor and suspense as the students leap to conclusions about the new baker in town. Beneath its playful surface, this early mystery novel teaches kids a valuable lesson about avoiding assumptions. For children who may be anxious about returning to school this fall, it’s an excellent choice.
If you’re looking for more seasonal reads, our lists of 12 Snow Picture Books or 24 Cozy Winter Books for Preschoolers are great places to start.