With summer winding down as quickly as it started, we’re all giving our spirits and our homes a little fall refresh. One great way to do that is to switch up the books on your kids’ shelves. Doing so instantly adds a little touch of whatever season you’re in (fall books for kids are so charming), and books also help to promote an awareness of how life–including our own!–goes through cycles as the year evolves.
With the leaves starting to change and the weather getting cooler, your little ones might be reaching for their shelves a bit more. Creating family time centered around reading together is not only a special way to bond, but it also seems like a quintessential fall activity, doesn’t it?
Here are some of our favorite fall books for kids (we’ve noted which ones are available in board book for your tiniest readers)—let us know if we’ve missed any of yours!
Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin-Picking Plan
Splat the Cat and companion Seymour have taken an adventure to the pumpkin patch, and naturally have chosen the most epic-sized pumpkin. The question is, how are they ever going to get something this massive home? Enjoyable to the very end and includes 30+ adorable stickers for added fun.
Tree Full of Wonder
An ode to the bond of humans and trees, this rhyming book is a magical tribute to the wondrous presence of trees in our lives. Not only will little ones feel a sense of protectiveness for these sacred leafy beings, but they will love the glowing pictures and engaging worksheets included.
Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom
This quintessential fall read has all you need to get into the change-of-seasons spirit! It features nature-based crafts, delicious baking recipes, and gardening projects all with an eco-friendly focus.
Apple Cake: A Gratitude
Fall—and this enchanting picture book— reminds us of all we have to be grateful for like apples, hazelnuts, and sweater-weather. Make sure you try with your little one the scrumptious apple cake recipe at the end. You might want to even add the cake as part of your Thanksgiving feast!
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
Sweet little fox Fletcher is worried about his favorite tree—her leaves are falling off! Follow him on a woodland adventure as he tries to help.
Biscuit and the Great Fall Day
The only cutie more precious than Biscuit the puppy is your little one! And your LO will savor Biscuit’s celebration of fall activities like apple picking, playing in leaves, riding a tractor, and more. The story’s language has been ideally crafted for emerging readers, too!
Sophie's Squash
On a trip to the farmer's market with her parents, little Sophie chooses a squash. Rather than eat it, she starts bringing it everywhere. This award-winning story can be a charming addition to any fall book collection.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Follow a little girl and her dog on a walk through the forest and town as they see the signs of the changing seasons.
The Roll-Away Pumpkin
When Marla's pumpkin rolls away, a simple and sometimes silly story ensues.
Too Many Pumpkins
When a pumpkin-hating gardener, Rebecca, buries one that has fallen in her yard to forget about it, she must find a way to deal with a sea of them.
A Celebration of the Seasons
Discovered verses from Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown make up this picture book celebrating the changing seasons.
also available in board book
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!
As part of the beloved 'There Was an Old Lady series,' this time the Old Lady has swallowed leaves, clothes, a pumpkin, and a rope! Follow this rhyme’s silly seasonal story and discover what happens to the Old Lady upon her latest ‘diet.’
Source: Alexandra Pagar-Wolf
Fall Leaves
This poetic picture book has nature's fall transformation on display.
Yellow Time
Bright and beautiful, this story follows animals and kids as they celebrate the special once-a-year yellow season before winter turns everything snowy white.
Little Acorn
Told from Little Acorn's point of view, young children will love following along and learning what happens as an acorn becomes a tree.
also available in board book
Touch and Feel Fall
Every page of this sensory-laden board book features different fall favorites—like leaves, sweaters, trees, and pinecones—with varying textures to explore. It’s as lovely for tactical play as it is for early learners to discover new words.
Leaf Man
This classic by Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator Lois Ehlert follows Leaf Man, who must go where the wind blows.
Because of an Acorn
With die-cut pages, this book shows the lifecycle of a tree and the interconnectedness of nature—from birds who nest in the branches to seeds that turn into flowers.
Otis and the Scarecrow
The new scarecrow on Otis the tractor's farm always has a frown, so the rest of the farm leaves him alone. But Otis can't stop thinking about him in this poignant tale about loneliness and compassion.
Tractor Mac Autumn is Here
It's little calf Fergus's first fall, and he doesn't want things to change. Vehicle-obsessed little ones will love following this autumnal story.
The Leaf Thief
This silly story will have little ones laughing as a squirrel tries to find out who stole his leaf.
The Ugly Pumpkin
Poor pumpkin waits in the pumpkin patch for someone to take him home—but no one does. Find out what happens to him as Thanksgiving rolls around.
also available in board book
Duck & Goose, Find a Pumpkin
Follow the endearing duo Duck and Goose as they search for a perfect fall pumpkin.
also available in board book
Hedgehugs: Autumn Hide-and-Squeak
Best friend hedgehogs Horace and Hattie hear a squeak from a tree as they're watching the falling leaves and wonder if they've found another friend to play with.
also available in board book
Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book
As little ones page through this colorful peek-through board book, they see a new set of animals appear and disappear in the forest as the seasons change.
