Last month I presented back-to-school literature and shelf adornments, and today I’m thrilled to revealpreferred autumn books for children!
September has arrived which signifies we’re anticipating changing leaves, apple harvesting, and excursions to the pumpkin patch. These autumn picture stories are a splendid method to impart the enchantment of the fall season with the young readers in your world.
I’ve always appreciated the straightforward tales and stunning illustrations found in children’s literature. Now, enjoying them with my kids has become my favorite activity each new season! I hope you find this compilation of fall-themed books useful if you are visiting your local library or bookstore.
Side note:Since there is substantial overlap between autumn and Thanksgiving literature, I am including both in this article. So, if you are searching for harvest or Thanksgiving children’s books, you’re in the perfect spot. For spooky tales, check out 50+ Top Halloween Books for Kids!
This post may feature affiliate links.
Preferred Autumn Books for Children
Here is a compilation of autumn literature to read aloud this season! It was a challenge for me to limit it to 12 top selections, so I’m adding a few honorable mentions at the bottom as well 😉
(I am linking the books from Amazon for your convenience, but you can also visit your library, local bookstore, or an online used book retailer like Thrift Books for additional options.)
1. Because of An Acorn
To begin, say “hello autumn” with Because of An Acorn! This straightforward tale depicts how a forest’s trees, flowers, and creatures are interconnected. Because of an acorn, an oak tree flourishes, a bird finds a spot to create a nest, and much more! This is a fantastic book about the ecosystem of a forest and how all the inhabitants play a role.
We actually first discovered this book on a nature stroll at a nearby park. The pages were laminated along the path, which was such a delightful idea!
2. Leaf Man
Next, Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert is an enjoyable autumn book that pays tribute to nature’s evolving scenery through the anthropomorphization of vibrant leaves. The fall leaves take on various forms, like a turkey, pumpkins, cows, and fish, before transforming back into the leaf man at the conclusion of the book.
We adore observing the diverse types of leaves (ash, honey locust, maple, sweet gum!) and feeling motivated to embark on a leaf hunt. A marvelous classic for autumn!
3. The Scarecrow
A straightforward tale for the autumn season, The Scarecrow tells the story of an unexpected camaraderie between a scarecrow and a baby crow and the joy of aiding others. This one leans a bit on the sentimental side for me, but the artistic style and lyrical prose are exquisite!
4. Bella’s Fall Coat
An ideal read for the season, Bella’s Fall Coat follows a little girl who adores playing in the orange autumn leaves, apple picking, and running with the geese. Unfortunately, Bella’s cherished coat is a tad too snug this year! But after grappling with some sadness about the change, she grows to love her new coat made by her grandmother and discovers a special purpose for her old coat.
5. The Very Last Leaf
The Very Last Leaf tells the story of a little yellow leaf named Lance Cottonwood. Lance is a diligent student who usually excels academically, but is anxious about his “final exam”: falling gracefully to the ground in autumn. A wonderful book about acknowledging fear, seeking support, and taking the leap nonetheless. Plus, it’s super adorable with the autumn theme!
6. Little Elliot, Fall Friends
A charming tale about forming new friendships, Little Elliot, Fall Friends follows Elliot the elephant and mouse as they journey from the bustling city to the countryside for an autumn getaway. Eventually, the friends become separated during a game of hide and seek, but the aroma of a scrumptious pie reunites them for a fall feast with the farm animals.
We don’t possess the original Little Elliot Big City book, but I should definitely get it since we adore the storybook illustrations and endearing characters.
7. The Leaf Thief
This one didn’t arrive in time for my photographs, but The Leaf Thief is a fantastic choice for an autumn picture book! Squirrel is enjoying his morning counting his favorite red, gold, and orange leaves. However, one leaf is missing! After questioning Mouse, Woodpecker, and Bird, Squirrel discovers that the sole leaf thief is the wind.
Children of all ages will find joy in this whimsical tale, as well as the additional pages at the end that provide more information about autumn and falling leaves.
leaves.
8. Apple Cake
Apple Cake is a delightful book about a young girl and her family residing on a farm. Each page conveys gratitude: for the small joys of a fall day, for connections, and for the ingredients to bake a scrumptious apple cake! This is a brief one with fewer words (it feels more like a board book), and the illustrations are so warm and charming.
The autumn season and the spirit of thanksgiving is an ideal moment to savor this tale. We are eager to attempt the apple cake recipe found at the conclusion of the book!
9. Thanksgiving in the Woods
Thanksgiving in the Woods is an adorable story about a community coming together in appreciation. A young boy and his family assist in organizing a joyful day filled with delectable food, autumn activities, and making music around the campfire. Inspired by a real Thanksgiving celebrated in the woods by a family and friends in upstate New York! We also adore the intricate illustrations.
10. Strega Nona’s Harvest
Strega Nona’s Harvest by Tomie Depaola is a fabulous addition to any kid’s collection of fall literature! We enjoy the vibrant illustrations and the enchanting protagonist, a woman named Strega Nona who meticulously collects seeds and plants a garden annually. Strega Nona’s garden is tidy and organized, but her assistant Big Anthony has his own ideas about planting! In the autumn, they gather sufficient fruit and vegetables to support their community as well.
This is actually our first encounter with a Strega Nona book, but I’m thrilled to read more!
11. Sweep
Sweep narrates the tale of a little boy and his “bad mood,” illustrated by a breeze stirring up leaves throughout a city. This book features stunning illustrations and serves as a wonderful topic for discussions about challenging days and the choice to look upward and persevere.
Side note: Emotions and feelings are multifaceted, and a picture book can provide limited insight. I largely selected this book because of the images of autumn leaves! There are thoughtful reviews on Amazon that might assist you in deciding whether it suits your taste.
12. Picking Apples and Pumpkins
Lastly, I couldn’t compose a post about our cherished fall books without featuring Picking Apples and Pumpkins! (You won’t see it in the photos since our copy is from my childhood and has seen better days.) This book tells the story of a family and their friends who spend a day at an orchard. They go apple picking, choose pumpkins from the patch, and finally bake an apple pie back at home. The essence of cozy autumn vibes from the 90s!
This was my all-time favorite fall book growing up, and my kids adore it too! Thrilled that it remains in print.
Honorable mentions: Humongous Fungus, Little Witch Hazel, Always Everly, and The Complete Brambly Hedge.
50+ Favorite Fall Books for Kids
Here are additional top fall books for kids, along with some Thanksgiving titles too!
Fall Books for Kids Styling Ideas for a Bookshelf
Interested in styling an adorable kids’ bookshelf for autumn? Here are some decorative items you might consider including.
Kids Bookshelf Garland and Bunting for Fall
First, consider using a felt ball garland or bunting featuring fallen leaves to enhance book ledges and shelves for the season. Here are some charming options to think about!
Fall Kids Bookshelf Decor
Next, incorporate a cozy blanket, a fall-themed throw pillow, or a cuddly stuffed animal. I opted for these tiny acorn and pumpkin pie Palm Pals, which are our favorite collectibles!
Autumn Kids Wall Banners
Lastly, check out these adorable fall wall banners for a children’s room or play area! I reused the same one (mini size) from our back to school bookshelf, but truly cherish this one for autumn.
Favorite Fall Books for Kids Conclusion
In conclusion, fall-themed children’s books provide a delightful way to share the magic of the changing seasons with youngsters. If you have a favorite title I haven’t mentioned, I would love to hear about it in the comments below!
More fun fall inspiration:
