Get Cozy with the Best Fall Picture Books!
Hey there, fellow fall fanatics! If the thought of curling up in your favorite cozy nook with a cup of piping hot apple cider and a treasure trove of fall picture books gets you giddy, then boy, do I have a treat for you! I’m about to unveil a list that will whisk you away into the whimsical world of autumn faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte.”
As the leaves exchange their lush greenery for a symphony of auburn and gold, it’s the perfect backdrop to journey through tales of scarecrows, harvest festivals, and all sorts of autumn-themed stories. And if you think these books are just for the little kiddos—think again! These gems are adored by book lovers of all ages, from pre-kindergarteners with imagination as big as their smiles to older kids, who secretly still revel in the magic of a good picture book.
Embrace Autumn’s Awe with These Picture Books
The Heartwarming Charm of ‘The Scarecrow’
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry is like a warm blanket on a chilly night. It’s a touching story about a scarecrow that becomes an accidental guardian to a baby crow. Through kindness and companionship, this fall-themed gem teaches a beautiful lesson in friendship. Trust me, you’ll want to hug the person nearest to you after this one!
A Pumpkin Palooza in ‘Too Many Pumpkins’
Imagine disliking pumpkins so much that just one look triggers flashbacks of austerity. That’s Rebecca’s tale in Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White. But when a dropped pumpkin leads to an accidental pumpkin patch of epic proportions, Rebecca’s world changes for the better! Spoiler: The end result is as heartwarming as it is pumpkin-filled!
Squash Drama in ‘Sophia’s Squash’
Sophia’s Squash by Pat Zeitlow Miller is a story that’s as quirky as it is cute. Who knew one could form such a strong bond with a vegetable? But for Sophie and her squash, Bernice, it’s love at first sight—until the rot sets in. Watch your little ones grapple with the life lesson on impermanence, but in a totally adorable way.
Country Vibes with ‘County Fair’
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s County Fair is fall in book form! This story transports you straight to a time where prized pumpkins, proud ribbons, and the pure joy of the fairground reign supreme. Tag along with Almonzo for a day of pure, nostalgic, autumn fun!
A Pie Odyssey with ‘How to Make An Apple Pie and See the World’
No ingredient? No problem! Marjorie Ariceman’s How to Make An Apple Pie and See the World is a tasty concoction of bakery and geography. This adventurous culinary quest around the globe is perfect for your aspiring little chefs and world explorers!
Fox Tails and Fall in ‘Fletcher and the Falling Leaves’
Ever fretted over a tree losing its leaves? Because Fletcher certainly has. In Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, a compassionate fox learns to find beauty in change and that sometimes, letting go isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of something new and equally beautiful.
Cheerful Changes in ‘Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn’
Kenard Pan’s Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is an Affectionate nod to the changes of the season. With every page, stroll through the transition and learn to greet the crisp whisper of fall with the same gusto as the chirping protagonist.
The Harried Harvest of ‘Autumn Story’
Join the delightful Brambly Hedge mice in Autumn Story by Jill Barklem as they scramble to gather their harvest before winter. Kids are especially captivated by the intricate, comforting illustrations that embody the coziness of fall.
Leaves and Learning in ‘Mouses First Fall’
In Mouses First Fall by Lauren Thompson, even toddlers join in on the fall fun as Mouse and Minka explore the kaleidoscope of autumn leaves. This book is a vibrant celebration of colors, shapes, and the joys of discovery.
‘The Busy Little Squirrel’ and the Sprint Before Winter
Nancy Tafuri’s The Busy Little Squirrel illustrates the rush of preparation before winter’s grasp. It’s a playful frolic through apple orchards and pumpkin patches—a seasonal excursion for those busy little preschool bodies!
Seasonal Reminders in ‘The Little House’
Virginia Lee Burton’s Caldecott-winning The Little House is an evergreen favorite, transcending seasons and warming hearts with its story of perseverance and home’s enduring soul.
Four Seasons at ‘A Year at Maple Hill Farm’
Alice Provensen’s A Year at Maple Hill Farm offers a vivid glimpse into the cyclical beauty of farm life through all four seasons, with fall standing out with its harvest hues and festive spirit.
Sublime Observations in ‘I Know it’s Autumn’
Eileen Spinelli’s I Know it’s Autumn is a tender chronicle of the season’s subtle shifts as witnessed through the eyes of an astute child—each observation, a stanza in autumn’s earthy poem.
Adventurous ‘Leaf Man’
Lois Ehlert’s Leaf Man proves that a simple concept can ignite the imagination—follow the Leaf Man’s windborne journey and be inspired to craft your own leafy creations!
Find Fall with ‘Lawrence in the Fall’
In Lawrence in the Fall by Matthew Farina, delve into a story of a boy and his father, and the simple yet profound wonders they uncover as they wander through the woods of autumn.
Preparing for Winter in ‘In November’
Join Cynthia Rylant’s serene narrative in In November as life slows and nature bedecks itself in a quilt of rest, ready for the cold months ahead.
Kite Tales in ‘Storm’
Sam Usher’s Storm sweeps you up in a blustery tale—complete with kite chases and the boundless joy of a day-off school—a true hallmark of fall’s unpredictable weather.
Joyful Jumbles in ‘Fall Mixed Up’
The sheer hilarity of Fall Mixed Up by Robert Roczka will have you flipping through its pages with glee. Geese hibernating, squirrels flying south? Dive into this wacky world where fall is upside down and inside out!
Little Ones Love These Toddler Tales
Oh, and let’s not forget the tiniest readers! There’s a plethora of fall picture books crafted just for their little hands and robust imaginations. From ducks seeking gourds to adorable farmyard antics, toddlers will revel in tales like ‘Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin’ and ‘The Big Red Barn’. Trust me, they’ll be chanting for “just one more book!” before bedtime.
Pre-Schoolers Pick These Plump Pumpkins
As for preschoolers, the selection is as ripe as the season’s pumpkins! Revisit favorites like the adventures of Mouse, the bustling squirrel, and the tender goodbye to summer. These short and sweet stories are the perfect snacks for young minds eager to learn and laugh.
Kindergarten Favorites: Falling for These!
Kindergarteners are in luck with depictions of wild county fairs, squash companions, and house with a soul. These stories are not just read; they’re experienced, celebrated, and sure to be talked about long after the last leaf drops.
Don’t Miss These Other Fall-Themed Wonders
Before you go off to rustle up these books, remember that the fall festivities don’t stop here. From pumpkin spectacles to Thanksgiving stories, there are themed book lists aplenty to continue your seasonal storytelling spree.
Pile Up the Picture Books!
Now, I must ask, what are YOUR favorite fall picture books? The ones that fill your heart with warmth, paint your imagination with amber tones, and make you crave a second slice of that apple pie? Share your autumnal favorites, and let’s keep celebrating this beautiful season, one flip of the page at a time!
I absolutely loved this article on “Fall Picture Books: A Seasonal Storytime Adventure.” It was a fantastic resource for finding new picture books to incorporate into my seasonal storytime adventure, and it perfectly captured the excitement and adventure of the fall season.