If there’s a chill in the air and the trees are spinning a tapestry of reds and golds, it must be autumn! And that means it’s time to grab your little ones, cuddle up on the couch, and read a few of my favorite picture books for fall.
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Apple Farmer Annie
by Monica Wellington
Apple Farmer Annie loves growing apples and she loves baking her apples into all kinds of delicious things to eat. But more than anything, Annie loves sharing her apples and baked goods at the farmer’s market. And Annie would like to share her yummy treats with you, too—just follow the recipes in the back of the book!
Bear Has a Story to Tell
by Philip C. Stead
Children’s writing duo Philip and Erin Stead have a story to tell about a sleepy bear who has his own story to tell. But Bear’s friends are all too busy getting ready for winter to listen to Bear. Maybe in the spring they will be rested and ready to hear it—that is, if Bear can still remember the story!
Count Down to Fall
by Fran Hawk
Count Down to Fall offers a richly illustrated study in counting and the beauty of autumn. Two-page spreads showcase the colors and textures of fall, with raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and birds frolicking alongside oak leaves, pinecones, acorns, and birch bark. It’s more than a picture book…it’s an autumn masterpiece!
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
by Julia Rawlinson
Fletcher’s favorite tree is starting to look brown and dry, and Fletcher doesn’t understand why. But when the wind starts to blow and the tree’s leaves begin to fall, the young fox really begins to worry. What’s happening to his tree? Fletcher’s mom tries to reassure him, but it takes a big surprise to make Fletcher feel better.
Hardscrabble Harvest
by Dahlov Ipcar
With sweet watercolor illustrations, lilting rhyme, and a touch of humor, Dahlov Ipcar follows a farmer through the seasons, from planting in the spring to a bountiful autumn feast. It may sound simple, but you’ll soon discover that if the farmer wants to enjoy his harvest, he’s got his work cut out for him.
A House in the Woods
by Inga Moore
You might think that two pigs would find it difficult to be friends with a bear and a moose, but if you read A House in the Woods you’ll see that anything’s possible! Set in an autumn forest, this enchanting picture book is a delightful primer on friendship, generosity, kindness, hard work–and sharing peanut butter sandwiches with friends.
Leaf Jumpers
by Carol Gerber
There are few activities that children enjoy more than jumping in a freshly raked pile of fallen leaves. But who would have thought that a pile of leaves could also be a fun-filled classroom? In Leaf Jumpers, kids learn shapes and colors and how to identify leaves from a variety of trees. It’s autumn fun at its most colorful!
Leaf Man
by Lois Ehlert
Children’s author Lois Ehlert said, “When I see a beautiful leaf, I have to pick it up. I can’t help myself.” If you’re anything like Lois, you’re going to love this whimsical picture book. Follow Leaf Man wherever the wind blows him, but keep your eyes open–there are LOTS of leaf creatures to find in this colorful autumn treasure!
Possum’s Harvest Moon
by Anne Hunter
It’s almost time for Possum’s long winter sleep, but tonight the harvest moon is shining bigger and brighter than ever. It’s the perfect night for one last dance party before winter! But the mice, the crickets, and even the fireflies are too busy (or too sleepy) to come to Possum’s Harvest Soirée. Or are they?
The Pumpkin Runner
by Marsha Diane Arnold
When Joshua Summerhayes enters a 900-kilometer run, no one expects him to win. After all, with his overalls and big orange boots, the old sheep rancher doesn’t look much like a runner. But Joshua has been running for over 50 years, fueled by pumpkins and with his old Yellow Dog by his side. Do you think Joshua can win the race?
Tap the Magic Tree
by Christie Matheson
If you could, would you coax a bare brown tree to burst back to life again? In Tap the Magic Tree, you will turn words into motion, enticing the tree along on its journey from winter to spring and summer, through autumn and another winter, and back to spring again. It’s a colorful walk through the seasons that you make happen!
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt
by Steve Metzger
Steve Metzger’s We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt might remind you of another well-known children’s “hunting” book. In this delightfully singsongy read-aloud, readers go over a tall mountain, through a dark forest, around a swooshing waterfall, and across a cold lake to find lots of colorful leaves. It’s a wonderful day!
Scarecrow
by Cynthia Rylant
Have you ever stopped to think about what a scarecrow’s life is really like? He might seem like nothing more than a bundle of rags and straw at first, but take a closer look! With birds visiting, seeds being planted, rain coming down, and clouds going by, a scarecrow has a LOT to keep him busy.
Hello, Harvest Moon
by Ralph Fletcher
What’s that rising up above the treetops? It’s the harvest moon! With gorgeous oil-painted illustrations, this lyrical picture book sings the praises of everything that’s special about autumn. Tag along as a young girl takes in the late-season beauty by the light of the harvest moon.
The Very Best Pumpkin
by Mark Kimball Moulton
When Peter finds a pumpkin growing far from the patch, he knows it must be a special pumpkin. He tends it carefully as it grows big and beautiful. But someone else has been watching it, too—Peter’s neighbor, Meg. Perhaps Peter’s special pumpkin will be the beginning of an equally special friendship.
Fall Leaves
by Loretta Holland
There are two great ways to enjoy this beautiful autumn picture book! Read a clever poem in the large text on each page or read the small text to learn more about the beauty and science of fall. Either way, the ethereal illustrations and accompanying text make for a delightful autumn read-aloud experience.
Yellow Time
by Lauren Stringer
The geese have left for their long flight and the squirrels are busy gathering food before “white time” comes, and that can only mean one thing: Yellow Time is here with all its bright and cheerful shades of color! It will be gone before you know it, so don’t delay. Go outside and enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of Yellow Time!
Hedgehugs: Autumn Hide & Squeak
by Steve Wilson
Horace and Hattie Hedgehog can always find something fun to do. But not today! Hattie is sad that the leaves are falling, and Horace isn’t sure how to cheer her up. But then they meet a brand-new friend and discover that a rousing game of hide-and-seek is the perfect way to celebrate the last few days of autumn.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
by Kenard Pak
Walk along as a young girl greets a late summer morning. Say hello to the swaying trees, the playful foxes, the butterflies, the beavers, the chipmunks, and to the change happening all over the landscape. Say goodbye to late summer and hello to autumn in this sweet salute to the changing of the seasons.
Mouse’s First Fall
by Lauren Thompson
With his friend Minka by his side, Mouse sets out on a crisp fall day. It’s Mouse’s first time experiencing the beauty of fall. They love the leaves with all their beautiful colors and shapes. But that’s not all! As Mouse and Minka pile leaves high for running, jumping, and hide-and-seek, they also discover how fun fall can be.
Hello, Fall!
by Deborah Diesen
In this delightful autumn story, a young girl and her grandfather spend a day enjoying the sights and sounds of fall. Whether they’re watching squirrels hide acorns, admiring fields of chrysanthemums, or choosing the best pumpkins to take home, they take the time to appreciate the autumn beauty all around them.
Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin
by Tad Hills
Duck and Goose’s friend Thistle has a beautiful orange pumpkin and Duck and Goose want one, too! They search high and low to find a pumpkin of their own, but they can’t find one anywhere! Perhaps Duck and Goose just need a bit of help knowing where to look for a pumpkin!
South
by Patrick McDonnell
Beautifully rendered in a minimalist style of art, this charming wordless picture book is sure to become a family favorite! When a little bird sleeps through the fall migration and is left behind by his flock, a new (and somewhat unlikely) friend helps the little bird find his way home.
Would you like to read some of my favorite fall picture books with your children? Click to download our list to take to your local library.
Looking for MORE books? You can find more great library lists here!
Do you have a favorite picture book about fall? Please share it in the comments below and I’ll add it to our Readers’ Picks box!
Tonya
says:I love these suggestions, we have read many of them! Fyi the link for Autumn Story (Brambly Hedge) leads to Leaves by David Ezra Stein.
Robin
says: Customer ServiceTonya,
Thank you for pointing that error out. We’ll get is fixed right away!
Ashley K.
says:This is a great collection! I’ll have to add some of these to my home library :-) One of my favorites is ‘The Busy Little Squirrel’ by Nancy Tafuri.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Ashley!
Jennifer
says:Love the PRINTABLE library list! Makes it so easy to find some great fall books :)
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGlad to know you enjoy the printable list, Jennifer! I hope you find lots of great books for the season.
Svetlana
says:I love the selection!
Ellen Gallman
says:These book selections are great! Fletcher and the Falling Leaves has been one of our favorites through the years.
Sally Chancellor
says:These look so cute, I’m going to have to get some from our library!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI hope you find your library has a lot of these, Sally! Enjoy!
Laura
says:Loving these books! Thanks for the list!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Laura!
Jess
says:Thank you! We love reading seasonal books.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome! Enjoy!
Jessica
says:Great ideas! We heard “Tap the Magic Tree” at a library story hour recently, and I will be buying it as a gift. Great story. Thank you for the other ideas! :)
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad you enjoyed “Tap the Magic Tree,” Jessica! It is a great one.
Carol B
says:Thank you for the list. We’ll get cozy fall reading!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI love cozy reading, Carol! Enjoy!
Stephanie S
says:Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to start!
Jenny Beth
says:Love Fall and this reading list! Great books by great authors.
Fi
says:Thanks for the list. It’s coming up to summer here in Oz; do you have a spring/summer list?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceFi,
Yes! We have picture book reviews for every season. Check out Picture Books for Spring and Summer Picture Books.
Amanda
says:Oh wow! These are all new to me, thank you!
M
says:Thank you for sharing! I see something here for each of my kids.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome! I’m glad there is something that each of your children will enjoy.
Candace W
says:These look so sweet. Definitely taking this list to the library!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI hope you find lots to enjoy, Candace!
Brenda French
says:I love this list!
So far Harvest Moon has been a winner with my kiddos!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThanks for your recommendation of Harvest Moon, Brenda!
Jenna
says:These looks great! Thanks!
Melissa
says:Some of our favorite fall books!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGreat to hear, Melissa!
Sierra
says:What a great list of beautiful books! Thank you so much for the recommendations!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Sierra! Glad you like the recommendations.
Sarina
says:Can’t wait to get some of these from the library!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI hope your library has lots of these, Sarina!
Emily
says:I love this! Our favorite fall book is Fall Mixed Up. This is a great resource, thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for recommending Fall Mixed Up, Emily!
Julie
says:Thank you for sharing the picture books for fall!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Julie. I hope you find lots to enjoy!
Miranda
says:I love this, I’m always looking for seasonal books for my little one and this list is super helpful. Thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Miranda. I’m glad this is helpful.
Kathy King
says:These are such cute little books! I’m sure my 4 year old would love all of them. Thank you for compiling such a great list!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Kathy. I hope you find lost for your child to enjoy!
Jenny Baldwin
says:Every week in my classroom I feature an author, illustrator, or a theme. I love all the book lists on the blog!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWhat a lovely way to encourage your students to enjoy and explore books, Jenny! I’m glad you find the book lists helpful for this.
Amber
says:Thank you for the suggestions! We can’t wait to read some!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Amber. I hope you find lots to enjoy!
Lisa
says:Thank you for the wonderful book list! I’m loving all the books on the list!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for letting us know you are enjoying the books on this list, Lisa! You’re welcome.
Jessica Dumas
says:Great suggestions!! Thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Jessica!
Sonya
says:My daughter acts like she personally knows Marie Rippel because she created her reading curriculum. Glad to have found the blog!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceOh, how sweet, Sonya!