The air is getting crisper, Halloween costumes are on your radar and pumpkin spice is everywhere. Yep, autumn is upon us, which means it's time to add some fresh reads to your collection of fall books for kids. Fortunately, our list of favorites—complete with rhyming board books, science-based stories and artsy picture books—is here to help fill in the gaps in your family library.
28 Fall Books for Kids to Celebrate the Coziest Season
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Published Sep 15, 2022
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1. Apple and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring to life the beloved fall pastime of picking apples and hunting down the perfect pumpkin on a picturesque farm.
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2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall by Eric Carle
Here, a seasonal twist on the Eric Carle classic in which the very hungry caterpillar delights in all the harbingers of fall, from the changing leaves to the brisk, refreshing air.
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3. Biscuit and the Great Fall Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
This simple but charming story gives a rundown of all the joys of the season, as experienced by an oh-so lovable pup. Snuggle up with this one and your little one will no longer be lamenting the end of summer.
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4. Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre
This fascinating ode to the changing leaves of fall boasts breathtaking photo illustrations and text that goes beyond the cutesy seasonal stuff. In fact, it provides young readers with an immersive sensory experience and a healthy dose of science, to boot.
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5. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro
Part of the bestselling There Was an Old Lady series, this whimsical number will keep kids thoroughly engaged as they wonder what fall-themed item the quirky main character will swallow next.
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6. We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
The adventure-seeking trio from the popular song and picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt have a new mission: to collect the best and most beautiful autumn leaves.
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7. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator Lois Ehlert crafts an imaginative and strikingly beautiful tribute to fall in this story about a Leaf Man who travels whichever way the breeze takes him.
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8. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenneth Pak
Muted watercolor illustrations and spare text combine to tell a decidedly subdued story about a little girl’s stroll through the forest and the signs of changing seasons she encounters.
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9. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
Is a leaf thief at work or is it simply the changing of seasons? Everyone will enjoy reading this subtly hilarious whodunnit in which a squirrel tries to crack the case of the missing leaves.
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10. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Much like Fletcher the Fox, young readers will be filled with wonder and empathy as they discover the changing seasons by way of this beautifully illustrated and poetic storybook.
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11. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
This poignant picture book relies on classic fall symbols (i.e., a scarecrow and crow) to tell a moving story about finding friendship and love in unexpected places. If you’re looking for something with a little more depth, this one fits the bill.
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12. How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead
Because you can’t have a fall book collection without at least one (very mildly) spooky Halloween story about witches, goblins and ghouls.
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13. Sweep by Louise Greig
Fall leaves serve as a powerful motif in this poetic and thoughtful story about coping when big feelings start to take control.
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14. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Elhert
Another winner by Lois Elhert, Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf is a feast for the eyes (think: vibrant collages of watercolor leaves and found objects) and chock full of facts about trees, to boot.
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15. Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland
Loretta Holland’s poetic text is sparse but informative, and the breathtaking illustrations boast an ethereal glow. The end result is a magical tribute to the season that’s sure to enchant readers of all ages.
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16. Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington
Toddlers and preschoolers will be charmed by this upbeat and exceedingly simple story about everything you can do with the season’s signature fruit. (Bonus: There are even some tasty apple recipes at the end.)
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17. Leaves by David Ezra Stein
Elegant illustrations and a childlike main character combine to make a board book that’s just right for teaching even the tiniest tots about the changing seasons.
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18. Yellow Time by Lauren Stringer
With vibrant imagery and lyrical text, Lauren Stringer’s ode to fall perfectly captures the joyful anticipation and fleeting beauty of the season.
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19. Little Tree by Loren Long
This gorgeously illustrated story about a little tree who’s struggling to let go of his leaves come fall is both touching and unexpectedly thought-provoking.
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20. Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer
A whole ecosystem comes to life in this magical story…and it all starts with a single acorn.
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21. The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
Much like Little Tree, this is a poignant and seasonally-appropriate story about a stubborn autumn leaf faced with some tough lessons on letting go and growing up.
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22. Leaves: An Autumn Pop-Up Book by Janet Lawler
Award-winning author Janet Lawler, illustrator Lindsay Dale-Scott and paper engineer Yoojin Kim join forces to create a delightfully interactive book about the beauty of fall leaves. Suffice it to say, this is not your average pop-up book.
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23. Fall Mixed Up by Robert Raczka
Another interactive book a la Dr. Seuss’s Wacky Wednesday, this playful number challenges young readers to find all the wacky mistakes hidden in the fall scenery on every page.
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24. Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro
Part of the “Let’s-Read-and-Find-OutScience series,” this one gives kids an age-appropriate introduction to the biological processes behind the changing leaves, as well as a range of fun activities to try at home with their own leaf collection.
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25. Awesome Autumn: All Kinds of Fun Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone
Changing leaves, hibernating animals, harvest season, Halloween festivities—this easy read covers all the seasonal bases.
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26. Fall Is Not Easy by Marty Kelley
Here, jaunty rhyming text and a healthy dose of humor are used to tell the story of a tree who just doesn’t like fall and the changes it brings. Read this at story time and the whole family will have a good chuckle.
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27. The Autumn Visitors by Karel Hayes
Karel Hayes’ story features a gang of bears who go incognito in an attempt to avail themselves of all the fall festivities. Clever and cheeky, this wholesome read will surely capture the imagination of any mischievous child.
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28. The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders
Beautiful illustrations and a whimsical, silly narrative about a runaway pumpkin make this quick read a shoo-in at bedtime.