Favorite Picture Books for Fall
Today I’m sharing my family’s favorite picture books for fall!
A Treasured Family Tradition
When my kids were younger, one of our treasured and long-standing traditions as a homeschool family was to usher in each new season with seasonal reads. On the first day of whatever each season was, my kids would wake up to a basket full of books that we only pulled out for that season (I kept seasonal books in a closet or bin throughout the rest of the year so that they would retain their “specialness”). I’d usually pair this book basket with a special breakfast, some little seasonal gifts, an activity, and/or an outing later in the day.
The Books
Anyway, here is a list of our favorite picture books for fall that maybe you can incorporate into your own family traditions! They are primarily for younger kiddos (preschool through elementary).
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Signs of Fall
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Park
Follow along as a young girl meanders through the trees and through town, as she greets all the signs of autumn.
Footballs and Falling Leaves: A Fall Counting Book by Rebecca Fjelland Davis
This was a favorite when my kids were very young. Learn all about fall and what it brings with this counting book.
Leaves and Trees
Leaves, Leaves, Leaves by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Join Mama and Buddy Bear as they “stroll” through the seasons and make observations about the leaves on their favorite trees. Engaging and educational, this informational picture book is a perfect pick for homeschoolers!
Apples and Pumpkins
Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
Bold, autumn-colored paintings and a simple but lively story capture a little girl’s joy and satisfaction as she shares in the excitement of the fall season.
Apples, Apples! by Salina Yoon
This is a fun lift-the-flap book for littles/preschoolers! Over the years, I paired this book with some sort of activity:
- Apple tasting (we live in the Apple Capital of the World and have an abundance of varieties to choose from)
- Bobbing for apples
- Going to an orchard to pick apples
- Bake a pie or crumble
- Make applesauce or cider
- Printing out a fun apple-themed activity packet online
A Song for Lena by Hilary Horder Hippely
Lena’s grandmother always hums the same song whenever she makes strudel. When she asks where the song comes from, Grandmother shares about a hungry traveler who came every year during strudel-making time. This is a special story of giving, even when it seems we have nothing to give. There is a strudel recipe in the back as well!
My Happy Pumpkin by Crystal Bowman
Delightful verse comparing how turning a pumpkin into a “happy” one is like God’s love working in us.
The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs
A charming story about redemption when Farmer turns a simple pumpkin into a glorious sight. This parable tale teaches kids about how God makes us a new creation and calls us to share our light with others.
Celebrating Harvest and Bounty
The Berenstain Bears Harvest Festival by Mike Berenstain
A story about celebrating bounty and God’s blessings with family, friends, and fun!
Bitsy’s Harvest Party by Melody Carlson
When Bitsy Spider asks her friends what makes a good party, she decides not to have one because she is not good at cooking, decorating, creating party games, or playing music. This is an adorable story about the heart of hospitality and using our unique gifts to bless each other.
Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens
This Caldecott Honor book isn’t necessarily about celebrating harvest, but it is about the gardening partnership between a lazy bear and a clever hare. The lively and humorous story teaches kids about the consequences of both slothfulness and determination & industriousness.
Johnny Appleseed (Birthday is September 26)
Johnny Appleseed: A Tale Retold and Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Learn about the legends about an Christian American hero with this beautifully illustrated storybook.
Johnny Appleseed: A Poem by Reeve Lindbergh
Another book honoring John Chapman’s life utilizing vivid paintings and verse.
Scarecrows
The Scarecrow and the Spider by Todd Aaron Smith
A tale of being different and the fact that even when we feel alone, God is with us and usually reveals his presence and care for us through friends.
Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long
Otis the tractor lives on a farm with all his animal friends. One day, a frowning scarecrow arrives at the cornfield to help ward off crows. This is a story about compassion and doing the right thing … even to an outsider who doesn’t seem to fit in with everyone else.
Do you have your own favorite picture books for fall? Please share them with me!