Autumn is here and The Artful Parent has an amazing book list of fall children’s books. So get a blanket, a warm drink, and cozy up with your kids and a big pile of books! Blog post by Anna Harpe & Heather Senter
Updated August 2024
Even before the first leaves begin to turn, we start scouring the library shelves for fall picture books, and believe me, we’re never disappointed!
This season is packed full of the best that children’s lit has to offer: beautiful illustrations, evocative text, fun read alouds… there’s truly something for everyone.
Check out a few of our favorites below and get ready to snuggle into the season with a stack of good books!
And if you’re looking for some extra inspiration, check out our list of 5 Fall Book and Craft Ideas for Kids.
Fall Children’s Books
1. Summer Green to Autumn Gold: Uncovering Leaves’ Hidden Colors by Mia Posada
Millbrook Press, c. 2019
Why we love it: Colorful illustrations and informative text make this nonfiction picture book a perfect seasonal pick for any budding scientist.
2. Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland, illustrated by Elly MacKay
HMH Books for Young Readers, c. 2014
Why we love it: Elly MacKay’s unique photographic illustrations are truly astonishing, and they pair perfectly with an exploration of the changing seasons.
3. Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated by Susan Gal
Abrams Appleseed, c. 2016
Why we love it: Short and sweet with a seasonal surprise on every page, this vibrantly illustrated book is the perfect fall read aloud.
4. Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre
Beach Lane Books, c.2017
Why we love it: Kids love to pour over the big, bright photographs in this poetic ode to fall. Grownups, don’t forget to check the back pages for some great scientific extensions!
5. Hush Hush, Forest by Mary Casanova, Woodcuts by Nick Wroblewski
University of Minnesota Press, c. 2018
Why we love it: Lyrical text and gorgeous woodcut illustrations make this quiet book one we’ll certainly come back to each autumn.
6. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Roaring Brook Press, c. 2012
Why we love it: As far as we’re concerned, Philip and Erin Stead can do no wrong. So of course we adore this sleepy bear, his busy friends, and the story he patiently waits to tell.
7. By the Light of the Harvest Moon by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Mark Jones
Blue Apple Books, c. 2009
Why we love it: Adorably illustrated leaf people celebrate all night under the harvest moon, and we’re here for it. Who wouldn’t want to join a dessert party?!?
(Unfortunately, this lovely book is out of print, but check your local library for a copy… you don’t want to miss it!)
8. Leaves by David Ezra Stein
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, c. 2007
Why we love it: Simple and expressive, this story follows the plight of a bear throughout his first fall. You’re sure to find his sweet innocence totally as charming as we did.
9. Tidy by Emily Gravett
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c. 2017
Why we love it: The falling leaves throw a wrench in Pete’s tidy life, and your kids are going to LOVE the antics he pulls to get things back in order.
10. If You Find a Leaf by Aimee Sicuro
Random House Studio, c. 2022
Why we love it: Aimee Sicuro has given us the perfect book for the unstoppable leaf collector. If you have a little one who loves to collect buckets and buckets of “treasure,” this story will be an inspiration and will certainly result in dozens of leaf creations!
11. A Kiss for Akaraka by Richard Jackson, illustrated by E.B. Goodale
Greenwillow Books, c. 2018
Why we love it: With simple text that flows like an autumn breeze, this book perfectly captures the ordinary magic of having a loving family and an imaginary friend on a cloudless fall day.
12. Lawrence in the Fall by Matthew Farina, illustrated by Doug Salati
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, c. 2019
Why we love it: It’s hard to resist a story full of adorable animal friends, a perfectly thoughtful parent, and an adventure in the woods.
13. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, c. 2021
Why we love it: Your kids will be giggling throughout this whole book as squirrel searches for the scoundrel who stole his leaves. Delightfully fun, this book will surely be requested again and again.
14. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
Henry Holt and Co., c. 2016
Why we love it: Sparse text and lush illustrations combine for autumn perfection as readers follow a young girl through a gorgeous changing landscape.
15. Say It! by Charlotte Zolotow, illustrated by Charlotte Voake
Candlewick, c. 2015
Why we love it: This author-illustrator duo has perfectly captured the extraordinary beauty of small moments in this unassuming story about a mother and daughter’s fall walk.
Looking for More Seasonal Books?
- How to Create a Seasonal Home Library for Children
- 5 Fall Book Craft Ideas for Kids
- A Slightly Spooky Halloween Children’s Book List
- 5 Halloween Book Craft Ideas for Kids
- 15 Thanksgiving Children’s Books
- 30 Children’s Books About Artists + Creativity
Want even more Fall fun?
Check out our Autumn Creativity Pack!
This 34-page printable eBook is full of Autumn-themed art activities, drawing prompts, creative play ideas, and more!
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