After a long hot September, fall weather is finally here! As a true autumn lover, my children have also embraced the season of all things pumpkin spice and cozy. In the last few years, we have checked out hundreds of seasonal-themed books from our local library, some of which have become family favorites. Here are 6 books worth falling for this autumn!
Acorn was a Little Wild written by Jen Arena and illustrated by Jessica Gibson
This book was the perfect bit of silly adventure for my girls! They loved Acorn’s crazy antics, but I loved the life lesson of never losing yourself just because you’re supposed to act a certain way. Even if you’re a mighty oak tree, you can still be a little wild inside.
Otis and the Scarecrow written and illustrated by Loren Long
When a new face joins the farm, Otis and his animal friends struggle to figure him out. While most of the farm is full of happy-go-lucky friends, the new Scarecrow is quiet and has a frown. This book is a great reminder to accept people as they are and exude kindness in all we do!
The Ox Cart Man written by Donald Hall and illustrated by Barbara Cooney
This 1980 Caldecott medal winner was one of my all-time favorite books growing up and I couldn’t wait to share it with my girls. This classic shares the story of a working farm family as they live all through the seasons. I love how it depicts that sometimes life happens in the simplest of moments and that little steps every day help us to reach our goals.
The Little Yellow Leaf written and illustrated by Carin Berger
Fall foliage is top-notch here in Indiana and while I love to see the leaves change, it’s a sad day when they all fall and winter is upon us. Like the little yellow leaf in this book, I’m not always ready for change and sometimes fear the unknown. This sweet book shows our children a beautiful example of change, courage, and using your support system as you take on new challenges.
The Leaf Thief written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater
This hilarious book about a squirrel hunting for his missing leaves made my girls giggle endlessly. It’s a fun reminder of the power of wind and the changes your children can see in naturethis time of year.
Tiny, Perfect Things written by M.H Clark and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper
While not an exclusive book to autumn, this is a fall must-read in our home. A little girl and her grandfather walk their neighborhood and notice all the tiny perfect treasures they find over a day. This is the perfect book to read before a fall hike to ignite curiosity and help children see the little wonders among them during this autumn season. Be prepared that you may spend 20 minutes examining an acorn, but it is worth it to see the season through the eyes of a child.
Fall is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the beauty around us—and what better way to do that than through the pages of a good book? I hope these picks inspire you to celebrate the season with stories that fill your hearts as much as the autumn air fills your soul. No matter how you choose to enjoy the changing season, may these books help create cherished moments with your little ones. So head to your local library or bookstore, grab a few fall favorites, and dive into the wonder of autumn together.