Crunchy Leaves and Fantastic Reads: Favorite Fall Books for Kids

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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.

 

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Kelly DeCrane
Meet Kelly, the reigning chaos coordinator on the northeast side of Indy, where she navigates the adventures of marriage to the ever-patient Steve, corralling two amazingly energetic daughters, and doting on a sweet one year old pup. Kelly takes on the caffeinated world of school drop-offs before heading to work as a high school special education teacher. When not rescuing Barbie dolls or mastering bedtime negotiations, she's a familiar face at the local library, maxing out her library card and possibly attempting to conquer the entire children's section – blame that on the coffee jitters. In the kitchen, she's a culinary wizard, transforming mac 'n' cheese into gourmet magic that her children will of course refuse to eat. You'll often find her with a book in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, immersed in the enchanting worlds of fiction or grooving to the beats of the early 2000s. Kelly is your go-to gal for laughter, warmth, and a sprinkle of witty chaos. Cheers to the coffee-fueled adventures, the delightful rollercoaster of motherhood, and the incredible journey of being a special education teacher!