Favorite Childrens Picture Books about Fall and Autumn

 Welcome to a world of whimsy, wonder, and colorful leaves! As autumn paints the world with its fiery hues, there's no better time to dive into captivating stories that capture the essence of the season. Join us on a literary journey through a collection of enchanting fall-themed books for kids that will ignite imaginations, celebrate the beauty of nature, and spark a love for storytelling amidst the crisp air and cozy moments of fall. Whether it's tales of pumpkins, adventures in the woods, or heartwarming stories set against the backdrop of autumn, these books are sure to bring joy and inspiration to young readers. So, gather 'round, grab a warm blanket, and let's explore the magic within these delightful pages! 

Favorite Childrens Picture Books about Fall and Autumn

here's a list of delightful fall activities perfect for enjoying with small kids:

1. Leaf Collecting and Crafting: Take a nature walk to collect colorful fallen leaves and use them for fun crafts like leaf rubbing, creating leaf animals, or making a fall collage.

2. Pumpkin Patch Visit: Head to a local pumpkin patch for a day of picking out pumpkins. Let the kids explore and choose their favorites, and maybe even enjoy some hayrides or corn mazes.

3. Apple Picking: Visit an apple orchard for a day of picking fresh apples. It's a great opportunity to teach kids about where their food comes from while having fun outdoors.

4. Baking Fall Treats: Get into the kitchen and bake delicious fall treats like apple pie, pumpkin muffins, or cinnamon-spiced cookies. Let the kids help with simple tasks and enjoy the yummy results together. Check out this list of my favorite fall recipes to make during the changing seasons. 

5. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of fall-themed items like acorns, pinecones, different colored leaves, or specific types of trees. Go on a scavenger hunt in a nearby park or forest.

6. Costume Planning: Encourage kids to brainstorm and create their Halloween costumes. Whether they're superheroes, animals, or storybook characters, the creative process is always a blast.

7. Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a cozy outdoor movie night with blankets and a projector. Screen family-friendly fall-themed movies or cartoons under the stars.

8. DIY Bird Feeders: Make bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them in the yard and watch as the birds come to feast—a great way to teach kids about wildlife. My kids also enjoy making these no bake bird nests.

9. Scarecrow Building: Gather old clothes, hay, and a few sticks to create your own scarecrow. Let the kids design and assemble it, then display it proudly in the yard.

10. Campfire and Storytelling: On a cool evening, set up a safe campfire in your backyard (or use a fire pit). Roast marshmallows, tell spooky or funny stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire together.

These activities are not only entertaining but also offer valuable opportunities for bonding, learning, and creating lasting memories with your little ones amidst the beauty of the fall season.

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Favorite Fall Picture Books for Kids

1. "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert: In this beautifully illustrated book, the story follows Leaf Man, a character made entirely of leaves, as he travels on the wind through various landscapes and environments. Each page in this engaging story features intricate collages of leaves depicting different animals and scenes, inspiring children to imagine their own leaf creatures and fall adventures.

2. "We're Going on a Leaf Hunt" by Steve Metzger: This playful book takes readers on a journey through the woods as three children embark on a leaf-collecting adventure. Reminiscent of the classic "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," the rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations capture the excitement and anticipation of searching for different types of new leaves during a crisp autumn day.

3. "The Little Yellow Leaf" by Carin Berger: The story revolves around a little yellow leaf who is hesitant to let go of its tree as fall approaches. As other leaves fall around it, the little yellow leaf fears being alone until it finally takes the leap and discovers the beauty of change and the promise of new beginnings. Berger's delicate cut-paper illustrations beautifully convey the emotions of the little leaf.

4. "Autumn Leaves" by Ken Robbins: This non-fiction pthe icture book explores the science behind the changing colors of autumn leaves. Through vivid photographs and clear explanations, children learn about chlorophyll, photosynthesis, and why leaves change color in the fall. It's both educational and visually stunning, making it a great resource for young nature enthusiasts.

5. "Apples and Pumpkins" by Anne Rockwell: Perfect for a trip to the orchard or pumpkin patch, this charming book follows a young girl as she embarks on autumn adventures with her family. From picking apples to selecting the perfect pumpkin for Halloween, the simple text and warm illustrations capture the joys of seasonal traditions and the bounty of the harvest.

6. "Pumpkin Jack" by Will Hubbell: After a young boy carves a jack-o'-lantern for Halloween, he carefully watches as the pumpkin begins to decay and decompose. Through the seasons, Pumpkin Jack transforms into compost, nourishing the soil and giving life to a new pumpkin patch. This gentle story teaches children about the cycle of life and the importance of recycling and renewal.

7. "Too Many Pumpkins" by Linda White: Rebecca Estelle hates pumpkins, so when she accidentally spills pumpkin seeds in her yard, she's dismayed by the resulting pumpkin explosion. However, as she finds creative ways to use the abundance of pumpkins, she discovers the joy of sharing and the magic of community. This humorous tale celebrates the spirit of generosity and resourcefulness.

8. "The Apple Pie Tree" by Zoe Hall: Through the changing seasons, two young siblings watch as an apple tree in their yard transforms from bare branches in winter to a blossoming tree in spring and finally to a tree laden with ripe apples in fall. The simple text and vibrant illustrations follow the process of making an apple pie from start to finish, highlighting the connection between nature and food.

9. "Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf" by Lois Ehlert: In this informative and visually stunning book, children learn about the life cycle of a tree, from seed to sapling to mature tree. Through collage illustrations and simple text, Ehlert explores the process of planting and caring for a tree, as well as the importance of trees in our ecosystem. It's a great introduction to botany and environmental awareness for young readers.

10. "Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn" by Kenard Pak: As summer transitions into fall, a young girl takes a walk through her town, observing the changes in nature and greeting each animal and element along the way. With lyrical text and lush illustrations, the book captures the sights, sounds, and sensations of the changing season, inviting readers to embrace the beauty of autumn's arrival.

11. "Fletcher and the Falling Leaves" by Julia Rawlinson: Fletcher, a little fox, becomes concerned when he sees his favorite tree's leaves changing colors and falling off. He tries to save them, but as the autumn winds blow harder, he learns to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons and the joy of playing in the fallen leaves. This heartwarming story celebrates acceptance and the wonders of nature.

12. "The Scarecrow's Dance" by Jane Yolen: In this lyrical tale, a scarecrow comes to life one autumn night and dances through the fields under the light of the harvest moon. As he twirls and whirls, he befriends various animals who join him in his merry dance. With poetic language and enchanting illustrations, the book captures the magic and whimsy of the fall season.

13. "In November" by Cynthia Rylant: Through gentle prose and evocative illustrations, this book explores the sights, sounds, and feelings of November. From the crisp air and changing leaves to the warmth of family gatherings and the anticipation of Thanksgiving, the book celebrates the simple joys and blessings of autumn.

14. "Bear Has a Story to Tell" by Philip C. Stead: As the leaves begin to fall and winter approaches, Bear wants to share a story with his friends, but they are all too busy preparing for the coming cold. Patiently, Bear helps each of his friends with their tasks until finally, they gather around to hear his tale. This sweet story emphasizes friendship, kindness, and the importance of taking time to connect with others.

15. "Applesauce Season" by Eden Ross Lipson: In this cozy book, a family eagerly anticipates the arrival of autumn and the tradition of making applesauce together. From picking apples at the orchard to cooking them down into sauce, the book follows the process step by step, highlighting the warmth and togetherness of family rituals.

16. "The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin" by Stan and Jan Berenstain: The Berenstain Bears are excited to enter the local pumpkin contest, but when Papa Bear accidentally breaks their prized pumpkin, they must find a creative solution. With the help of their neighbors, they come up with a surprising entry that showcases the true spirit of fall and community.

17. "The Little Scarecrow Boy" by Margaret Wise Brown: This tender story follows a little scarecrow who dreams of joining his father in the fields to scare away the crows. Despite his small size and inexperience, he proves himself brave and resourceful when he faces a real challenge. With its timeless message of courage and determination, the book is perfect for sharing with young readers.

18. "Fall Mixed Up" by Bob Raczka: In this playful and imaginative book, the author turns the traditional elements of fall upside down and inside out. From upside-down trees to backward birds, the humorous illustrations and clever wordplay will delight children as they discover the wacky world of a mixed-up fall season.

19. "Bella's Fall Coat" by Lynn Plourde: Bella is excited to grow into her big sister's hand-me-down coat just in time for fall. As she wears it through the season, the coat becomes a canvas for her autumn adventures, collecting memories and mementos along the way. With its message of growth, change, and the passage of time, the book resonates with readers of all ages.

20. "Hedgehugs: Autumn Hide-and-Squeak" by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper: In this adorable story, two hedgehog friends, Horace and Hattie, are excited to explore the wonders of autumn together. As they gather supplies for a cozy leaf nest, they encounter various woodland creatures and embark on a playful game of hide-and-seek. With its charming illustrations and heartwarming friendship theme, this book is perfect for sharing snuggled up on a crisp fall day.

21. "Leaves" by David Ezra Stein: This beautifully illustrated book follows a young bear as he experiences his first autumn. When his beloved leaf changes color and falls from the tree, he is unsure what to do. Through gentle exploration and discovery, he learns about the cycle of seasons and the magic of change. With minimal text and expressive illustrations, the book captures the wonder and innocence of childhood.

22. "The Roll-Away Pumpkin" by Junia Wonders: In this rollicking tale, a young girl named Marla sets out to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween. But when the pumpkin she chooses starts rolling away, she must chase it through the countryside, encountering various obstacles along the way. With its lively rhythm and whimsical illustrations, the book is sure to delight young readers and capture the excitement of the autumn season.

23. "Pumpkin Soup" by Helen Cooper: Duck, Cat, and Squirrel are best friends who love making pumpkin soup together. But when Duck decides he wants to be in charge of stirring the soup instead of fetching the pumpkins, it leads to a disagreement that threatens to tear their friendship apart. With its warm illustrations and timeless message about cooperation and compromise, this book is a heartwarming read for the fall season.

24. "The Ugly Pumpkin" by Dave Horowitz: This charming story follows a lonely pumpkin who feels out of place because he doesn't look like the other pumpkins in the patch. But when Halloween comes around, he discovers that he's actually a different kind of pumpkin altogether—one that's perfect for making pumpkin pie! With its message of self-acceptance and belonging, the book is a delightful addition to any fall reading list.

25. "Duck & Goose, Find a Pumpkin" by Tad Hills: Duck and Goose are back in this charming fall adventure as they search for the perfect pumpkin to decorate for Halloween. But when they finally find one, they realize it's too big to carry! With its simple text and expressive illustrations, this book captures the spirit of friendship and teamwork as Duck and Goose work together to solve their pumpkin predicament.

26. "The Pumpkin Book" by Gail Gibbons: This non-fiction picture book explores the life cycle of pumpkins, from seed to plant to harvest. Through clear, informative text and colorful illustrations, children learn about the different varieties of pumpkins, how they grow, and their many uses in cooking and carving. With its engaging blend of science and fun facts, the book is a great resource for fall-themed learning activities.

27. "The Biggest Pumpkin Ever" by Steven Kroll: In this delightful story, two mice, Clayton and Desmond, independently decide to grow the biggest pumpkin ever for the town's pumpkin contest. But when they both discover the same pumpkin vine, they must find a way to work together to nurture it to its full potential. With its message of cooperation and teamwork, the book is a charming read-aloud for the fall season.

28. "Fall is Not Easy" by Marty Kelley: In this humorous book, a tree struggles to change its leaves from green to red, yellow, and orange like the other trees in the forest. Despite its efforts, the tree's leaves keep turning into different shapes and colors, causing frustration and confusion. With its quirky illustrations and playful tone, the book offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of the autumn season.

29. "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!" by Lucille Colandro: In this seasonal twist on the classic cumulative tale, the old lady from the beloved children's song is back, and this time she's swallowing leaves! As the story unfolds, she gobbles up various autumnal items, from leaves to a pumpkin, leading to a hilarious and surprising conclusion. With its catchy rhymes and silly antics, this book is sure to entertain young readers and get them in the fall spirit.

Fall traditions offer opportunities for families to bond, create cherished memories, and embrace the beauty of autumn together. Whether indoors or outdoors, there are countless ways to celebrate the signs of the coming season and make it special for children during the seasonal changes.  Curl up with any of these children's books with beautiful illustrations and enjoy this new season with family and good friends.

These autumn-themed books capture the essence of fall with themes such as leaves changing colors, harvest time, pumpkins, and the coziness of the season. They are perfect for children to enjoy during the autumn months.