Beautiful Fall Picture Books
There are so many beautiful fall picture books this time of the year. I’m learning that the key to enjoying reading with my children is having beautiful stories that we both love. In the book “The Read Aloud Family” by Sarah McKenzie, she shares that a good book appeals to all ages, and this is so true.
In this blog post, I am going to share my top fall book choices that I’ve had the chance to read, and many of them I have chosen to add to our home book library. This list is not exhaustive by any means; there are so many books for the fall and autumn season, and these have been our favorites.
Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall is beautifully written with lovely illustrations. This is a Caldecott Medal–winning picture book that tells the story of a 19th-century New England farmer and his family. Each year, the man loads his ox cart with goods his family has made—like candles, brooms, and maple syrup—and travels to town to sell them. After selling everything, even the ox and cart, he buys small treasures for his family and walks home to begin the cycle again. In this story, you see what hard work and a simple life look like. This is one I can read over and over again and never tire of.
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
This book was a new one for me this year. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World is such a fun and charming book to read! When the market is closed, the main character sets off on an adventure around the world to gather each ingredient for her apple pie. She gets sugar in Jamaica, apples in Vermont, and a chicken to lay an egg. It’s a playful way to spark curiosity about where our food comes from. The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and the story makes me chuckle.
Scarcrow by Cynthia Rylant
Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant is a gentle, poetic story that gives a beautiful perspective on the quiet life of a scarecrow. The warm illustrations and simple descriptions of the life of a scarecrow give you a new perspective on how peaceful and content the scarecrow feels as he watches over the fields, the animals, and the changing seasons. When I read this book with my children, it makes me want to slow down and appreciate nature, calm moments, and the beauty of stillness, just like the scarecrow does.
In November by Cynthia Rylant
In November, by Cynthia Rylant, is a beautifully written, peaceful book to read as the seasons change. It captures all the quiet, cozy moments of late fall—animals preparing for winter, families gathering around warm meals, and the world slowing down.
In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes
In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes is a lovely, calming book that captures the beauty and change of the autumn season. Through the words and illustrations, it helps your child notice the small details—falling leaves, crisp air, and the shift toward winter. It’s a wonderful read for slowing down together and naming and showing what is happening when the seasons change.
Johnny Appleseed
Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh is a beautifully told version of the classic American legend. It shares the story of John Chapman, who traveled across the frontier planting apple seeds and spreading kindness wherever he went. With lyrical writing and beautiful illustrations, this makes a wonderful read-aloud for children.
Autumn Story of Brambly Hedge
I was just introduced to the Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem. She has 8 stories in the collection, four of which are for one of the four seasons. Autumn Story, part of the Brambly Hedge series, is such a sweet tale to cozy up with in the fall. When little Primrose the mouse gets lost after wandering too far from home, the whole Brambly Hedge community comes together to search for her. The story is filled with beautiful illustrations of autumn woods, cozy mouse homes, and the kindness of friends helping one another. I’ve been loving reading this heartwarming story to our boys.
County Fair by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I have loved the simplicity of the Little House Picture Books which show such a beautiful and simplistic reflection of the Ingalls family. We have been collecting all of the picture books from the collection and this one about the County Fair where Almanzo enters his pumpkin into the competition is a great way to kick off the fall season.
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert is a beautiful book filled with an imaginative fall story of a leaf man. This will give your child a whole new way to see leaves in nature. In the story, Leaf Man goes where the wind blows him, past fields and orchards. This book will capture your child’s attention and spark some fall creativity.
A Fall Day for Bear by Bonny Becker
A Fall Day for Bear is a new book in our collection this year. I was recently introduced to the Bear and Mousse collection of picture books. Each one is filled with such good vocabulary, beautiful illustrations, and the most enjoyable story to read. It is one we come back to every day!
In this story, Bear is ready to have a picnic with his friend Mouse. Wondering where Mouse is, Bear goes looking for him. Bear finds mouse sitting out in the cold, looking sad. He is sad about all the changes of the season: the leaves falling, birds leaving, and the flowers dying. Then, in classic Bear and Mouse fashion, some laughter and a few good ideas later, they are both enjoying the coziness of the fall season.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Park
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak is a beautifully illustrated story that follows a child walking through their town, taking note of all the small changes as summer fades and autumn begins. The text is lyrical and is a lovely way to slow down, point out, and observe the seasonal changes and appreciate the transition from those warm summer days into crisp, cool autumn days.
If You Find a Leaf by Aimée Sicuro
Another new one on my list this year. I think what stands out most to me about this book is the style of the illustrations. She uses real photos of beautiful, vibrant fall leaves and uses them as creatively as one could to show all the ways one may imagine using a leaf. The fall leaves make their way into beautiful watercolor illustrations, making it such a simple, lovely fall read-aloud.
The Story of the Wind Children
I came across this book on a book list this year and was intrigued. While this story doesn’t depict something based in reality, which is a common characteristic of books for first plane children (0-6) in a Montessori environment, it is a sweet story, with beautiful illustrations and full of fall windy adventures. I enjoy the rich vocabulary in this story.
Look What I Did With a Leaf by Mortexa E. Sohi
As a teacher and someone who loves creativity, I find this book to be so fun and inspiring. I brought it to our nature school when we were focusing on leaves, and the children loved to see all the ways we can use leaves to make beautiful pictures.
Pumpkin Pumpkin bt Jeanne Titherington
In Pumpkin Pumpkin, little Jamie plants a pumpkin seed and watches his seed turn into a sprout, then a plant, then a pumpkin into a huge pumpkin. He gets to keep the seeds from the pumpkin so that he can plant more pumpkin seeds in the spring.
The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall is a sweet and simple story that follows two sisters as they watch their backyard apple tree change through the seasons—from bare winter branches to fragrant blossoms to ripe apples ready for pie. It’s a wonderful picture book to use to show the life cycle of a tree and where food comes from. This makes a perfect read-aloud before going to the apple orchard or baking a fall dessert.
Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins
If you are looking for a fall book to help you identify leaves or learn more about the different types of these, Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins is a great option. It has clear descriptions, beautiful images, and helps you learn about the different leaves you may see during Autumn.
