Fall is here, and there’s nothing cozier than snuggling up with your little one and diving into the fantastical world of stories. As the leaves turn bright and the air gets crisp and cool, it’s the perfect time to introduce your young readers to the wonders of Fall-themed children’s books. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Fall-themed children’s books for young readers. These stories capture the essence of the season. So, without further adieu, let’s jump right in!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall (ages 0 – 2 years)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall by Eric Carle is a beautifully illustrated story for infants and young ones. The children’s book explores the many ways to spend a cool Fall day. Young ones can learn all about seasonal sensory experiences, like looking at the leaves as they change color, listening to the wind, feeling the warmth of a warm big cozy sweater, and much more. Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar and explore everything that Autumn has to offer!
Ages: baby – 2 years
4.9 stars on Amazon / 3.8 stars on Goodreads
Five Little Pumpkins (ages 1 to 4)
Five Little Pumpkins by Tiger Tales (author) and Ben Mantle (illustrator) is a counting book for toddlers. Count with the pumpkins from one to five as they each experience the thrill and spookiness of Halloween night. The book’s soft padded covers, rounded corners and sturdy board pages makes this children’s book a perfect fit for preschoolers!
Ages: 1 – 4 years
4.8 stars on Amazon / 4.1 stars on Goodreads
Forever My Little Boo (ages 0 to 6 years)
Forever My Little Boo by KeriAnne Jelinek lets young kids step into a magical Halloween wonderland. It is a sweet rhyming book crafted just for the littlest readers. This tale introduces adorable Halloween characters like pumpkins, playful ghosts, fluttering bats, and whimsical witches, bringing some Halloween fun to your child’s storytime. The poetic rhymes will have your child laughing and engaged as they embark on this journey through the world of friendly Halloween creatures.
Ages: baby – 6 years
5.0 stars on Amazon
I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids (ages 2 – 7 years)
I Am Thankful by Sheri Wall teaches kids about coming together with loved ones to give thanks. I Am Thankful is an adorable, rhyming storybook that follows three different families as they celebrate the holiday with their own traditions, acts of kindness, and ways of giving back. This heartfelt, poetic story shows young ones the meaning of giving and sharing. If you are looking for Thanksgiving books for kids, I Am Thankful is a warm, fun story for all.
Ages 2 – 7 years
4.7 stars on Amazon / 4.3 stars on Goodreads
The Scarecrow (ages 3 – 7)
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry (author), Eric Fan (illustrator), and Terry Fan (illustrator) is a fun kid’s book for the Fall season. This gorgeous and poignant picture book is about two unexpected friends and the special connection they have. But is their bond strong enough to handle the changing of the seasons? This book about friendship will be a family favorite!
Ages 3 – 7 years
4.9 stars on Amazon / 4.5 stars on Goodreads
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo (ages 3 – 7)
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner (author) and Pablo Pino (illustrator) is famously an Autumn book not about a holiday. When farmers and pumpkin patch owners donate their pumpkins to the zoo, the animals rejoice and chomp, chew, and play with their new pumpkins. Kids will love watching the zoo animals enjoy their autumn snack in this educational, rhyming story. This book shows kids the importance of donating and repurposing excess. Both humorous and educational, Pumpkin Day at the Zoo applauds all the good that comes from sharing in your community.
Ages: 3 – 5 years
4.9 stars on Amazon / 4.2 stars on Goodreads
It’s Fall! (ages 3 – 6 years)
It’s Fall! by Renée Kurilla is a simple classic. From jumping into piles of leaves, to trick-or-treating, to baking comforting meals, this book is a homage to the joys of Fall. Renée Kurilla is a #1 New York Times bestselling artist and she wrote the story in sweet and simple verse. With playful rhymes and lively illustrations, this celebratory book shows the many ways we welcome and enjoy the season of Autumn.
Ages: 3 – 6 years
4.8 stars on Amazon / 4.2 stars on Goodreads
Skeleton for Dinner (ages 4 – 8)
Skeleton for Dinner by Margery Cuyler (author) and Will Terry (illustrator) is a spooky and silly read-aloud just right for Halloween. Big Witch and Little Witch have made stew, and now they want to have their friends for dinner! But when Skeleton mistakes the guest list for a menu, he takes off running. In this children’s story of hilarious misunderstandings, your child will be begging to read it again and again.
Ages 4-8 years
4.7 stars on Amazon / 3.7 stars on Goodreads
How To Be Friends With This Werewolf (ages 3 – 8)
How To Be Friends With This Werewolf by Erin Savory (author) and Ana Zurita (illustrator) helps children deal with anxiety and fear, as well as how to make new friends. In How To Be Friends With This Werewolf, children learn about many ways to be a good friend and deal with certain emotions and feelings. The children’s book teaches kids positive ways to interact with and support one another, while also learning friendship skills.
Ages 3 – 8 years
5.0 stars on Amazon / 3.2 stars on Goodreads
Conclusion
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, these Fall-themed children’s books offer a perfect window into worlds filled with wonder and warmth. Sharing these stories with your little ones not only nurtures their love for reading but also creates lifelong Fall memories. So, let these books be a part of your Fall traditions. Happy reading, and we hope your Fall is filled with cozy moments and fun adventures!