The falling leaves, crisp air, and pumpkin spice lattes that come with the arrival of the autumn season make it the perfect time to snuggle on the couch as a family and read some of your favorite fall books together. Reading fall picture books is a great way to bond with your kids, introduce them to new books and characters, and help them build their vocabularies and imaginations.
Children of all ages are sure to enjoy this list of fall books for kids. It's fun to read autumn books for kids to help them learn about fall and share in the beauty of this colorful season
This magical and colorful season brings the opportunity to teach children about the signs of fall and all the exciting things that happen throughout the fall. Such as why are there so many falling leaves, and how animals prepare for the change in season. These children's books make fantastic read-alouds, are fun for all ages, and even grown-ups will enjoy them too!
Celebrate this beautiful season with your kids with some fun kid activities, crafts, and these Fall Books for Kids. These fall books are perfect for preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade! ***This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases***
Here are some of our favorite fall books for kids to get your young readers excited for the autumn season:
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3. Little Tree
by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant
Reading age: 5 - 8 years
Leif and the Fall is a story that teaches kids that failure is just a stepping stone towards success. Leif begins to panic once he realizes the fall season is on its way. And what happens to leaves during the fall? They fall! With the help of his friend Laurel, worried Leif comes up with many ideas that will help soften his landing. After many failed ideas, all Leif can hear are the words of the other leaves on the oak tree reminding him that "all leaves fall in the fall". What will happen once a strong enough wind pulls him from his branch?
by Julia Rawlinson
Reading age: 2 - 6 years
One day, Fletcher is surprised that his tree doesn't look quite right. When one leaf falls, he tries his best to put that little leaf back on the tree. The sweet little fox is determined to help out his tree and not let it loose its leaves. As the days go on, and the weather gets colder, more and more leaves begin to fall. Why are the leaves falling? How can he stop the falling leaves? To Fletcher's dismay, now forest animals are beginning to take the leaves. Just when all seems lost, Fletcher wakes up to a beautiful and magical surprise! Julia Rawlinson delivers a sweet story and charming picture book that teaches children that change can be beautiful.
by Alice Hemming
Reading age: 2 - 5 years
As Squirrel basks in the beauty of fall and all the colorful leaves, he realizes that one of his leaves is missing. Somebody must have stolen it! He quickly tells his friend Bird about his discovery. Bird reassures him that his leaf was not stolen. As time passes, more leaves appear to have been stolen from the tree. What is going on? Who is this leaf thief that keeps taking Squirrel's red, orange, and golden leaves?
The Leaf thief is definitely one of my child's favorite fall books, if not the most favorite. It is funny, and it is fun for the listener and the reader. Not only does it have beautiful illustrations, but it is a perfect read aloud for those who like to give each character a different voice to make the story even more entertaining.
by Kenard Pak
Reading age: 2 - 5 years
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is a beautiful picture book to read on the last day of summer or the first day of spring. A young girl takes a walk through her town and the forest, noting all the signs of summer fading away and autumn swooping in to take its place. She notices the weather getting colder, the animals that are heading south for the winter, and the leaves begin to change colors. When that happens, we all know autumn is on its way.
I love this fall read aloud because Kenard Pak draws the young readers' attention to so many of the changes that happen with animals, humans, and the environment as fall approaches. Fall would not be complete without this gorgeous book!
by Lola Shaefer
Reading age: 2 - 5 years
Acorns start falling during the months of September and October, making autumn an excellent time to learn about the many connections in the ecosystem. Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird can build a nest, seeds become flowers, and so much more. It's a beautiful autumn book to introduce children to nature's life cycles.
by Loren Long
Reading age: 3 - 6 years
In the Little Tree, Loren Long delivers a beautiful message about change. It is perfect for anyone who is going through a period of change in their lives, such as graduations, moves, a new school year, etc. In this picture book, a little young tree is holding on tightly to its leaves. It is afraid of letting go and dropping its leaves, while all the other young trees have dropped theirs. With each new season, all the other trees go through a pattern of change and growth. Meanwhile, as the little young tree holds on to its now withered leaves, it doesn't grow. The little tree watches as the other trees grow so tall, almost touching the sun, knowing it has an important decision to make. Will the little tree be brave enough to finally let go of its leaves?
by Aimee Sicuro
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
The artist behind If You Find a Leaf uses vibrant and realistic autumn leaves to create a charming story that will spark a child's imagination. In this story, a young little artist used different kinds of fall leaves to create all kinds of wonderful things. Such as turning a Japanese Zelkova leaf into a boat, a Locust Leaf into a swing, and an American basswood leaf into a hot air balloon. In this book, you will also find a chart with the names and pictures of the many different types of fall leaves you will find during the autumn season. It is the perfect book to read before a leaf hunt or a fall leaf craft project.
by Beth Ferry
Reading age: 3 - 7 years
A loving bond forms between two unlikely friends when a lonely scarecrow discovers a baby crow. The Scarecrow delivers a powerful message about friendship, kindness, and not judging others. It is a beautifully illustrated story that is sure to delight readers of all ages!
My kids and I have truly enjoyed reading each of the autumn books listed in this post. These are some of the best autumn books to read aloud to kids. They are books that teach children how nature reacts to the changing seasons.