Fall Read-Alouds for September: Brave, Heartwarming Stories to Share This Month
- kindlittleexplorer
- Jan 4, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Looking for meaningful fall read alouds to share with your kids or students this September? Whether you’re a teacher curating your classroom library or a parent looking to snuggle up with a story as the leaves change, these carefully chosen picture books are perfect for building empathy, curiosity, and seasonal wonder.
Each story highlights themes of courage, resilience, and community—making them excellent read-alouds for back-to-school season and beyond.
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Free Printable! Keep track of your fall read alouds with our downloadable September Picture Book Checklist. [At the end of this post]
Why These Fall Read Alouds Are Perfect for September
September is a month of new beginnings, transitions, and reflection. Children often feel big emotions as they adjust to new routines, classmates, and experiences. These fall read alouds were picked to help you:
Spark meaningful conversations
Encourage emotional growth and empathy
Celebrate change and seasonal beauty
Let’s dive in!
by Maira Kalman
This powerful nonfiction read tells the true story of a 1931 fireboat that came out of retirement to help on 9/11. It’s a beautiful, kid-appropriate introduction to courage, teamwork, and unexpected heroes.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: Perfect for Patriot Day (September 11), this book gently introduces a historic event while celebrating hope and bravery.
Discussion idea: Ask, What does it mean to be brave, even when you’re scared?
by Sean Rubin
Told through the eyes of the “Survivor Tree” that stood at Ground Zero, this beautifully illustrated book shares the story of healing after tragedy. It’s hopeful and heartwarming, with a focus on growth and resilience.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: As trees change and shed their leaves in fall, this story connects nature and healing in a meaningful way.
Reflection prompt: What are some ways people (or communities) grow stronger after hard times?
by Herman Parish
Amelia Bedelia is back—with her usual misunderstandings and a hilarious take on baking apple pie. Kids will love the wordplay and fall festivities.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: It’s the perfect introduction to apple season and gets kids excited about baking and harvest fun.
Try this: Plan an apple tasting or bake a pie after reading!
by Heidi Pross Gray
This gentle, nature-themed book helps kids notice seasonal changes and embrace the coziness of fall through vivid imagery and poetic text.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: It captures the sensory beauty of autumn—perfect for settling in with younger readers or creating a calm moment in the day.
Try this: Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, just like in the story.
by Louise Greig
Ed wakes up in a bad mood and tries to sweep it away—literally. This lyrical story blends emotional awareness with whimsical illustration.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: A wonderful tool for talking about feelings and helping kids recognize that emotions come and go like seasons.
Ask this: Have you ever had a day like Ed’s? What helped turn it around?
by Evelyn Grundy
Follow The Little Violin Girl through frustration and perseverance as she learns to play—an inspiring story for any child learning something new.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: It encourages resilience and reminds kids (and adults) that effort is part of growth, especially during back-to-school season.
Try this: Have kids talk about something they’re learning that feels hard—but worth it.
by Kobi Yamada
This empowering story encourages children to take risks and embrace new opportunities—even if they’re scary at first.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: The start of the school year is filled with new chances—this book helps children feel brave enough to say yes to them.
Reflection prompt: When was a time you took a chance—and what happened?
by Lucille Colandro
This wacky, rhyming fall edition brings big laughs as the Old Lady eats leaves, clothes, rope, and more. Kids love the repetition and silliness.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: Perfect for circle time or early readers—it's fun, predictable, and super seasonal.
Interactive idea: Have students guess what the Old Lady will swallow next—or make your own class version!
by Tad Hills
Duck and Goose go on a fall-themed scavenger hunt searching for a pumpkin. Short, sweet, and perfect for toddlers or preschoolers.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: Simple text and lovable characters make it a great intro to fall holidays for young readers.
Try this: After reading, go outside and “hunt” for pumpkins (real or paper cutouts).
by Ken Brown
A clever tale of bartering and kindness as Chicken finds creative solutions to help all her farm friends get what they need.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: Highlights problem-solving, generosity, and teamwork—set on a cozy farm in fall.
Classroom idea: Retell the story with props or puppets and let kids act it out.
by Pat Zietlow Miller
Sophie adopts a squash as a friend, but as fall goes on… well, squash don’t last forever. It’s heartwarming and gently funny.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: A charming mix of imagination, love, and learning to let go—relatable for kids and adults.
Talk about: What would you name your squash?
by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Carlin sets out into the unknown to find ingredients for bravery. With help from friends, he learns that true courage comes from within.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: An engaging way to talk about fear, friendship, and resilience at a time of year when many kids are adjusting to new situations.
SEL idea: Ask, What’s one thing you’ve done that made you feel brave?
by by Pat Zietlow Miller
A poetic and inspiring adventure book, this story follows a rabbit exploring all the paths life can offer—perfect for any age.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: The start of the school year is a great time to remind kids that every new day is an adventure waiting to happen.
Creative idea: Draw your own "life path" or map of places you want to explore.
by Frances Stickley
Mouse is thrilled to find apples—but her neighbor Bear wants them too! A fun and gentle story about conflict resolution and fairness.
Why it’s a great fall read aloud: It’s set in autumn, features problem-solving, and ends on a note of kindness—perfect for SEL and seasonal themes.
Discussion starter: How would you solve a problem like Mouse and Bear’s?
These fall read alouds for September were carefully selected to inspire your children while also helping them feel grounded in a season of change. They celebrate nature, bravery, friendship, and joy—making them perfect for any home, library, or classroom.
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