31 Best October Picture Books for Kids: Must-read Alouds

Best October Picture Books for kids booklist with classic children's books and new releases book covers arranged in columns with a watercolor black cat and orange pumpkin stack, and colorful watercolor font.

October Picture Books for Kids. This October book list for kids is filled with literary gems centered around daring adventures, animal friends, nature, farm, fall, and overcoming fears. Don’t hesitate to grab a pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider before crawling up these awesome autumn books. This booklist for kids is the tenth of twelve monthly book lists, so make sure you sign up for my mailing list to have it delivered straight to your inbox. I hope you enjoy these beautiful stories throughout the month of October.
Please note that the targeted age range for this booklist is for 3-6 years old but you are never too old to enjoy a well written picture book.

Welcome to Sprinkled with Stories: A Story-Formed Childhood. Here is October Picture Books for Kids Booklist! Scroll to the pink box and grab your freebie and printable booklist.

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If you missed the 31 Best September Picture Books for Kids, grab the list here.

31 Best October Picture Books for Kids: Wholesome Read Alouds

1. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry

A happy scarecrow donned in a orange and red flannel shirt, overalls, and straw hat smiles at a tiny crow, resting on his outstretched arm on the book cover of "The Scarecrow" by Beth Ferry, a book about compassion for kids. — The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry

Make sure to have a tissue. This one gets me every time. “Scarecrow stands alone and scares…” He has no place to go and no friends. Everyone remains outside of the fence; until one day, a baby crow falls from his nest. Scarecrow does the most unlikely thing, and a relationship is born. I cannot tell you more without spoiling this sweet story of friendship. We grab this book every fall; its our favorite autumn book.

2. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

Fletcher, the fox, stands on a tree stump to catch the falling leaves on the book cover of "Fletcher and the Falling Leaves." — Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

It’s Fletcher’s first fall season. He is concerned about the falling leaves. This little fox has a lot to learn about the changing seasons. This precious picture book is one of my favorite fall books to read to my girls (in the spring, be sure to check out Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms).

3. Miss Suzy by Miriam Young

Miss Suzy, a sweet brown squirrel, touches the shoulder of a tin soldier who helped save her home on the book cover of "Miss Suzy" by Miriam Young and illustrated by Arnold Lobel. — Miss Suzy by Miriam Young

A gang of red squirrels takes over Miss Suzy’s cozy oak tree home. She makes a dollhouse her home and meets a brigade of toy soldiers who rid her home of the mischievous squirrels. This is a great book to add to your autumn read aloud list.

4. Who Goes There? by Karma Wilson

A little mouse wearing a red coat and holding a glowing lantern stands outside his home in a large oak tree on the book cover of "Who Goes There?" by Karma Wilson, a book on the fall books for kids booklist. — Who Goes There? by Karma Wilson

Lewis Mouse continues to hear a scritch, scratch, tap, tap, tap! He yells in his bravest voice, “Who goes there?” He imagines all the scary things it could be. But he is in for a great surprise when he discovers the noisemaker. October is the perfect time to address overcoming fears with kids of all ages.

5. Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson

Bear looks frightened as his woodland friends hug him close on the book cover of "Bear Feels Scared." — Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson

It’s a stormy night, and Bear is frightened and gets lost. His woodland friends come to his rescue.

6. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Tradition by Kevin Noble Maillard

A young Native American girl holds a baby near her as he eats a piece of fry bread on the children's picture book "Fry Bread." — Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard

This picture book is a Native Family Story that features a unifying cultural food, fry bread. The beautiful illustrations are calming. I love learning about different cultures through food. This story can spark some difficult essential conversations.
Family recipe included.

7. Soup Day by Melissa Iwai

A young girl smiles as she smells her fresh steaming soup on the book cover of "Soup Day," a book on the picture books about food and story book list. — Soup Day by Melissa Iwai

In this cute story, a little girl and her mom make nutritious vegetable soup for dinner. First, the go shopping for the ingredients. Then, it’s time to chop the fresh vegetables and cook the soup. As the soup simmers, they read, play, and build together. Once her dad is home, it’s time to clean up and sit down as a family and enjoy the soup together.
Recipe included.

8. Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper

A gray cat, a white duck, and a brown squirrel gather around to taste their steaming pumpkin soup on the book cover of "Pumpkin Soup" by Helen Cooper, a book on the Fall books for kids booklist. — Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper

Cat, Squirrel, and Duck live in harmony in their white cabin in the woods until Duck decides to stir the pumpkin soup, breaking tradition. In a rumble, Duck leaves their home. After his friends settle down, they become concerned and realize their actions were wrong. Content warning: There is an image of a witch as the animals picture scaring things they could find in the woods. (All that is missing is a delicious pumpkin soup recipe listed at the end of the book.)

9. Strega Nona’s Harvest by Tomie dePaola

Strega Nona holds a bundle of wheat while smiling with gratitude at the harvest of plenty before her such as large orange pumpkins, apples, and melons on the book cover of "Strega Nona's Harvest" by Tomie dePaola, a book on the fall books for kids booklist. — Strega Nona’s Harvest by Tomie dePaola

The beloved Strega Nona plants her garden. She is very particular and organized in her planting. On the other hand, Big Anthony decides to plant a garden as well but in more of an unorganized fashion. Strega Nona has a method, and Anthony becomes overwhelmed. Mysterious crops began to show up at her door, and she blesses the village people with the surprise harvest. Content warning: She does blow kisses and sings to the moon.

10. Bear has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead

A brown bear sits on a log looking sad as he talks to a duck in the woods on a fall day with rustic-colored leaves falling to the ground on the book cover of "Bear Has a Story to Tell" by Phillip C. Stead. — Bear has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead

Everyone is getting ready for winter, Bear’s eyes are getting ready but he has a story to tell. He tries to tell his story to the mouse, the duck, and the frog, but everyone must bed down for winter. When spring returns, bear awakens excited to tell his story. But first he brings everyone a gift and welcomes home his friends.

11. Lawerence in the Fall by Matthew Farina

A papa fox carries his son on his shoulders as they walk through the woods on a fall day on the kid's book cover "Lawrence in the Fall." — Lawerence in the Fall by Matthew Farina

A school assignment has Lawerence discouraged. He must show the class something that he collects. His papa has an idea, and they journey together into the forest. Lawerence is awestruck by the oak tree’s beautiful leaves and finds something special to share with his friends. This is a good book to encourage young children to want to adventure into nature.

12. Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland

Two kids gather fall leaves near the pond on a crisp autumn day on the children's book cover of "Fall Leaves," a book on the fall books for kids booklist. — Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland

This picture book features a poem with vibrant illustrations of Autumn. This is a great addition to add to your favorite fall picture books.

“Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow!“

13. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Three snowy baby owls perch on a limb in the middle of the night on the classic children's book "Owl Babies" by Martin Waddell, a book on the Best October Picture books for kids booklist. — Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

This is a heartwarming book about three baby owls who awake one night to find their mother is gone. The anxious little owls cannot help but worry. But their mother does return. It’s a simple and beautiful story.

14. A House in the Woods by Inga Moore

A moose, beaver, and bear family work hard to build a Tudor style home in the woods during the autumn season on the beloved children's book "A House in the Woods" by Inga Moore, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — A House in the Woods by Inga Moore

This sweet book is about woodland friends who build a house in the woods for all four of them. Young readers will love the whimsically detailed illustrations and animal friends. It’s a story of friendship!

15. The King and the Dragon by James W. Shrimpton

A red-orange dragon blows fire near the warmly illustrated castle on the biblical narrative "The King and the Dragon," a book on the Best October Picture books for Kids booklist. — The King and the Dragon by James W. Shrimpton

This picture book echoes Christ’s victory over sin and death. It’s a picture of the story of redemption from brokenness and despair to restored and victorious. This book is a biblical narrative with the King (God), the knight (Jesus), and the Dragon (satan) with magical illustrations and a rhyming text.

16. John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister

Young J. R. R. Tolkien sits under a tree while reading a book and imagaing that a large green dragon is looking down on him on the biography picture book "John Ronald's Dragons" by Caroline McAlister, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister

This picture book biography is about the beloved author J. R. R. Tolkien, the creator of Middle Earth and author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. His imagination was brilliant often looking for dragons but he didn’t find them and write about them until much later in life. CONTENT WARNING: mention of his mother’s death and war.

17. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

A large red dragon is lying on his back eating tacos when plenty more tacos resting on his stomach. — Dragon Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

In this fun story with colorful illustrations, a young boy throws a taco party for dragons. The dragons love tacos and especially taco parties, but make sure not to serve spicy salsa. The young boy is warned not to give the dragons spicy salsa. This is the perfect read for taco night!

18. Dragon was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio

A yellow dragon with white horns, white wings, and black spikes is painting the castle wall with yellow spray paint. — Dragon was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio

This mischievous orange dragon creates a bit of distress and destruction in the community. The King offers a reward for whoever can tame the Dragon.

19. On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue: How Milton Hershey Brought Milk Chocolate to America by Tziporah Cohen

A young Milton Hershey holds up a milk chocolate bar sign that reads on the corner of Chocolate Avenue on the fun biography picture book. — On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue by Tziporah Cohen

In this picture book biography, Milton Hershey perseveres and invents the milk chocolate bar. Chocolate was only a special treat for the wealthy, but Hershey changed that. He grew up poor but was determined. Over the course of his career, he failed many times but continued to experiment both with chocolate and his business. I highly recommend drinking hot chocolate or eating Hershey kisses while reading this book with your children.

20. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

A figment of the imagination, Beekle, waves while wearing a crown and waiting at the bus station in a busy city surrounded by busy adults on the award-winning children's picture book "The Adventures of Beekle The unimaginary friend" by Dan Santat, a book on the Best October Picture books for kids booklist. — Beekle by Dan Santat

In this fun book about imaginary friends, Beekle patiently waits for his child, but he feels forgotten. So, Beekle sets out on a journey to find his friend.

21. Princess and the Pea by Rachel Isadora

A princess sits on top of many colorful mastresses with palm leaves above her head on the beloved children's book "The Princess and the Pea" by Rachel Isadora, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids Booklist. — Princess and the Pea by Rachel Isadora

This book is a classic retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. A young prince sets out to find a princess to marry. One night, there is a storm, and a young princess wet in the rain is brought and tested. She sleeps on 20 mattresses and 20 feather beds with a pean underneath them. When the princess awakes, she is black and blue and unrested. They knew she was the real princess because she was delicate and sensitive enough to feel a pea through all the mattresses.

22. Flight for Freedom: The Wetzel Family’s Daring Escape from East Germany by Kristen Fulton

A colorful hot air balloon files high in the night to escape on the picture book cover "Flight for Freedom," a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Flight for Freedom by Kristen Fulton

This picture book is based on a true story of the Wetzel family’s escape in a hot air balloon from East Germany over the Berlin Wall into West Germany. This picture book is recommended for ages 5 and up.

23. Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman

An older gentleman with his can and top hat dances on the book cover of "Song and Dance Man," an award-winning picture book included on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman

This is a nostalgic picture book about a grandfather’s younger days. Three children follow their grandfather up to the attic, where they discover his old bowler hat, gold-tipped cane, and tap shoes. They learn that Grandpa once danced on stage. Grandpa demonstrates a little tapping and gliding on the floor.

24. Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes

A raccoon dressed in a coat in tie sits in a chair playing the violin on the children's book cover "Meet the Orchestra," a book on the Best October Picture Books for kids booklist. — Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes

This picture book is a poetic description of the sounds and musicians of an orchestra featuring animals, lyrical text, and lively illustrations. This is a great way to introduce young children to the orchestra instruments.

25. A Giraffe and A Half by Shel Silverstein

Illustrated in black and white, a giraffe wearing a coat with many other things stacked on and beside him rides a bike on the classic children's book "A Giraffe and a half" by Shel Silverstein, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — A Giraffe and A Half by Shel Silverstein

This fun book centers around the word if. “If you had a giraffe and he stretched another half…you would have a giraffe and a half.” Young children will love the journey of IF with Silverstein’s drawings and funny rhymes.

26. Six-Dinner Sid by Inga Moore

A black cat named Sid rests on the edge of a wall with six colorful bowls stacked in a tower on the beloved picture book cover "Six-Dinner Sid" by Inga Moore, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Six-Dinner Sid by Inga Moore

This is a silly book about a sly black cat named Sid, who lives at six different houses on Aristotle Street to secure six dinners every night. The job is hard with multiple feline personalities until he is discovered when he gets a cold and is taken to the vet six different times.

27. When I was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant

A sister holds her little brother near with her dog by their side in the meadow on a clear night in the mountains on the classic and award-winning children's book "When I was young in the Mountains" by Cynthia Rylant, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — When I was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant

In this award-winning book, Cynthia Rylant depicts her childhood in the Appalachian mountains with lyrical text and beautiful illustrations.

28. Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer

An acorn with two leaves lies on a grassy forest floor. — Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer

I love to teach my kids through picture books. This picture book is a fun way to teach your kids about the cycle of an Oak tree and the connections of the animals and plants that surround it.

29. The Ugly Duckling by Jerry Pinkney

A little swan peeps out of it's egg in nest of baby ducklings on the brightly illustrated book cover of "The Ugly Duckling" retold by Jerry Pinkey, from a classic Hans Christian Andersen tale, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Ugly Duckling by Jerry Pinkney

This is a retelling of the classic childhood tale of The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, featuring an awkward little duck with a survival story.

30. The Three Pigs by David Wiesner

Two tan bigs and one black pig stare out of the award-winning children's book cover "The Three Pigs" by David Wiesner, a book on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Three Pigs by David Wiesner

This is a fun retelling of the classic story of the Three Little Pigs. Wiesner’s retelling takes the pigs right out of the story with fun illustrations and a happy ending.

31. Little Toot by Hardie Gramatky

A little tug boat named toot smiles as he plays in the river on the beloved and classic children's book "Little Toot," a book on the Best October Picture Books for kids booklist. — Little Toot by Hardie Gramatky

In this children’s classic, the little tugboat, Little Toot, overcomes his fear of rough seas by courageously rescuing an ocean liner during a fierce storm.

Featured Fall Crafts

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Best Apple Books for Kids: A Picture Book Collection

Children's book covers about apples arranged in a diagonal pattern featuring images of an African American girl holding an apple, a girl traveling the world with a red and white parachute, apple trees, apple orchards, and many varieties of apples with big, bold, and black text reading Apple Books for Kids. Also, decorative watercolor images of a branch with green leaves and red apples and a wooden basket full of Red Delicious apples.

Before visiting an apple orchard this season, check out this booklist of our favorite children’s books about apples HERE.

Best Picture Books for September

Best September Picture Books for kids booklist with book cover arranged in rows and watercolor lettering.

Get the full list of great picture books for September HERE.

Best Fall Picture Books for Kids

Fall books for kids book covers arranged in two rows with watercolor orange and rustic red pumpkins and leaf banners. Books included images of squirrels, signs of fall, big pumpkins, and fall colored leaves.

Get the complete list of fall-themed books HERE.

Featured Crafts: Fall Favorites

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share one of your favorite books on the Best October Picture Books for Kids booklist. This booklist was so fun to make. If you enjoyed this booklist, subscribe to my mailing list to receive each monthly picture booklist right in your inbox. Each booklist includes 31 wholesome picture books for kids and a free printable. My goal is to help you build a list of great read alouds for all the little readers in your life.

Please note this booklist does not encompass a comprehensive list of all the themes and October holidays and is curated for ages 3-6 years old. I will continue to add more themed booklist. One book October holiday we look forward to reading more about is Reformation Day. No scary books here. 🙂

HAPPY READING!