31 Best September Picture Books for Kids: Read Aloud List

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

September Picture Books for Kids. This September booklist for kids is filled with literary gems centered around adventures, animal friends, nature, farm, fall, and apple picking. This booklist for kids is the ninth 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 September.
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 September 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 August Picture Books for Kids, grab the list here.

31 Best September Picture Books for Kids: Wholesome Read Alouds

1. Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

A white farmhouse with wildflowers growing in the front yard and a white picket fence bordering the yard. A little girl is reaching both arms out for a white cat that is running out of the farmhouse door. — Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Sophie Blackall beautifully illustrates the daily life and the stories of the farmhouse. It truly is a beautiful book that allows you to peek through the windows and experience the joy of the farmhouse. This is a must-read on farm books for kids. More Farm books HERE.

2. Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter

A gray possum wearing a red party hat wanders through the tall grass to invite his friends to his party on the book cover of "Possum's Harvest Moon" by Anne Hunter, a book on the Best September Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter

This is a cute story about Possum throwing one last party before everyone settles down for winter, but everyone is too busy preparing for winter. Will anyone come to his party? More Favorite Fall Picture Books HERE.

3. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman

A lady holding a purse, rolling pin, and wooden spoon flies in the hair attached to a red and apple parachute on the children's book cover of "How to Make An Apple Pie and see the world" by Majorie Priceman,a book on the Apple books for kids booklist. — How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman

A closed market sends readers around the world to collect the ingredients to this deliciously silly recipe for apple pie. A simple apple recipe is included in the back. More favorite apple picture books HERE.

4. The Hundred-Year Barn by Patricia MacLachlan

A mom in a white dress is holding hands with her son who is wearing a red hat. They are accompanied by their black and white spotted dog. This family stands in a field of brown tall grass with a red barn standing in the distance. — The Hundred-Year Barn by Patricia MacLachlan

This wonderful book is written from the perspective of a little boy who watches his community help his dad build the Hundred-Year Barn. The barn becomes a beloved landmark of his childhood. This red barn is more than a shelter. It is a symbol of peace, stability, and friendship. While building the barn, a dearly loved item is lost, only to be found many years later by the boy, now a man.

5. Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler

Miss maple holds tight to a stem of a flower as she floats through the air on the book cover of "Miss Maple's seeds," a book on the booklist of childrens books on plants. — Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler

Celebrate the miracles of each seed with kind-hearted and nurturing Miss Maple. This story will capture the child’s imagination as Miss Maple cares for seeds until it is their time to take root and become beautiful creations. Oh, this beautiful story is another one of our favorite books. Eliza Wheeler is the author of my favorite Children’s book, “Home in the Woods.”

6. Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter

A young African American girl reads a book on a branch up in her tree with her white farmhouse in the background on the book cover of "Nell Plants a Tree," a book on the booklist of childrens books on plants. — Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter

In this beautiful picture book, Nell plants and tends a pecan tree that is enjoyed by her family. This book inspired my kids to want to start planting trees all over the yard. I find the colorful illustrations in this book stunningly beautiful.This book is an excellent choice of children books on plants.

7. Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson

A young girl holding the rails of a blue-covered wagon loaded with papa's apple trees and pulled by two oxen sings out on the children's classic book cover of "Apples to Oregon." — Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson

Papa decides to move from Iowa to Oregon and bring his precious apple trees, peaches, plums, pears, grapes, and cherries. This picture book is a funny tale of a fruiting pioneer and the trials of the dusty trail.

8. The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson

Papa wearing black overalls, carrying a fresh apple pie, and holding his daughter's hand skips underneath the big apple tree on the children's book cover of "The Apple Pie that Papa Baked" by Lauren Thompson, a book on the apple books for kids booklist. — The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson

This delightful book reads like the English nursery rhyme The House that Jack Built. The author traces the apple pie back to the apple tree’s roots and the rain. The best part is the loving bond between the father and his daughter.

9. Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson

A family of four and grandmother tastes a fresh pot of applesauce on the children's picture book cover "Applesauce Season." — Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson

This wonderful picture book features a multigenerational family and their family tradition of making applesauce. When the apples start coming into the market, the family pulls out the big pot for applesauce. Their unique recipe is included in the back of the book. I agree with grandmother, grab at least three varieties of apples to make the best flavorful applesauce. Here is my simple applesauce recipe.

10. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

Beautifully illustrated book cover by Kenard Pak. A young boy with a red scarf walks along the forest with his spotted dog as they admire the changes of fall. — Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

A young girl walks through her town and a forest, taking notice of the signs of Autumn. I love the panorama spreads of colorful illustrations that allow younger readers to get a larger glimpse of the fall changes. If you enjoy this book, check out Goodbye Autumn Hello Winter and more snowy reads on our booklist Snowy Reads for Kids.

11. If You Find a Leaf by Aimee Sicuro

A young girl wearing a yellow hat and scarf sails on the sea with a bright red leaf as her sail on the book cover of "If you find a leaf," a book on the fall books for kids booklist. — If You Find a Leaf by Aimee Sicuro

I am always hunting for books that encourage kids to look around and find the beauty of nature and the signs of our Almighty Creator. This wonderful picture book encourages children to observe the rustic-colored leaves of fall differently. Here is a cute leaf craft to accompany this good book or encourage kids to design their creations as found in the book.

12. Little Tree by Loren Long

A red fox and a gray squirrel look at the little tree with brown leaves surrounded by a green patch of grass on the book cover of "Little Tree" by Loren Long. — Little Tree by Loren Long

A brisk autumn wind ruffles Little Tree’s beloved leaves. The tree fears losing its leaves and clings tightly to them, which stunts its growth. The other trees around Little Tree grow big and strong. Seasons pass, and Little Tree finally makes a difficult decision and feels the cold for the first time.

13. Escargot by Dashka Slater

A French snail wearing a beret, striped blue and white shirt, and red scarf slides along the path on the children's picture book cover "Escargot" by Dashka Slater, a book on the Best September Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Escargot by Dashka Slater

This fun book is an interactive book about a cute French snail named Escargot who desires to be the reader’s favorite animal and eat a yummy salad. The snail is charming, and the adventure is funny. This is a great read-aloud for younger children.

14. Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler

An African-American woman holding a long wrench looks over a bridge crossing a beautiful river in the mountains on the book cover of "Someone builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long, a book on the Best September Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler

This is a great book about the many types of jobs that go into building our world, like buildings, bridges, and books. “All across this great big world, jobs are getting done by many hands in many lands. It takes much more than one.” This is a perfect addition to the “Best September Picture Books for Kids” booklist to help celebrate Labor Day.

15. Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens

A lazy, defeated brown bear slumps in a white lawn chair while a brown hare holds a large husk of corn on the book cover of "Tops and Bottoms," a book on the childrens books on plants booklist. — Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens

Hare’s family is going through hardship. To provide for his family, Hare outwits the lazy farmer, Bear. If you are loving these children books on plants, check out this list of Funny Picture Books. Another good book by Janet Stevens made the list.

16. Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley

An African American female wearing a blue blouse holds an apple in her hand on the cover of "Bring me some apples and I'll make you a pie." — Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley

Edna Lewis was a female African-American chef who strongly advocated for fresh, in-season ingredients and was a true artist of farm-to-table meals, refining the view of southern cooking. Without the conveniences of the modern grocery store, Edna’s family lives off the land and cherishes each provision of nature. The book includes five kid-friendly recipes.

17. Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John “Appleseed” Chapman by Esme Raji Codell

Two children watch Johnny Appleseed walk with a tin pot on his head under a large apple tree with green, yellow, and red ripe apples on the children's book cover of "Seed by Seed," a book on the Apple books for kids booklist. — Seed by Seed by Esme Raji Codell

Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman is an American folk hero. This is a great way to introduce kids to the story of Johnny Appleseed and his legacy. This picture book biography is full of insightful text and mixed-media illustrations that kids of all ages will enjoy.

18. Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

Jessica, a young female with a double lower extremity amputee leads her black Labrador service dog with a red harness in the city park. — Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

This heartwarming story is about a real-life friendship between a girl named Jessica, who needs help returning to her daily life after losing both legs and a service dog that helps her one step at a time.

19. The Stray Dog by Marc Simont

A stray black and white dog holding a tennis ball in his mouth sneaks under the bushes while a man with a net hunts him in the park on the book cover of "The Stray Dog," a book on the Best September Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Stray Dog by Marc Simont

This is a simple story about a family meeting a scruffy stray dog during their picnic in the park. The kids wanted to take the dog home, but the Father said no, thinking it belonged to someone else. All week, they think about the little dog. When the weekend arrives, the family searches for the dog at the park. It’s a predictable storyline with simple text and illustrations.

20. Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

Gloria, the police dog, does a backflip on stage while Officer Buckle teaches the students safety lessons on the book cover of "Officer Buckle and Gloria," an old childrens book. — Office Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

The students didn’t find Officer Buckle’s safety speech exciting until Gloria assisted with a little bit of mayhem on stage.

21. Chanticleer and the Fox retold by Barbara Cooney

A fancy rooster named Chanticleer struts across the barnyard watched by two women and a fox in the bushes on the book cover of "Chanticleer and the Fox" by Barbara Cooney, a book on the best September picture books for kids booklist. — Chanticleer and the Fox retold by Barbara Cooney

This is a favorite picture book adapted from The Canterbury Tales. In this story, a proud rooster named Chanticleer has a sorrowful dream about a fox, but one of his hens warns him to not be silly. Unfortunately, Chanticleer’s dream starts to unfold the next day. CONTENT WARNING: The rooster has seven wives and noted violence with the fox grabs the rooster by the throat.

22. The Sour Grape by Jory John

A grumpy, green grape crosses his arms in a city park on the book cover of "The Sour Grape" by Jory John, a book on the Best September Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Sour Grape by Jory John

This is a great story about a grudge-holding Sour Grape who realizes just how unfair holding grudges can be and learns about forgiveness and compassion. This is the sixth book in The Food Group series by Jory John and Pete Oswald.

23. Hopefully, The Scarecrow by Michelle Houts

A happy scarecrow stands proud on a blue sunny day with a little girl reading a book in the garden to the Scarecrow on the children's book "Hopefully, the Scarecrow," a book on the Best September Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Hopefully, the Scarecrow by Michelle Houts

This sweet story is about a beautiful friendship between a smiling scarecrow and a little girl. The little girl reads to him all day, and when the tomato stalks dry up and the birds fly south, she stores him in the shed for next spring. Their friendship continues to grow until one spring, she doesn’t return to read to him. He tries to stay brave, remembering the stories they have shared. I won’t spoil the ending, but it’s a happy one! Young readers will love the lush and vibrant illustrations and simple text.

24. The Man Who Walked Between Two Towers by Mordicai Gerstein

A man wearing black pants and black shoes walks across a wire tided between the Twin Towers over New York City on the children's book "The man who walked between the towers," a book on the Best September Picture books for kids booklist. — The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein

25. Fireboat by Maira Kalman

A fireboat flying an American Flag puts out fires on the river in New York City with the outline of the Statue of Liberty in the background on the children's book "Fireboat," a book on the Best September Picture books for kids booklist. — Fireboat by Maira Kalman

This beautiful story is based on a true story about The John J. Harvey, a fireboat that was one the largest and fastest. By 1995, the city no longer needed fireboats. The retired fireboat was rescued by a group of friends. The John J. Harvey had one more mission. On September 11, 2001, the fireboat was used to battle the roaring flames of a horrible event. This book is a great addition to the month of September as we take time to remember the heroes of 9/11. CONTENT WARNING: Reflection of the terrorist attack of 9/11.

26. Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel by Robb Pearlman

A cartoon illustration of Bob Ross and his friend Peapod, the squirrel worked together to paint a beautiful mountain scene on the front of the children's book "Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel" by Robb Pearlman, a book on the Best September Picture Books for kids booklist. — Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel by Robb Pearlman

This fun book is about Bob Ross and his squirrel friend, Peapod. Bob Ross helps Peapod find the perfect home by painting his beloved “Meadow Lake.” This one is a great read aloud for young children.

27. The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord

A beautiful stone road leads to a city surrounded by mountains and meadows on the classic children's book "The Giant Jam Sandwich," a book on the Best September Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord

In this funny story, the villagers of Itching Down suffer from an invasion of wasps. They have an idea to trap all 4 million wasps in a giant jam sandwich. The lyrical, rhyming text is so fun for young readers and makes for a classic, funny read-aloud picture book.

28. The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan

A beautiful blue cottage by the seaside with sailboats sailing the ocean and a little girl in a yellow dress chases her dog in the front yard on the sweet children's book "The Little Blue Cottage," a book on the Best September Picture Books for kids booklist. — The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan

This wonderful story of a beloved little blue cottage favors summertime when a little girl arrives. Each summer, the girl keeps the cottage company, but one season, she doesn’t return. After many empty seasons, the girl returns married and with a little girl of her own.

29. The Tree Lady by Joseph Hopkins

Kate Sessions lays in the grass in the middle of tall Redwood forest on the book cover of "The Tree Lady," a book on the booklist children books on plants. — The Tree Lady by Joesph Hopkins

A true story based on the life of Kate Sessions. Kate loved the woods and loved studying science which made her quite different in the late 1800s. Kate was the first female to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science. She changed the city of San Diego from a desert town to a city of magnificent gardens.

Featured Children’s Treasury

30. Paddington Treasury by Michael Bond

An illustration of the beloved bear, Paddington, wearing a blue jacket, red hat, and yellow scarf on the front of the Paddington Treasury, a book on the best September picture books for kids booklist. — Paddington Treasury by Michael Bond

This is a delightful collection of stories about the beloved bear from Darkest Peru, Paddington.

Featured Board Book

31. Hand, Hand Fingers Thumb by Al Perkins

A brown monkey with rings on all fingers and a drum hanging on his neck raises his both arms high in the air on the yellow book cover of "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb." one of the books on six month old babies book list. — Hand, Hand Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins

A perfect book for little ones to learn about their hands, fingers, and thumbs with dancing and drumming monkeys. This one is so fun to read to kids. “Dum ditty, dum ditty, dum dum dum.” More Classic Board Books HERE.

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 the apples HERE.

Best August Picture Books for Kids

Get the full list of great read-aloud books for August 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 best books for the Fall season 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 September 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 September holidays and is curated for ages 3-6 years old. I will continue to add more themed booklist.

HAPPY READING!