44 Best Fall Books For Kids: Autumn Picture Books

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.

Updated August 26, 2024

Fall Books for Kids. This book list is full of the best fall books filled with beautiful illustrations, celebration of seasonal changes, and colorful leaves to welcome the autumn season of fall. Pair an autumn book (or five) with a beautiful fall day in the crisp air, apple picking, leaf hunting, searching for the perfect pumpkin, and more of your favorite traditions of fall. Mama, grab you a pumpkin spice latte, too. 🙂

If my girls could accompany a classic autumn picture book with an activity, they would choose a leaf hunt. I love encouraging them to see the beauty in creation and the vibrant colors of the trees’ leaves.

Celebrate this magical season with a few fall favorites (snacks, activities, etc.) and a gorgeous book from this Fall Books For Kids Booklist.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.

List of Fall Books for Kids: Fall-Themed Picture Books

1. 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).

2. 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.

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.

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. Autumn Story Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem

A little female mouse looks out of her house surrounded by rustic colored leaves and ripe blackberries on the book cover of "Autumn Story" by Jill Barklem. — Autumn Story by Jill Barklem

The Brambly Hedge Series by Jill Barklem is great for young readers ready for a longer bedtime read. The illustrations are beautiful and filled with detail kids will love. The wintery weather is blowing in fast, but the harvest is not finished. Everyone sets out to gather their crops, but a little woodmouse finds herself lost in the woods after dreaming the day away.

6. 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.

7. The Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

A man pets his ox hitched to a blue covered wagon on the beloved classic children's book "Ox-Cart Man" by Donald Hall, a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

This wonderful picture book follows the ox-cart man on his journey to sell his goods at the market and returns with his pockets full of coins. Then, the cycle begins again.

8. 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. Eliza Wheeler is the author of my favorite Children’s book, “Home in the Woods.”

9. 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.

Autumn Family Fun Printables arranged on a white background including scavenger hunts with images, fall bucket list with bingo cards, and a numbered book list with black font all decorated with watercolor rustic-colored leaves, berries, and acorns. — **Get The Free Autumn FAMILY-FUN BUNDLE in the**
**Email Subscription Box Below!**

10. 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." — Lawrence 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.

11. Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter by Eugenie Doyle

A farm scenery with a black horse being led in a field, a man pushing a wheelbarrow, a red barn, and a silo on the hilltop, and a white farmhouse with smoke coming from its chimney. — Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle

Winter is here. It is time for the farm to rest. But first, preparations must be made before putting the farm to a well-deserved rest. This book beautifully illustrates and informs about the tasks and seasons on the family farm. A great way to teach your kids about seasons on the farm (click HERE for more farm picture books).

12. Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston

A young child holding a notebook and wearing a red jacket and hood stares into the woods with the fall-colored leaves falling down to the ground on the book cover of "Winter is Coming." — Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston

This gorgeous picture book is about a young girl observing from her favorite place in the woods. From her tree, she watches the chipmunks, deer, and rabbits prepare for winter. The text is calming with vivid illustrations.

13. The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night by Peter Spier

Peter Spier's illustration of "The Fox Went out on a Chilly Night" features a red fox running through a hay field in Autumn. An illustrated American folk song featured on the best letter F books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night by Peter Spier

This book showcases stunning illustrations that accompany the American folk song. The vibrant artwork captures the fox’s moonlit quest for a meal. I like to play the song after reading it with my girls.

14. The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter

A frisky brown squirrel dances on the classic children's book "The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin" by Beatrix Potter, a book on the best fall books for kids booklist. — The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter

Nutkin and his fellow squirrels travel to Owl Island to gather nuts. Nutkin is a naughty squirrel full of mischief and begins to taunt Old Brown, the island’s guardian. Old Brown reaches his limit with Nutkin’s behavior and teaches the squirrel a hard lesson.

15. Fall Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow

A little boy falls back into a pile of leaves on the children's book cover of "Fall Walk." — Fall Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow

This is such a great book to help children identify 24 different kinds of leaves by their shape and autumn color. The back of the book includes a spread for kids to practice matching the leaf with the tree. At the end of the book, there is an interactive section for kids to match leaves with their respective trees and instructions for pressing leaves.

16. 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.

17. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Phillip 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 Phillip 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.

18. 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 needs to prepare for winter. Will anyone come to his party?

19. Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington

A young boy sits on a large orange pumpkin in a pumpkin patch with two white geese on the book cover of "Pumpkin, Pumpkin." — Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington

This picture book is very simple. Jamie, a young boy, watches his pumpkin grow, carves a face in the pumpkin, and saves six seeds for planting in the spring.

20. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White

A lady stands concerned in a large pumpkin patch on the children's picture book "Too Many Pumpkins" by Linda White, a book featured on the best fall books for kids booklist. — Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White

This charming tale revolves around a woman who harbors a strong dislike for pumpkins due to her childhood experiences of her family’s hardships and reliance on pumpkin-based everything. She vowed to never look at a pumpkin again until a pumpkin fell off a passing truck into her yard. Despite hastily burying it to avoid even looking at it, the pumpkin thrives and now she has TOO MANY PUMPKINS. The rest of the heartwarming tale culminates in a beautiful tradition that brings the community together.

21. 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.

22. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

A wild-eyed squirrel stands worried, holding handfuls of autumn leaves while standing in the forest covered with beautiful fall foliage on the book cover of "The Leaf Thief" by Alice Hemming, a book on the fall books for kids booklist. — The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

This funny picture book is a cute story about an energetic cross squirrel concerned that his tree is losing its leaves. Squirrel attempts to find the culprit who is stealing his beautiful beloved leaves.

23. In November by Cynthia Rylant

An image of a little brown mouse sniffing for food framed by fall leaves on the book cover of "In November," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — In November by Cynthia Rylant

This great book is a carol to the cozy month of November: the smells of cinnamon, the leafless trees, the sights of animals scurrying to prepare for winter, and the homes filled with family and friends, gathering to give thanks at “winter’s gate.” Check out more Thanksgiving Books.

24. Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

A little girl and a little boy play joyfully in the fall leaves on the book cover of "Thankful," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

This is the perfect book to encourage young children to practice thankfulness for everyday blessings. The book is filled with simple rhyming text and whimsical illustrations.

25. In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes

A gray squirrel scurries onto a tiny tree branch to gather two acorns on the children's book cover "In the Middle of Fall" by Kevin Henkes, a book on the fall books for kids booklist. — In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes

This simple picture book explores the colors, sights, smells, and changes of fall. In the Middle of Fall is a wonderful read for little ones.

26. The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri

A gray squirrel leaps onto a tiny tree branch loaded with red ripe delicious apples on the book cover of "The Busy Little Squirrel" by Nancy Tafuri, a book on Fall books for kids booklist. — The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri

The little gray squirrel needs to get ready for winter. He is too busy to nibble with the mice and hop with the frogs. He has to hurry because the leaves are falling.

27. 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.)

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. 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.

30. Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant

An old humble scarecrow with borrowed clothes and tin pie pan hands stands tall in the field on the children's picture book cover "Scarecrow" by Cynthia Rylant, a book featured on the best fall books for kids booklist. — Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant

This is a sweet story of the humble life of a scarecrow. The descriptive text is calming as the reader experiences the scenes of fall through the scarecrow’s perspective.

31. 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.

32. County Fair: My First Little House Books

A little blonde haired boy wearing a sports coat stands besides his large orange pumpkin in the pumpkin growing contest at the county fair on the book cover of "My First Little House Books: County Fair." — County Fair My First Little House Books

This fall picture book adapted from Laura Ingall Wilder’s Farmer Boy. Almanzo enters his special pumpkin in a contest at the county fair.

33. Pumpkin Moonshine by Tasha Tudor

A little girl in a blue dress, blue bonnet, and white apron plays with a large bundle of gathered corn stalks and a carved pumpkin into a Jack-O'-lantern on the book cover of "Pumpkin Moonshine." — Pumpkin Moonshine by Tasha Tudor

It is almost Halloween, and Sylvie Ann, a young girl, wants to make a most fierce Pumpkin Moonshine (which is a Jack-O’-lantern). She goes on a hunt to find the fattest pumpkin but has a bit of a mishap rolling the pumpkin down the hill.

34. Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk

A gray squirrel and a woodpecker meet a the bend of an oak tree with autumn leaves falling down on the children's picture book "Count Down to Fall," a book featured on the Best Fall Books for Kids Booklist. — Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk

This fall picture book is perfect for young children to learn to count through colorful leaves from trees like aspen, birch, maple, oak, chestnut, linden, pine, beech, dogwood, and sweet gum.

35. Red Leaf and Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

Red and yellow leaves decorate the book cover of "Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf" by Lois Ehlert, a book for younger children about autumn. — Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

This autumn picture book is a vibrant non-fiction book with facts about trees. The back of the book contains a glossary and fun activities for you and your children. The perfect book to teach young readers about trees.

36. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

A little man is made from fall-colored leaves, including a brown leaf for a body, a maple leaf for his head, yellow and green leaves for limbs, and tiny red leaves for his hands. He also has acorn caps for the eyes and a pinecone for the nose. — Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

The leaf man is on the move, drifting with the autumn breeze. The illustrations are crafted with leaves, bringing whimsy to this precious picture book about fall.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. Four Friends in Autumn by Tomie dePaola

Four animals waring nice dress clothes, a frog, dog, pig, and cat, stand in a field waiting for their fall feast on the book cover of "Four Friends in Autumn" by Tomie dePaola. — Four Friends in Autumn by Tomie dePaola

Mistress Piggy wants to celebrate her favorite season of Autumn with a feast for her friends. The friends seem to wait forever, but Mistress Piggy takes a while to emerge from the kitchen. But dinner disappears, and the friends learn that food tastes better when dining with friends.

40. Leaves by David Ezra Stein

A black bear looks down at a brown fallen leave with a concerned look on the children's book cover "Leaves." — Leaves by David Ezra Stein

It’s Bear’s first autumn. The leaves are falling all over his island. This young bear is concerned. He tries to fix the leaves, but it doesn’t work. He gathers a handful of leaves, throws them in a hole, and tucks himself into the leaves to rest through winter. In the spring, he is welcomed by the tiny green buds. This book has simple text and bright rustic watercolor illustrations, perfect for little ones.

41. The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders

A young girl runs down a hill after her large orange pumpkin on the book cover of "The Roll-Away Pumpkin," a book on the fall books for kids booklist. — The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders

Marla Little loses control of her pumpkin down a hill. She gathers a crowd of help following behind her and the pumpkin. The pumpkin lands right into a large black cauldron. Perfect for pumpkin soup!

42. The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons

Children holding up pumpkins in the pumpkin patch on the book cover of "The Pumpkin Book" by Gail Gibbons, an informative picture book on the fall books for kids booklist. — The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons

This is a great informational book about pumpkins. From the different pumpkin varieties, the planting process and harvest, and directions on pumpkin craving and drying pumpkin seeds. Content warning: The book mentions Halloween being the day that ghosts, witches, and goblins roamed the night so people would build bonfires to scare them away.

Honorable Mentions (out of print)

43. Pumpkin Runner by Marsha Diane Arnold (out of print)

A farmer wearing overalls and holding a pumpkin runs across the field with his dog right beside him on the book cover of "The Pumpkin Runner." — The Pumpkin Runner by Marsha Diane Arnold

Every day since he was small, Joshua would eat a slice of pumpkin warmed by the sun underneath the Eucalyptus tree, then run to check on his sheep. Joshua was now old but still running his many acreages to check on his sheep. One day, he reads a headline about a famous race. Joshua loads up a borrowed jeep with pumpkins, Yellow Dog, and a sleepy Aunt Millie and heads to the starting line.

44. Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden by George Levenson (out of print)

Close of photograph of a bright orange pumpkin on the book cover of "Pumpkin Circle." — Pumpkin Circle by George Levenson

This nonfiction book features backyard photography of a pumpkin through its life cycle with fun lyrical text. Content Warning: brief reference to mother nature.

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Thankful Books for Kids: Thanksgiving Day Picture Books

Book covers filled with Pilgrims, Native Americans, Fall Leaves, Diverse people groups, young children, city buses, pink pigs, woodland creatures, and Thanksgiving Day feasts arranged on an autumn orange background with bold black text that reads thankful books for kids and decorated with orange leaves, acorns, and pumpkins.

Get the complete list of favorite books {HERE}

31 Best Picture Books for October

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.

Get the complete booklist {HERE}

Best Apple Picture Books for Kids

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.

Get the complete booklist of our apple book favorites {HERE}.

More Booklists Coming Soon!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, I want to thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite autumn book. I hope you and your children find a favorite book from this list of fall books for kids. Happy Fall!