Fall has always been my favorite season. There’s just something about the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the beautiful colors of the leaves that makes everything feel extra special. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this time of year with children is by reading fall picture books that capture the magic of autumn. Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching in a classroom, or looking for the perfect bedtime read, fall-themed picture books bring warmth, laughter, and learning to your days.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite fall picture books for preschoolers and young kids. You’ll also find ideas for crafts, activities, and printables that make story time even more fun.
Why Read Fall Picture Books with Kids?
Reading seasonal picture books helps kids:
- Connect with nature and understand seasonal changes
- Build language and literacy skills
- Explore themes like gratitude, family, and traditions
- Develop a love for reading through fun, relatable stories
Adding crafts, coloring pages, or printable activities keeps kids engaged while reinforcing what they’ve learned from the story.
The Best Fall Picture Books for Preschoolers and Young Kids
Here are ten wonderful fall picture books to add to your seasonal reading basket:
1. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
A creative story where leaves form animals, people, and landscapes.
- Activity idea: Collect leaves on a nature walk and create your own “leaf man” artwork.
2. Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
A simple, classic story about visiting an apple orchard and pumpkin patch.
- Activity idea: Try apple stamping art with paint.
3. The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown
A heartwarming story about courage, growing up, and family.
- Activity idea: Make a scarecrow craft with paper bags or popsicle sticks.
4. We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
A fall-themed twist on the classic bear hunt story.
- Activity idea: Sort collected leaves by color, size, or shape.
5. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
A cozy tale of friendship, food, and gratitude—perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Activity idea: Create a gratitude tree with paper leaves.
6. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Fletcher the fox learns about change and letting go as the seasons shift.
- Activity idea: Paint watercolor leaves to represent fall colors.
7. The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
Follow the life cycle of an apple tree through the seasons.
- Activity idea: Bake mini apple pies together after reading.
8. Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
This story follows a pumpkin as it decays, teaching kids about the plant life cycle.
- Activity idea: Grow your own pumpkin seeds in a cup.
9. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
A beautifully illustrated book about the gentle shift from summer to fall.
- Activity idea: Make a seasonal collage using magazine clippings or drawings.
10. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
A tender story about kindness and unlikely friendships, set in a fall field.
- Activity idea: Write or draw about what it means to be a good friend.
Fun Crafts and Printables to Pair with Fall Books
- Free fall coloring pages to keep kids busy during read-alouds
- Fall-themed worksheets for tracing, counting, and coloring
- Scarecrow crafts to go with favorite scarecrow stories
- Gratitude printables to use during the Thanksgiving season
Check out my fall printable activities here.
How to Use These Fall Books in Your Homeschool or Classroom
- Create a fall book basket – Rotate seasonal books weekly. These small cubby bins make a great book storage.
- Pair with crafts – Reinforce stories with matching crafts or activities.
- Use reading logs – Track the books your child has read and celebrate milestones.
- Add bookmarks – Give kids themed fall bookmarks to make reading extra fun.
- Circle time – Start the day with a fall read-aloud.
- Literacy extension – Have children retell stories with puppets, drawings, or sequencing cards.
Fall is such a special time to slow down, get cozy, and share meaningful stories with children. Picture books bring the beauty of the season to life while sparking curiosity, creativity, and conversation. Whether you’re reading about apples, pumpkins, scarecrows, or gratitude, these fall books are the perfect way to make memories with your kids. Pair them with simple crafts, printable activities, or reading logs, and you’ll create traditions that last well beyond autumn.
Pin This for Later
Save this list of the best fall picture books so you can come back to it all season long.
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