15 Fall Books for Kids to Curl Up With This Season

Sweet, seasonal stories to snuggle up with this autumn.

Autumn arrives with a change you can feel…cooler mornings, colorful leaves, and the return of familiar routines. Whether you’re enjoying backyard bonfires or just hunting for your child’s other mitten again, it’s the perfect season to add some seasonal picture books and autumn read-alouds to your family’s reading lineup. 

These 15 picture books about fall are full of autumn colors, cozy moments, and fun seasonal themes. Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary readers, they make a great addition to your home, classroom, or library this time of year.

Just a little fine print 😉

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you decide to grab a book or two, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That being said, I only share things we truly love around here 💛

 
  1. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

Fletcher the fox is feeling a little worried; his favorite tree is losing its leaves, and he’s not sure that’s a good thing. No matter what he tries, he just can’t stop them from falling. This sweet story is a gentle way to talk about change, with cozy illustrations and a hopeful little ending that’ll leave you smiling.

 

2. We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger

This playful, fall-themed spin on “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is made for reading aloud. Three kids head out on an adventure to find colorful autumn leaves, and your little ones will love joining in on the repetitive rhythm and sound effects. A perfect pick for storytime in the fall, this book is one of the most popular books about autumn leaves for preschoolers.

 

3. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

With its gorgeous illustrations made entirely from real leaves, this book is as much art as it is a story. Follow Leaf Man as he floats through the wind across fields and forests. A perfect pick to spark creativity and maybe inspire your own leaf collages afterward.

 

4. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry

A beautifully told story about an unlikely friendship between a lonely scarecrow and a baby crow. With rich, detailed illustrations and gentle prose, this one will tug at your heart in the best way.

 

5. Little Tree by Loren Long

This story follows a little tree who refuses to let go of his leaves. As the seasons change, he holds on tightly until he's finally ready to grow. A lovely book about change, courage, and the beauty of letting go.

 

6. Hello, Fall! by Deborah Diesen

A girl and her grandma take a walk through the woods, spotting all the signs that autumn has arrived: crunchy leaves, chilly breezes, and golden skies. It’s simple, cozy, and a great pick for a couch cuddle read-aloud.

 

7. Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller

Sophie picks out a squash at the farmer’s market…and names it Bernice. Yes, things get weird (and adorable). Kids will giggle, and you’ll fall a little bit in love with Sophie’s stubborn heart.

 

8. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

This one’s like a quiet poem in gorgeous picture book form. A child greets the changing world around him: sunflowers drooping, animals preparing, air turning crisp. It’s peaceful, pretty, and just right for slowing things down after a busy day.

 

9. Apple Trouble by Ragnhild Scamell

Hedgehog is all set to curl up for her winter nap…until an apple gets stuck on her back. Then a nut. Then some leaves. And before long, she’s carrying half the forest around with her! This funny fall story is full of charm, giggles, and a sweet reminder that good friends always have your back, no matter what’s stuck to it.

 

10. The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade

Lance is the last leaf left on the tree, and he is not ready to fall. Sound familiar? With funny moments and a totally relatable take on facing fears, this book is great for kids who need a little boost of bravery.

 

11. The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll

Two little mice discover the same pumpkin, but each has very different ideas for it. One wants to carve it into the best jack-o’-lantern ever, and the other is dreaming of blue ribbons at the fair. As the pumpkin grows (and grows... and grows), their plans start to collide in the best possible way. It’s a fun story about teamwork, big dreams, and even bigger pumpkins. Great for families looking for pumpkin books for kids this fall.

 

12. The Leaf Thief By Alice Hemming

Squirrel is having a moment, his beloved leaves are disappearing, and he’s convinced someone is stealing them. Cue a slightly over-the-top investigation featuring his very patient friend, Bird. With bright, colorful illustrations and laugh-out-loud dialogue, this silly story is perfect for fall and a great way to talk about change.

 

13. It’s Fall! by Renée Kurilla

This sweet, rhyming read captures all the best things about fall, from crunchy leaves and cozy clothes to pumpkin patches and crisp air. The illustrations are bright, warm, and full of little details that bring the season to life. It’s a great pick for toddlers and preschoolers starting to notice the world changing around them.

 

14. Oak: The Littlest Leaf Girl by Lucy Fleming

Oak is the littlest leaf girl on the tree, and she’s not quite ready for fall to come. As the leaves start changing and floating away, Oak learns that new seasons aren’t so bad after all. With whimsical artwork and a sweet, simple story, this one’s a lovely pick for kids who are curious (or a little unsure) about all the changes that come with autumn.

 

15. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! by Lucille Colandro

The Old Lady is back, and this time she’s swallowing all things fall! Leaves, a pumpkin, some pants (yes, pants)... and it’s all building up to a silly surprise. With its familiar rhythm and over-the-top antics, this book is a fun seasonal twist on the classic rhyme that little kids love to read and repeat, again and again.

 

These autumn books for kids are an easy way to bring the season into your home or classroom. With stories about changing leaves, pumpkins, and all things autumn, they’re perfect for cozy read-alouds, quiet afternoons, or winding down at bedtime. A little seasonal reading goes a long way this time of year!

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