Fall Into a Good Picture Book

This month's book list features read-alouds that focus on the time of year when colors are changing outside, leavings are starting to come down, and there are lots of seasonal activities: fall! 

Fall is a great time of year to discuss the natural changes and transitions that occur outdoors. Even the youngest of littles can tell that temperatures are lower and the scenery is changing. Sharing picture books about fall with young readers helps them put words and meaning to what they are observing around them.

Making real-world connections while reading is deeply impactful for young minds and developing readers.

Read Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert - This is the story of a child and their tree...fiction and non-fiction converge as you follow the story of a child planting and seed and tending it as it grows. Beautiful, unique illustrations illuminate the text. 

We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger - A play on the classic "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," this book follows three friends as they hike over a mountain and through a forest, finding all types and colors of leaves along the way. Rhyming text and fun sound effects make this a memorable read.

Leaves Fall Down by Lisa Marie Bullard - It's easy to notice that leaves are changing colors but explaining why they change color to preschoolers is not as easy. This book does that very thing!

The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival by Mike Berenstain  - The beloved Berenstain family celebrates this season with their community in Bear Country's first-ever Harvest Festival at Chapel in the Woods.

A Tree for All Seasons by Robin Bernard - This photographic picture book is a non-fiction piece carefully written for young children. 

How many seeds in a pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara- This book is part of a series featuring a teacher named Mr. Tiffin and his students as they make discoveries. In this pumpkin-themed book, students practice skip counting and estimation...a great way to reinforce counting skills!

The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara - It's apple-picking season! Follow Mr. Tiffin's class on a visit to their local apple orchard to find out how apples are harvested and more. This is a great read before or after taking your littles apple-picking.

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert - Another autumnal read by this classic children's author, follow the imaginative journey of Leaf Man as he is blown about by the wind and sees all sorts of fall landscapes. 

The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri - Squirrel doesn't have time to do anything with his animal friends...he's getting ready for winter. This story makes for great conversation with littles about how Fall's changes impact our favorite creatures.

Lucky Leaf by Kevin O'Malley - Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the cooling temperatures and changing scenery, and this book encourages that very thing. This is a great read especially for dads and young sons.