Seasonal picture books are always so gorgeous — but no season is prettier than fall. These picture books about fall capture the essence of the season (beautiful leaves, a chill in air, back-to-school vibes, and exploration). If you need fall picture books for storytime, this lineup is for you.
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38 Delightful Picture Books About Fall
Here are 38 great picture books about fall:
The Leaf Thief
Published: August 3, 2021
Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree–red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends.
The Very Last Leaf
Published: August 1, 2020
Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his worries take over? In this funny and encouraging picture book, best-selling author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) tells an engaging story and deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day…feeling anxious, wanting to be perfect, facing fears, etc. These themes combined with illustrator Jennifer Davison’s delightful characters and rich autumnal colors make The Very Last Leaf a perfect book for the start of a new school year, the arrival of autumn, or any period of transition in life.
Leif and the Fall
Published: September 8, 2020
Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. “All leaves fall in the fall,” say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing. The clock is ticking, the wind is blowing. What will happen when a gust of wind pulls Leif from his branch?
A Silly Milly Fall
Published: August 3, 2020
Oh Milly, you sure are amusing!
The air is getting chilly, and Milly is ready to celebrate two beloved fall holidays in her own unique, willy-nilly way!
Milly adores Halloween! What costume does Milly choose? Does she meet a goblin or a ghost?
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Does Milly help stuff the turkey? What is her favorite side dish?
Milly’s silly fall escapades, recounted in a series of lively limericks, will cause everyone to fall in love with the memorable Great Dane from Texas. This energetic, vibrant rhymer is perfect for little animal lovers. Read it at home, at school, or anywhere during the autumn months as you prepare for festivities of your own. With two holidays in one book, you can read it all at once or enjoy each holiday filled with Milly’s shenanigans separately!
The Little Kitten by Nicola Killen
Published: July 21, 2020
Ollie and her cat Pumpkin are out frolicking on a beautiful fall day when they come upon a tiny kitten shivering in a pile of fallen leaves. Ollie warms the kitten up and the three become fast friends, but when Ollie sees “Lost Kitten” posters hanging on the trees in the forest, she knows she has to help her new friend get home. As Halloween draws nearer, magic is afoot, and Ollie’s good deed is rewarded in an unexpected way.
Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn
Published: September 1, 2020
Pete the Cat isn’t sure about the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn. But when he discovers corn mazes, hay rides, and apple picking, Pete realizes there’s so much to enjoy and be thankful for about autumn.
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
Published: September 3, 2019
This tender and affectionate story reminds us of the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others—a tale that will inspire and delight children for generations to come.
All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing.…
He saves the tiny baby crow.
Soon a loving bond grows between the two unlikely friends. But is it strong enough to weather the changing of the seasons?
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Published: August 16, 2016
As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows–autumn is on its way!
Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.
Because of an Acorn
Published: August 2, 2016
Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning.
Llama Llama Gives Thanks
Published: August 15, 2017
In Llama Llama Gives Thanks, it’s Thanksgiving time for Llama Llama and his family! That means yummy foods and autumn leaves and being thankful for everything from pumpkin pies to blue skies. Thanksgiving may only come once year, but in Llama’s family, giving thanks is always here!
With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands.
Pepper’s Windy Fall Day
Published: August 28, 2018
It is a windy fall day — perfect for playing outside and jumping in big piles of colorful leaves! Join Peppa and her family as they enjoy outdoor fun in the crisp, autumn air in this delightful storybook based on the hit show! Includes a seasonal poster!
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
Published: August 29, 2006
As the leaves fall from his favorite tree, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out. . . .
Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons. Young readers will share the feelings of wonder and empathy as they curl up with a parent or gather in circle time to enjoy this beautiful picture book.
Summer Green to Autumn Gold
Published: August 6, 2019
Yellow and red, orange and brown—fall is full of color!
This nonfiction picture book, written and illustrated by Mia Posada, beautifully explains why leaves change color in fall. It highlights both the eye-catching colors of the season and the science behind the colors. Back matter offers additional scientific details for curious readers as well as suggested further reading and links to hands-on activities.
A Fall Ball for All by Jamie A. Swenson
Published: September 1, 2018
On the verge of winter, the autumn wind issues an invitation: “Come one, come all to the annual windfall ball!” Join all the animals in this beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book as they gather for the autumn wind’s harvest in preparation for the long winter.
Windows by Julia Denos
Published: October 17, 2017
Before your city goes to sleep, you might head out for a walk, your dog at your side as you go out the door and into the almost-night. Anything can happen on such a walk: you might pass a cat, or a friend, or even an early raccoon. And as you go down your street and around the corner, the windows around you light up one by one until you are walking through a maze of paper lanterns, each one granting you a brief, glowing snapshot of your neighbors as families come together and folks settle in for the night. With a setting that feels both specific and universal and a story full of homages to The Snowy Day, Julia Denos and E. B. Goodale have created a singular book — at once about the idea of home and the magic of curiosity, but also about how a sense of safety and belonging is something to which every child is entitled.
Tractor Mac Harvest Time by Billy Steers
Published: August 11, 2015
When the nights start to get cooler and the corn is ready for picking, it’s time for autumn fun at the farm! Tractor Mac loves the fall, but he’s just too big for the orchard, where he is stuck harvesting apples that Farmer Bill will make into delicious treats. Across the road, Small Fred the tractor is busy with the Pumpkin Picking Festival, but he’s just too small to pull all of the people who want to go on a hayride. Working together, Tractor Mac and Small Fred figure out a way to share their chores and share the fun.
Full of Fall
Published: August 29, 2017
With gorgeous photo illustrations, award-winning author April Pulley Sayre explores the transformation trees undergo in fall. The book takes readers through the leaves’ initial change from green to red, yellow, and orange, the shedding of the leaves, and the leaves crumbling as winter approaches. Extensive back matter explains the science behind this process to the youngest of budding scientists.
Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party
Published: September 3, 2019
“There’s a party at Mr. Pumpkin’s tonight. A banquet with friends in the autumn twilight. And at this soiree we’ll see and we’ll find ghoulish delights of every kind.” You are cordially invited to Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party—a delightfully quirky twist on a counting book, incorporating gorgeous, deep-hued watercolor illustrations, as well as spooky elements and unique characters at an unexpectedly charming tea party. A perfect read for when there is a crisp chill in the air.
Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall!
Published: August 16, 2016
Leaves on trees
are green and bright
Abracadabra!
What a Sight!
Eleven gatefolds open to re-create the excitement and surprise of fall’s arrival, revealing what happens when the leaves turn. Fall is a season of transition: apples are picked, and animals prepare for winter. Summer days are coming to an end, and there’s a hint of winter in the air. Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! celebrates the magic of that in-between time.
Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller
Published: August 6, 2013
On a trip to the farmers’ market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents’ gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes…. What’s a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?
Little Elliot, Fall Friends by Mike Curato
Published: August 29, 2017
It’s autumn in the Big City! Little Elliot and Mouse love the hustle and bustle of the city streets. But sometimes it feels like there are too many people, too many noises―just too much! The best friends decide to get out of town for a vacation in the countryside. There, they’ll discover the sights and smells of autumn in the country. Everything is more fun when shared with a friend!
The Roll-Away Pumpkin
Published: May 14, 2018
When a large pumpkin gets away from its young owner, Marla, an amusing and lighthearted pursuit ensues. As it rolls down country roads, through a farm’s haystacks, past a milkman and his cart, over a stone bridge, through a city’s bistro, and past a butcher shop, readers will enjoy as each subsequent person joins in the young girl’s chase after the runaway, rollaway pumpkin, making for a silly procession that gets even sillier when the group encounters a marching parade. A pleasing ending has the ever-growing group enjoying a cauldron of pumpkin soup.
Fall Leaves
Published: September 2, 2014
Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow!
Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. Unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.
Fall Mixed Up by Rob Raczka
Published: August 1, 2011
Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures?
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
Published: August 1, 2008
There are lots of beautiful fall leaves to find! Three friends have a big adventure hiking over a mountain and through a forest to collect leaves of all kinds and colors. What will they do with all their leaves at the end of the story? Jump and play in them, of course!With easy rhyming text and fun sound effects, children will delight in this rollicking autumn story.
Yellow Time
Published: September 20, 2016
Children and animals alike excitedly anticipate yellow time, when the trees release their colorful leaves to blanket the earth, crows raise their voices joyfully from the bare branches, and squirrels busy themselves preparing their nests for winter. This lyrical celebration of the beauty and fun of autumn is sure to become a perennial fall favorite.
Wonderfall by Michael Hall
Published: September 6, 2016
Wonderfall follows a single tree through the changing of the seasons. People, animals, and vehicles pass in front of the tree, celebrating holidays, playing in its leaves, and getting ready for winter. Fifteen combined words (thankful + fall = thankFALL, plentiful + fall = plentiFALL) underscore the themes and concepts of the season, while the main attraction—the beautiful tree—drops acorns, loses leaves, and provides food and a home for a pair of scurrying squirrels. Two full spreads at the back of the book offer additional information about the animals featured in the book, as well as the science behind squirrels, acorns, and saplings.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!
Published: November 1, 2010
That lovely old lady is ready for her fall comeback! What can you make from leaves, clothes, a pumpkin, and rope? Only this old lady knows the secret!With rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version of the classic song will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page–a fun story to get ready for the fall season.
Leaf Trouble
Published: August 1, 2009
As the leaves on the trees go from green to red and gold, two curious squirrels embrace the change of seasons!
When he wakes up one morning to find that his home tree is changing, the little squirrel is scared! Why are all the leaves falling off?
Quickly he corrals his sister and they gather up the leaves in colorful pawfuls. But try as they may to stick them back on the branches, it’s hopeless: Yellow, orange, red, and brown, all the leaves keep falling down!
It’s only when their wise mama explains what happens in autumn that the two little squirrels understand the seasons are changing. Green leaves will sprout anew in spring!
Leaves
Published: August 16, 2007
It’s a young bear’s first autumn, and the falling leaves surprise him. He tries to put them back on the trees, but it doesn’t work. Eventually, he gets sleepy and burrows into the fallen leaves for a long nap. When he wakes up, it’s spring, and there are suddenly brand-new leaves all around, welcoming him.
Graceful illustrations and a childlike main character offer the perfect way to talk with children about the wonder of the changing seasons.
The Little Yellow Leaf
Published: August 26, 2008
As all the other leaves float off and fly past, Little Yellow Leaf thinks, I’m not ready yet.
As the seasons change all around, Little Yellow Leaf holds on to the tree. Still not ready.
Will Little Yellow Leaf ever be ready?
Winter is Coming
Published: August 26, 2014
Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter. As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins. Silently she observes the world around her as it reveals its secrets. It takes time and patience to see the changes as, slowly but surely, winter comes.
In the Middle of Fall
Published: September 5, 2017
Caldecott Medalist and New York Times-bestselling author Kevin Henkes’s memorable text introduces basic concepts of language and the unique beauty of the fall season. Laura Dronzek’s expressive paintings illuminate pumpkins, apples, falling leaves, busy squirrels, and the transformation from colorful autumn to frosty winter.
Let It Fall
Published: July 1, 2010
The leaves turn red, brown, and orange, then drift down from the trees. It is time to go apple picking and on hayrides at the county fair. Fall is finally here!
With soft colored art, adorable children, and colorful outdoor scenes, LET IT FALL celebrates all the seasonal awe of autumn.
Awesome Autumn
Published: August 7, 2012
Autumn is awesome! Leaves change color. Animals fly south or get ready to hibernate. People harvest crops and dress up as scary creatures for Halloween. And then there are pickup football games to play, Thanksgiving foods to eat, leaf piles to jump in―all the amazing things that happen as the air turns crisp and cool.
Leaf Man
Published: September 1, 2005
Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows?
No one’s quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows.
Mouse’s First Fall
Published: October 1, 2006
One cool day Mouse and Minka venture out to play. From leaves of all colors — red, yellow, orange, and brown — to leaves of all shapes and sizes — from pointy to round — Mouse learns that fall is a season full of fun! And before the day is done he just might take the biggest “leap” of all.
Hooray for fall!
In November
Published: September 15, 2000
In November, the air grows cold and the earth and all of its creatures prepare for winter. Animals seek food and shelter. And people gather together to celebrate their blessings with family and friends.
Cynthia Rylant’s lyrical language and Jill Kastner’s rich, cozy paintings capture the cherished moments of this autumn month–the moments we spend together and the ones we witness in the world around us.
There they are: 30+ lovely picture books about fall! Which of these books have your read? Which ones did I miss?
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Thank you for sharing!
Great list. Thanks.