When fall is in the air, nothing is more inviting than cuddling up with your little ones to enjoy a great picture book together. Here are some of our favorite titles that will get you in an autumn mood.
The Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
This classic book follows a 19th century New England farmer as he takes his year’s produce to market and then traces his family’s story of working hard month by month to replenish their goods. With beautiful writing and picturesque Barbara Cooney illustrations, you’ll want to share this tale of hard work and changing seasons over and over again.
Leaves by David Ezra Stein
Leaves tells the story of a young bear experiencing autumn for the first time. When falling leaves take him by surprise, he tries to put them back on the trees. Eventually, he gets tired and settles in for a nap only to awake to the completely changed landscape of spring. Your littlest ones are sure to relate to this adorable bear with a childlike heart.
Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh
There are lots of books about Johnny Appleseed, but this one is one of the finest with rhyming text and excellent illustrations by an acclaimed folk artist.
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
Collage illustrations with combination of watercolors and actual items from nature make this book a creative way to introduce your children to the life cycle of a tree.
Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant
A scarecrow’s days may seem straightforward, but this story gives an imaginative peek into what life as a scarecrow is really like. Warm illustrations and beautiful language make this text a read-aloud favorite.
A Tree Is Nice by Janice May Udry
Written in 1957 this timeless classic will remind your children of all the wonderful things trees have to offer, including the beautiful colors they display in autumn.
Every Autumn Comes the Bear by Jim Arnosky
Each year the author’s Vermont homestead is visited by a rambling black bear. With easy-to-follow text, lovely watercolor illustrations, and appearances by other woodland creatures, your animal-loving children are sure to enjoy this book.
Little Tree by Loren Long
In this touching story your children will meet a little oak tree who has trouble letting go of his leaves in autumn. If you’re facing a season of change, this book gently encourages its readers that change is hard, but worthwhile.
It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff
Fans of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie will enjoy watching their beloved Mouse friend try to decorate 7 pumpkins. This simple, sturdy board book is perfect for reading before nap or bedtime.
Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
The perfect book to prime your little ones for a trip to the apple orchard or the pumpkin patch, Anne Rockwell’s cute story of a little girl and her fall adventures is simple and sweet.
Here are a few more fall favorites:
The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington
A Pumpkin for Peter: A Peter Rabbit Tale by Beatrix Potter
We hope these book recommendations are a blessing to your homeschool this fall! For more book suggestions and ideas for how to incorporate picture books into your homeschool, head here.
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