Leaves & Lit: Autumn Picture Books
An RA Favorite Fall Picture Book List
Welcome to our bountiful fall list, where the beauty of the season unfolds across 50+ enchanting titles!
From tales of pumpkin patches and apple orchards to adventures in colorful forests, these books celebrate the beauty, wonder, and cozy moments of autumn. We also have a couple of special titles for our young readers in places where traditional fall weather may not be found but where the spirit of autumn shines just as brightly.
Whether you're snuggled up by the fireplace or wandering through golden woods, these stories will fill your heart with the warmth and wonder of autumn!
Make sure you’ve tuned in to our autumn book review podcast episode for in-depth reviews of some of our top titles. It's the perfect way to dive deeper into the world of these captivating books!
Be sure to check out our We Remember 9/11: Our Favorite Patriot Day Books and Resources booklist as well.
For additional books about Mid Autumn Festival look at Our Favorite Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Picture Books list.
For those looking for an Autumn based mini-reading challenge, we have one with a free printable sheet and bookmarks to download and print below! Be sure to share your finished sheets and tag us!
Here’s some music for you to listen to as you peruse our list: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
A Map into the World by Kao Kalia Yang and Seo Kim
A beautiful story of restoring someone into community after a season of grief, this picture book also has beautiful illustrations of ginkgo trees in full autumn colors, which is quite unique! Hear Ambre’s review on our Favorite Autumn Books podcast episode.
Apple Picking Time by Michele B. Slawson
This heartwarming, three-week journey highlights the close-knit bonds of a loving family and their vibrant community as they unite to bring in the apple harvest. This is a must-read before your visit to a local orchard.
Apples, Apples Everywhere! : Learning About Apple Harvests by Robin Michal Koontz
Where Apple Picking Time leaned into lovely storytelling, Apples, Apples Everywhere! is more of a step-by-step visual guide to the functions of an apple orchard.
Autumn by Gerda Muller
This is a beautifully illustrated board book. Part of a four-book set, but also available in a single hardcover volume.
Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur
This delightful acrostic poetry book takes us all over the farm as we work our way through the alphabet. Part of a four-book set covering the seasons.
Autumn Harvest by Alvin Tresselt and Roger Duvoisin
Farmers and townies alike enjoy the arrival of fall, and Duvoisin's illustrations are as perfect as one would hope!
Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins
Crisp photographic spreads teach the identification of thirteen North American trees. A real visual treat.
Autumn Story by Jill Barklem
A Brambly Hedge story for lovers of Beatrix Potter and detailed illustrations. This verbose little picture book is part of a seasons collection.
Christopher's Garden by Elsa Beskow
Another verbose picture book of a young boy and his day spent in a garden come alive. Christopher meets an odd boy named September and finds his loneliness melting away.
Dance Like a Leaf by AJ Irving and Claudia Navarro
This vibrant picture book gives a touching look at shared rituals of the season and carrying on after losing a loved one.
Down Buttermilk Lane by Barbara Mitchell and John Sandford
One of Amanda’s favorites, this book follows an Amish family spending a peaceful fall day in their community.
Every Autumn Comes the Bear by Jim Arnosky
The arrival of the rumbling bear signals the waning of autumn's beauty and heralds the impending arrival of winter in this enchanting mountain-themed fall picture book.
Fall by Moira Butterfield (also published under the title Autumn)
For kids who love facts, this book looks at autumn and its different aspects while including some short stories of fall celebrations in other countries. A brief overview of the season in both northern and southern hemispheres is included.
Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland and Elly MacKay
An information book about fall with the gorgeous illustrations one would expect from Elly MacKay. A piece of art in its own right.
Fall Walk by Virginia B. Snow
A lovely little guide for little learners. This lovely guide to leaf identification and leaf pressing fits right into little hands.
Flower Fairies of the Autumn by Cicely Mary Barker:
This magically illustrated collection of poems and little nature fairies also includes short biographies of each plant illustrated. This complete set of four books makes a beautiful gift to all ages!
The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night by Peter Spier
This lyrical classic of the crafty New England fox and his nighttime adventure under the full moon is a perennial favorite.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
Light on text but heavy on beautiful illustrations. Walk through the last golden days of summer and into fall…
Henry Explores the Mountains by Mark Taylor & Graham Booth
Join Henry on another adventure with his trusty dog, this time through the beautiful last days of fall at first frost.
Hooray for Fall! by Iwamura, Kazuo
This Japanese author and illustrator brings us a sweet tale of little mice running around in their new cold weather sweaters. Pull on a sweater of your own and observe how nature adjusts to the coming cold. This book is part of a series.
Hopefully the Scarecrow by Michelle Houts
I read half of this book and fell in love. I ordered our own copy and am looking forward to finishing it! It’s the story of a scarecrow named Hopeful and the little girl who made him and reads to him.
Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear by N. M. Bodecker and Erik Blegvad
One of Amanda’s favorite picture books, we walk with Mary through all of her end of season chores that her husband is shouting out for her to finish from his warm chair. A poem originally written for adults and illustrated here posthumously by Blegvad- a lifelong friend of Bodecker. Don’t skip the foreword!
I Know It's Autumn by Eileen Spinelli
Here Spinelli offers another delightful seasonal experiences book. Warm and with unforced lyrical text, this is one you will be pulling of your shelves for years to come.
I Love Fall!: A Touch-and-Feel Board Book by Alison Inches and Hiroe Nakata
A sensory book for little hands with bright and cheerful illustrations.
If You Find a Leaf (If You Find a Treasure Series) by Aimée Sicuro
This picture book has a beautiful photographic chart of leaves sorted by tree and then a magical story illustrated with a combination of drawings and leaves. This story could inspire loads of fall art!
In November by Cynthia Rylant and Jill Kastner
A sweet look at a season of incoming rest. Everyone quiets down to conserve energy with moments of celebration amidst the stillness with Thanksgiving as the focal point.
Let's Find Out About Fall by Martha Schapp
Part of the Let’s Find Out series, this titles offers simple side-by-side views of how the changing seasons are met by humans and animals alike.
The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
An artistically unique exploration of fall from the viewpoint of a single leaf that won’t let go.
Maple & Willow Apart by Lori Nichols
Part of our Favorite Autumn Books podcast, Maple & Willow Apart is a beautiful sister story of a new school year and the the one left behind making the best of it with her new acorn friend. Such a great book for processing through changes.
The Mice Came in Early This Year by Eleanor J Lapp
I love hearing about the signs of the seasons that people have observed over many years and watch for as they determine what kind of a winter to prepare for.
The Moon Festival : A Chinese Mid-Autumn Celebration by Arlene Chan and Nicolas Debon
This beautifully illustrated, verbose picture book is a whole history of the moon festival and would be enjoyable to junior high and high school students alike.
See Our Favorite Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Picture Books list here.
Mooncakes by Loretta Seto and Renné Benoit
A beautifully illustrated first introduction to the Chinese moon festival. A loving family observes the holiday and shares traditional rituals and stories.
See Our Favorite Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Picture Books list here.
Mousekin's Golden House by Edna Miller
This sweet little mouse making a warm home in an abandoned jack-o’-lantern is accompanied by timeless watercolor illustrations.
Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin by Christine Noble Govan
I’m so grateful this one is back in print! A cantankerous neighbor learns humility and is restored to community in this story of a bumper pumpkin crop.
So grateful to Smidgen Press for bringing it back into print!
The Mysterious Guests: a Sukkot Story by Eric A. Kimmel
A clear introduction to the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot and some of the lore of entertaining heavenly guests that accompany it.
Nightdances by James Skofield
A charming black and white picture book of a little boy who finds himself drawn out into the Autumn night, where he dances and frolics with his parents.
Noticing by Kobi Yamada and Elise Hurst
Not a “fall book” as much as it’s a book about seeing the world around you that’s set in the fall. This could be a wonderful read-aloud before a nature walk.
Now it's Fall by Lois Lenski
An early reader with simple text and the delightful illustrations we know and love from Lenski. A perfect back to school read.
One More Acorn by Don Freeman and Roy Freeman
A father squirrel scurries across Washington D.C., diligently collecting nuts to provide for his family. This heartwarming tale, penned by Freeman during his time in D.C. while covering the Senate hearings on the Civil Rights Bill in 1963, remained hidden until after his passing. Enriching this touching story is an author's note, thoughtfully penned by his son Roy, a must-read for fans of Freeman's literary legacy.
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall and Barbara Cooney
A timeless picture book adorned with illustrations that breathe life into the season. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into the values of hard work, sacrifice, and frugality from yesteryears—lessons that resonate just as powerfully in today's world.
Penguin and Pumpkin by Salina Yoon
I’m so delighted to have stumbled upon these charming penguin boardbooks, and now there are nine titles for my kids to explore! This one is a true gem. Penguin, living in a place without fall (something so relatable for many kids!), embarks on a heartwarming journey to experience this enchanting season elsewhere. His mission? To bring back the magic of fall for his younger brother to enjoy as well!
Pippa and Pelle in the Autumn Wind by Daniela Drescher
A fun little board book for tiny gnome lovers everywhere! This set of stories have a conversational tone and are sure to enchant Waldorf families and anyone who adores the cozy charm of cottagecore reads.
Pumpkin Moonshine by Tasha Tudor
Step into the enchanting world of a classic Connecticut fall with this heartwarming story. Follow the journey of a young girl with dreams of big Jack-o'-lanterns through Tasha Tudor’s timeless illustrations.
Rainflowers by Ann Warren Turner
A must-read for those who relish the drama of a fall storm and the exquisite beauty that follows. If you're the kind of reader who can practically smell the words on the page, this book offers a sensory treat with the earthy scent of wet soil and the nostalgia of end-of-summer garden beds.
Say It! by Charlotte Zolotow
Join in on a heartwarming afternoon stroll with a young child and their mother. As they playfully banter and share moments, together they explore and appreciate the enchanting beauty of the season that surrounds them.
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry, Eric and Terry Fan
In the pages of this enchanting book, an unlikely friendship blooms between a scarecrow and an injured bird. Setting the scene of this heartwarming tale are the delightful illustrations of the talented Fan brothers, making it a truly captivating read.
Shanghai Sukkah by Heidi Smith Hyde and Jing Jing Tsong
Discover the remarkable and historically accurate account of Jewish refugees escaping the Holocaust, finding an unlikely haven in the Shanghai ghetto during World War II. This extraordinary tale not only showcases the resilience of the human spirit but also sheds light on the intersections of Jewish and Chinese cultures, especially during shared holidays. Be sure not to miss the author's note!
See Our Favorite Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Picture Books list here.
Sketching Outdoors in Autumn by Jim Arnosky
Embark on a cozy autumn stroll with Jim Arnosky as your trusty guide. His books offer a delightful glimpse into the wonders of the natural world during this magical season. If you're considering starting your own nature journal, Arnosky's works provide abundant inspiration.
Snow Pumpkin by Carole Lexa Schaefer
In this heartwarming story, the kids take life's unexpected twists in stride and find joy in the very first (early) snow of the season. It's a tale of turning potential lemons into delightful lemonade and embracing the magic of change. Shriveled pumpkins and all!
Tikvah Means Hope by Patricia Polacco
Against the backdrop of a fictional Sukkot story, set amidst the devastating Oakland Fires of 1991, you'll gain a profound perspective on the inherent dangers of this time of year in certain regions. It's a gripping tale that weaves together themes of hope, community, and miracles.
When Will the Snow Trees Grow? by Ben Shecter
In this unique tale, a wise bear imparts his timeless wisdom to a young boy, teaching him the profound lessons of nature and the ever-changing seasons. In my personal notes of 'points to highlight,' it simply says, 'they enjoy hot chocolate.' Clearly, I would find great pleasure in this book!
Windows by Julia Denos and E. B. Goodale
This cityscape autumn book is a visual feast, inviting readers to immerse themselves in its captivating and intricately detailed illustrations.
Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston and Jim LaMarche
This seasonal bridge tale comes to life with exquisite illustrations by LaMarche, immersing readers in a world of beauty and wonder. The visuals in this book truly bring the season to life!
Yellow Time by Lauren Stringer
This book is a celebration of that magical moment when trees shed their leaves in a delightful whirlwind of colors. A true treat for all ages to savor!
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