Cozy Up with These Delightful Fall Children’s Books
The crisp air, falling leaves, and Halloween excitement signal one thing: autumn is here! As a children’s librarian and mom, I look forward to this magical time of year and the wonderful new fall-themed picture books released just in time for the season. Curating the perfect selection of cozy, festive stories to share with my own kid and the many young bookworms who visit my library is one of my favorite parts of the job. This year, I am excited to share the best fall picture books with you!
I’ve dug through this year’s new crop of fall kids books and also included some timeless classics. Here, I’ve curated my top recommendations for fall reading across a range of categories. From silly Halloween tales to books exploring autumn science and seasonal changes, there’s something here for young readers of all ages to enjoy. Snuggle up with your little one and get ready for stellar story time as we dive into the best fall 2023 picture books!
Welcome Autumn with Cozy Reads about Fall Changes
The turning leaves, cooler days, and autumn traditions like apple picking and pie baking mean fall is in the air. These picture books beautifully explore the science and magic of the changing season through charming stories and stunning illustrations. They’re perfect for getting kids excited about all the special things autumn has to offer.
It’s Fall! (Celebrate the Seasons,1) by Renee Kruilla (Ages 3-6)
This inviting book takes readers through common fall activities like leaf jumping, apple picking, baking pies, and more; using simple text and bright, colorful illustrations. It’s a perfect read aloud to get kids excited for everything autumn has to offer.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak (Ages 4-8)
In this brilliant mixed media picture book, a young boy and his dog explore the changing seasons and the transformation from summer to autumn. Pak’s gorgeous illustrations and lyrical text make this book a standout pick for autumn reading.
Hedgehog’s Home for Fall by Elena Ulyeva (Ages 2-5)
Adorable woodland creatures like hedgehogs, squirrels, and owls gather leaves, pinecones, and other treasures from the forest to build cozy autumn homes in this sweet interactive book perfect for little hands.
The Animal Song by Jonty Howley (Ages 3-6)
Nap! Poom-poom! Jingle-jangle! Rhythmic text and energetic onomatopoeia tell the story of a trio of musical animals parading through the forest playing songs for woodland creatures. Original music enhances this lively, interactive pick for getting wiggly kids ready for bed.
Giggling Ghosts and Goblin Fun: Not-Too-Scary Halloween
Little ones who enjoy Halloween but frighten easily, will love these playful picks featuring monsters, witches, and mummies. They strike the perfect balance of silly and spooky for the not-too-scary set.
The Not So Scary Book of Monsters by Ian James Dye (Ages 3-6)
This clever book introduces young readers to endearing monsters like Hank the hairy spider and Pierre the vampire who’s afraid of the dark. It’s just spooky enough for Halloween without being too frightening.
The Witch’s Cat by Sonica Ellis (Ages 3-7)
A witch’s cat accidentally ruins potions and spells with hilarious results in this rhyming story. Witch and cat learn to get along despite their differences in this sweet not-so-spooky pick.
Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson (Ages 4-7)
A ghost named Simon wants to be scary, but he’s just too polite! Silly mixed media illustrations make this book giggle-worthy for preschool and early elementary kids. Simon learns he can still have Halloween fun while being himself.
Grumpy Monkey, Don’t Be Scared by Suzanne Lang (Ages 3-7)
This is a heartwarming story about a monkey who is afraid of everything. Grumpy Monkey worries about all kinds of silly things, especially on Halloween night, until his friend reminds him that there’s nothing to fear.
Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow by Ryan T. Higgins (Ages 3 – 7)
Bruce the bear hates Halloween. His family tells him a scary campfire story to get him in the Halloween spirit, but a real ghost appears. Will Bruce get scared or will he scare the ghost away?
Pumpkin Patch Fun for All!
These delightful autumn-themed stories feature harvest traditions, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and more—ideal for celebrating all the best parts of fall!
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht (Ages 2-5)
Pick a Pumpkin’s wonderfully rhythmic text and retro illustrations by Patricia Toht and Jarvis capture the excitement of pumpkin picking. Readers follow each step – choosing the perfect pumpkin, stopping for treats, carting it home, carving a face, and lighting it up. An endearing depiction of the familiar Halloween ritual of transforming a pumpkin into a glowing jack-o’-lantern.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner (Ages 3-5)
The zoo animals have tons of pumpkin-themed fun on Pumpkin Day in this cute fall story. Kids will love spotting all the animals and silly pumpkin crafts as they explore the zoo.
Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party by Erin Barker (Ages 3-7)
Mr. Pumpkin carves faces on his pumpkin patch friends to invite them to a magical tea party in this imaginative autumn tale with fun steampunk-style illustrations.
Cozy Autumn Read Alouds
Curl up with these engaging fall stories on chilly nights or evenings by the fire. Atmospheric illustrations set the mood for the season.
The Most Haunted House in America by Jarrett Dapier (Ages 4-8)
The Skeleton Drummers receive an invitation from the first lady to perform at a Halloween party at the White House. The band rocks the party with their bone-rattling beats, but something’s not quite right inside the haunted house.
How to Haunt a House by Carolyn Crimi (Ages 5-8)
Three ghosts-in-training are on a mission to scare a family, but the family loves their tricks and treats. The ghosts have to think outside the box to find a way to scare them.
A Super Scary Narwhalloween by Ben Clanton (Ages 4-7)
In this hilarious graphic novel, Narwhal loves dressing up for Halloween, but Jelly is too scared of the holiday. When a sea monster swallows Narwhal, scaredy-jellyfish Jelly must pluck up courage to save his friend. With the help of super pals, Jelly conquers his fears in this underwater adventure perfect for early readers.
Trick or Treat Crankenstein by Samantha Berger (Ages 4-8)
Crankenstein’s favorite holiday, Halloween, is ruined by mishaps like costume disasters and pumpkin-carving nightmares. And his toothache makes it the crankiest Halloween ever! Can Crankenstein embrace the holiday spirit and save Halloween? Samantha Berger’s beloved cranky character meets spooky tricks and treats in this giggle-worthy tale illustrated by award-winner Dan Santat.
Stumpkin by Lucy Cummins (Ages 4-7)
Stemless pumpkin Stumpkin dreams of becoming a jack-o-lantern, but his lack of a stem seems to make him undesirable. As Halloween night nears, Stumpkin watches fellow pumpkins get chosen while he remains behind. Will perfect yet stemless Stumpkin get the chance to shine in a window on Halloween? This unique story from the author of A Hungry Lion explores finding one’s place at Halloween.
Skelly’s Halloween by David Martin (Ages 4-8)
Skelly the skeleton loves Halloween trick-or-treating, but a tumble leaves him in pieces right before the big day. A menagerie of animals tries hilariously to put Skelly back together. Finally, some resourceful kids restore Skelly for Halloween fun in this exuberant tale, perfect for the season. Bold art and a Humpty Dumpty-esque hook make this a new holiday read-aloud favorite.
Spine-Tingling Halloween Picture Books
For brave readers who love some thrills with their Halloween stories, these gorgeously chilling tales are just right.
The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard by Ron Keras (Ages 6-10)
On a stormy night, two brothers investigate mysterious sounds in their house during a power outage. The sounds are spine-tingling, but the brothers soon learn that the scariest thing is not what they expected. It is a delightful tale that will leave readers of all ages eagerly turning the pages.
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen (Ages 5-8)
In this thrilling retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale, a brave girl named Otilla finds shelter in a house inhabited by a skull. The skull is afraid of something that comes every night, and Otilla must find a way to save them both. Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit, “The Skull” is a mysterious and foreboding tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Cozy Up with a Good Book This Fall
I hope this list of fab new fall children’s books gets you and your family excited to cozy up, get comfy, and share some magical autumnal stories together. Let me know if you have any other great fall book recommendations! I’m always looking for new picture books to share with my library story time kids and my own two little bookworm to celebrate the season. However you choose to spend the fall this year, I hope it involves plenty of crisp weather, autumn activities, and of course, excellent stories to set the festive mood. Happy fall reading!
Spreading the Gift of Reading to All
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