The weather is getting cooler and colored leaves are falling around us—autumn is officially here! Many kids love to play in the fall leaves, whether it’s crunching them under their feet, tossing them in the air, or jumping into a pile of them in the yard. Further celebrate the new season by incorporating some autumnal books into your story times. Check out our top 10 books to celebrate fall below! (P.S. All of these books can be found at Muncie Public Library!)
It’s Fall by Linda Glaser
Kick off the autumn season with this sweet book, taking readers through all the sights and sounds of fall. This book features captivating, vibrant images of fall leaves—sure to put anyone in the fall mood!
Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro
Perfect for the curious child, this educational book explores the many types of leaves, what colors each type might turn, and why this happens. After reading, let your child play in the leaves and see if they can identify any on their own.
We Gather Together by Windy Pfeffer
Teach your kid all about the harvest season and the autumn equinox. This educational book explains how and why foods are grown in the summer and harvested in the fall, then it dives into cultures around the world and the various fall- and harvest-themed celebrations they have, including Thanksgiving.
Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka
“Every Septober, every Octember, fall fills my senses with scenes to remember.” Something’s not quite right in this fun, quirky tale about fall. How many mistakes can you and your child find throughout?
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
Rebecca Estelle hates pumpkins, so when she accidentally plants dozens of them, she must give them away—in the form of jack o’ lanterns, seeds, pies, and treats—to her friends and neighbors. She enjoys this kind gesture so much that she decides to save a few seeds herself to plant more next year, teaching readers how nice it is to help others.
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
Three friends go on a leaf hunt over a mountain and across a river, spotting leaves from many different types of trees. After reading about their adventures, take your child for a leaf hunt of their own! Can you spot any of the leaves pointed out in the book?
Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting
This tale features a momma cat and her kittens hiding from the trick-or-treating “monsters” outside on Halloween. This book introduces your child to the many different spooky costumes they might see themselves, including ghosts, skeletons, and more!
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
Mr. Tiffin presents his class with three pumpkins: a big one, a medium one, and a small one. How many seeds are in each pumpkin? Which pumpkin has the most? The class gets to it, counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. This book is a great way to expose your child to counting and math. After reading, cut into a pumpkin of your own and help your child count how many seeds are inside!
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
This creative story is sure to bring out the imagination in every child! All of the illustrations in this book—from the chickens, to the fish, to Leaf Man himself—are made with leaves. After reading, let your child play outside and make their own creations with the leaves!
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz
This list wouldn’t be complete without this classic Peanuts hit! Read the book, then watch the film for a full night of fun with Charlie Brown and friends—and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Great Pumpkin!