Nature books for kids: Autumn

20 books for kids … and the kid in you, too

Welcome to the fourth installment of my series on seasonal books for kids.

Autumn is my favourite season, and I know I’m not the only one! With back-to-school excitement in the air, it always feels to me a bit like the true beginning of the year. Autumn-themed books don’t disappoint either. I hope you love these books as much as I do.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn, written and illustrated by Kenard Pak. (2016).

In this story, a young girl explores nature and greets the coming season.

Sweep, written by Louise Greig and illustrated by Júlia Sardà. (2018).

Set in autumn, this book follows a child navigating some big emotions and a bad mood.

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert. (1988).

Caldecott Honor-winning Lois Ehlert’s classic picture book celebrates the gorgeous colours of fall.

Leaf Man, written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert. (2005).

Also by Ehlert, this lovely book follows the journey of a man made out of autumn leaves.

Fall Leaves, written by Loretta Holland and illustrated by Elly MacKay. (2014).

The illustrations in this book are spectacular, and you’ll love its lyrical text too.

The Little Yellow Leaf, written and illustrated by Carin Berger. (2008).

Follow the journey of a little yellow leaf in autumn as it faces the unknown.

Fall Walk, written and illustrated by Virginia Brimhall Snow. (2013).

Not just a storybook, this educational guide will help teach children (and grown-ups too!) how to identify—and press—different autumn leaves.

It’s Fall!, written by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Susan Swan. (2001).

The cut-paper illustrations of this book for young children make it a delight to read.

Yellow Time, written and illustrated by Lauren Stringer. (2016).

This picture book is an ode to the beauty and colours of autumn.

Hello, Harvest Moon, written by Ralph Fletcher and illustrated by Kate Kiesler. (2003).

Discover what the Harvest Moon means for farmers, for animals at night, and for a little girl and her pet cat.

Possum’s Harvest Moon, written and illustrated by Anne Hunter. (1998).

Possum wants to celebrate the Harvest Moon. Will his animal friends join him?

Thanking the Moon, written and illustrated by Grace Lin. (2010).

Follow a Chinese-American family and learn about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

ITSE SELU: Cherokee Harvest Festival, written by Daniel Pennington and illustrated by Don Stewart. (1994).

Follow a Cherokee family and learn about Itse Selu, the harvest festival.

We Gather Today, written by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by Linda Bleck. (2014).

Children and adults alike will enjoy learning the science behind the fall equinox and the harvest season.

Frederick, written and illustrated by Leo Lionni. (1967).

Frederick the mouse is gathering unusual supplies to prepare for the cold weather in this classic award-winning book.

Sophie’s Squash, written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. (2013).

In this humorous and heartwarming story, a little girl chooses a squash from the farmers’ market and wants to keep it forever.

Bear Has a Story to Tell, written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. (2012).

All the animals prepare for the cold weather in different ways. Bear, for example, has a story to tell.

The Apple Pie Tree, written by Zoe Hall and illustrated by Shari Halpern. (1996).

This book is a celebration of fall apples, and will definitely leave you craving apple pie!

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter. (1903).

Here is another of Beatrix Potter’s timeless books, set in the English countryside.

Pick a Pumpkin, written by Patricia Toht and illustrated by Jarvis. (2019).

How fun is picking a pumpkin? This book will delight children and adults alike.

Too Many Pumpkins, written by Linda White and illustrated by Megan Lloyd. (1996).

This classic from the 90s is a humorous look at what happens if you have too many pumpkins.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, written by Linda Williams and illustrated by Megan Lloyd. (1986).

This book is perfect for anyone who loves the spookiness of the autumn season, and it’s so fun to read with kids!

This post wraps up my series of children’s books for each season. Thanks for following along! Feel free to browse past posts here:

Posts in this series:

Leah Payne