Whether you’re looking for new bedtime stories, engaging read-alouds, or books that highlight the magic of fall—like pumpkins and colorful leaves—this list of the best fall books for toddlers will help you choose the perfect additions to your library collection
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Establishing a routine of reading together is a wonderful way to build meaningful connections within your family. Not only does it strengthen literacy and language skills, but when made part of your daily routine, it can also deepen your family’s bond.
Just a small part of your day spent with a book can create lasting moments of connection and wonder. And what better time to embrace this tradition than fall—a season of gratitude, harvest, family, and change, which I absolutely love!
Why Read Fall Books With Toddlers?
Toddlers love to explore and are naturally curious about the world around them. Fall books are a wonderful way to help them connect with the changes they see outdoors—like leaves turning colors and falling, pumpkins on porches, apple picking, and so much more.
Seasonal books not only make these connections easier but also add meaning to the world they’re experiencing. Reading fall-themed stories can:**
- Encourage imagination through fun and engaging characters.
- Create lasting family traditions—my kids look forward to bedtime stories every single night.
- Build vocabulary by introducing new words like “pumpkin,” “harvest,” and “acorn.”
- Boost observation skills as toddlers connect what they see in nature to the stories being read.
Fall Themed Activities You May Love:
- Simple Fall Counting Activity For Preschoolers
- Fun Halloween Counting Clothespin
- Fun Gratitude Wreath For Kids
Best Fall Books For Toddlers
1. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn By Kenard Park
This beautifully illustrated story follows a child who greets the changing world around them—from buzzing bees and flowing rivers to the crisp air of fall. This book introduces the transition from summer to autumn.
2. Leaf Man By Lois Ehlert
Using real leaf collages, this creative book follows “Leaf Man” as he drifts through fields, orchards, and rivers. It’s a whimsical way to encourage toddlers to use their imagination and connect with nature.
3. The Leaf Thief By Alice Hemming
A funny story about Squirrel, who panics when his beloved leaves start disappearing—only to discover the natural magic of fall.
4. The Oak Inside The Acorn By Max Lucado
This gentle tale follows a tiny acorn growing into a strong oak tree, teaching kids about growth, patience, and becoming who you’re meant to be.
5. It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse By Laura Joffe Numeroff
Mouse decorates pumpkins with different faces—happy, sad, silly—introducing little ones to emotions in a fun, seasonal way.
6. Fletcher and The Falling Leaves By Julia Rawlinson
Fletcher the fox worries when his favorite tree begins to lose its leaves, until he discovers that change can be beautiful.
7. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything By Linda Williams
A brave old lady encounters spooky objects in the woods, but instead of being scared, she turns them into a fun scarecrow.
8. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf By Lois Ehlert
Told with bright collage illustrations, this book explains the life cycle of a tree through the eyes of a child who loves their maple tree.
9. It’s Fall By Renee Kurilla
A cheerful picture book showing children jumping in leaves, picking apples, and enjoying all the activities that make autumn special.
10. Very Last Leaf By Stef Wade
Lance, the final leaf on his tree, is nervous about falling, but learns about courage and the importance of taking that big leap.
11. There Was An old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves By Lucille Colander
This silly rhyming story follows the Old Lady as she swallows fall items—like leaves and a pumpkin—leading to a surprise at the end.
12. Duck & Goose, Find A Pumpkin By Tad Hills
Duck and Goose go searching everywhere for a pumpkin—inside, outside, and even in the woods—before finding one in the most unexpected place.
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