A Cornucopia of Creativity: Fall Books and Activities for the Whole Family

Every season has its own spirit, and autumn here in the Northeast always feels hopeful to me. There’s something in the air, a feeling of transformation. Many are embarking upon a new school year, the leaves are turning color, the warmth of the sun feels different, the wind blows with increasing vigor.

It’s the time of year when my thoughts of making simmer and stew; I’m ready for projects, and learning something new. As we ease into the new energy of autumn, here are six fall-oriented books and projects to help you and your family savor the season.

• Fall on the Farm



READ: Farm Fresh Fun #2 by Veera Hiranandani

The second book in this absolutely charming chapter book series features a familiar fall class trip ritual — a trip to a farm. But while Phoebe and her friends are looking forward to tasks that will lead to the preparation of a delicious “farm fresh” lunch — like gathering eggs — a group of goats have a different idea altogether.



MAKE: Papier-Mâché Hens

You can always have a ready supply of pretend eggs with these adorable papier-mâché hens.

• Apple Adventures



READ: How To Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman

This was one of our household favorites when my daughter was younger. Marjorie Priceman’s illustrations are rich with whimsy, and this story of a young pie maker gathering her ingredients from all across the globe is fun and fanciful. The book includes a recipe for homemade apple pie.



MAKE: Cinnamon Apple Rings

If you’re short on time to prepare a whole pie, these doughnut-like cinnamon apple rings might do the trick.

• Lovely Leaves



READ: Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Ehlert is well known for her quietly lovely books celebrating the natural world. Leaf Man goes “where the wind blows,” and the vivid collages are bound to jumpstart imaginative play, art projects, nature walks, and more. Leaf Man includes an informative author’s note and tips for identifying leaf varieties.



MAKE: Leaf Alphabet Collage Cards

Encouraging us to “think of leaves as nature’s tissue paper,” these alphabet leaf cards are naturally beautiful for any age.

• Squeezable Squirrels



READ: Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant

Squirrels rule in the fall, and Rylant’s delightful chapter book fantasy features Stumpy Squirrel, who is lost after seeking help for her newborn triplets. Animal friends are in abundance, and their love and ingenuity in caring for the baby squirrels and tracking down Stumpy make this slim volume pack a real heartwarming punch.



MAKE: Glove Squirrel

Okay, so it was apparently meant to be a chipmunk, but there is a hearty online debate among makers, many of whom clearly see “squirrel.” I’m Team “Both” — a few quick tweaks and you’ve got an adorable Stumpy of your own. I couldn’t resist this ingenious stuffie-from-a-glove (!), tutorial.

• Autumn Acorns



READ: Aw, Nuts by Rob McClurkan

An elusive acorn leads a squirrel on a hilarious chase — on a pogo stick, in a taxi, on a boat … but he can’t catch it. The “Aw, nuts!” refrain and vibrant illustrations will have everyone laughing.



MAKE: Wooden Peg People

Acorn caps and pinecones make these wooden peg people an autumn-inspired treat.

• Basket-Building Inspiration



READ: Kunu’s Basket by Lee DeCora Francis

Kunu’s life on a Penobscot Indian reservation in Maine is realistically depicted in this contemporary story that celebrates cultural heritage and tradition in the midst of modern life. As many in the U.S. prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this fall, skip the “first Thanksgiving” stereotypes and opt for Kunu’s story of patience and perseverance that any child can relate to.



MAKE: Pine Needle Coil Basket

Each American Indian Nation has its own artistic style, traditions, and techniques. After reading about Kunu’s Penobscot basket, try making a pine needle basket, an art practiced by many, including the Coushatta and Tunica-Biloxi of Louisiana, Seminole of Florida, and Cherokee in North Carolina.

Additional resources:

• Kunu’s Basket worksheet
• Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “Art Beat,” with a video from Pat Courtney Gold, a member of the Wasco Nation
• Western Carolina University’s “Cherokee Traditions” page