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Growing Reader

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: 18 Picture Books That Celebrate Fall

by Rosemary D'Urso

Background credit: Dmitri Disterheft/Shutterstock

With its stunning colors, exciting holidays, and delicious treats, there is so much magic and wonder around the fall season! Many picture books display awe-inspiring autumnal activities through gorgeous artwork and characters picking apples, enjoying hayrides, and choosing the perfect pumpkin. As the weather gets cooler, grab a blanket and cozy up with a loved one while enjoying these fabulous fall stories!

Leif and the Fall

Leif and the Fall

by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant, illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard

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Autumn has arrived, and Leif (a fretful leaf) feels anxious about falling to the ground. So, he builds a variety of gadgets to ease his drop. When nothing works quite right, Leif fears he has failed. In a surprising turn of events, Leif’s efforts get rewarded with a satisfying ending that will leave readers cheering for the hardworking leaf. With its message of problem-solving and persistence, this book will be a hit in both home and classroom libraries!

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Leaves

Leaves

by David Ezra Stein

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In this adorable story, an empathetic young bear worries about the leaves falling from the trees. The bear attempts to put them back on but eventually makes a cozy den with them. When he awakens from his hibernation in the spring, he’s elated to discover the leaves have returned. This delightful tale is an ideal choice for a fall storytime with young children.

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If You Find a Leaf

If You Find a Leaf

by Aimee Sicuro

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When a young girl uses her imagination to turn leaves into things like boats and swings, she goes on a one-of-a-kind adventure. The artist used real leaves when creating the illustrations for this book, and the result is a stunning celebration of fall that readers of all ages will love.

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Maple

Maple

by Lori Nichols

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My family adores this enchanting book! Nature-loving Maple finds a genuine friend in the tree outside her home. When her little sister arrives, Maple shows her new sibling the same tenderness she gives her tree. While she can’t always make the baby happy, they both bask in the tree’s beauty — creating a special bond between them. This story could not be sweeter!

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A Pumpkin for Peter

A Pumpkin for Peter

by Beatrix Potter

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Little hands will love poring over the gentle illustrations of this inviting board book starring one of Beatrix Potter’s most famous characters. Fall is here, and while Peter Rabbit is excited to pick out a pumpkin, he is nervous about walking through the woods at night. Peter faces his fears alongside his family and gets rewarded for his bravery with the perfect pumpkin.

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Amara's Farm

Amara's Farm

by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Samara Hardy

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Help Amara search her garden for a pumpkin in this adorable harvest-themed picture book. Children will love exploring the ripe vegetables and fruits to find the perfect pumpkin for a potluck dinner.

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Let’s Go Apple Picking!

Let’s Go Apple Picking!

by Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by Nila Aye

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This colorful Little Golden Book captures the joys of apple picking with a loved one. Children will enjoy reading about a girl and her grandfather as they explore a farm, go on a hayride, and meet adorable farm animals along the way!

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The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin

The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin

by Stan and Jan Berenstain

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In this installment of the classic series, Papa Bear learns an important lesson in gratitude. It’s almost time for Thanksgiving, and Papa Bear excitedly enters his prized pumpkin in a contest. When he doesn’t get the result he hopes for, Mama Bear reminds her family of all they have to be thankful for, including the beauty of nature, friends, and pumpkin pie!

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The Ugly Pumpkin

The Ugly Pumpkin

by Dave Horowitz

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This playful twist on The Ugly Duckling follows a misshapen pumpkin searching for a home. Disappointed no one chooses him as a jack-o’-lantern, the pumpkin wanders the countryside until he realizes his true identity and celebrates Thanksgiving somewhere that he can put down roots. Bouncy rhymes, bright colors, and a surprise ending make this picture book fun to read aloud.

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Sophie’s Squash

Sophie’s Squash

by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf

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With its endearing storyline, this is one of my all-time favorite picture books about fall! It’s hard not to smile at the adorable Sophie who adopts a squash that she names Bernice. The unlikely friends do everything together until Bernice begins her unavoidable decay. To save her friend, Sophie buries her in the garden, resulting in the most delightful surprise in the spring.

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Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

by Grace Lin

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Celebrate the Moon Festival, one of China’s most significant holidays in the fall. A Chinese American family prepares for the festival by making food and decorations on the big day. That night, they eat their feast under a full moon. Kids will love learning more about Chinese culture and this unique autumn holiday.

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When Fall Comes

When Fall Comes

by Aimée M. Bissonette, illustrated by Erin Hourigan

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When the temperatures drop and days shorten, a family heads outdoors to connect with nature. The family's bonds grow as they take in the sights, look for mushrooms, and watch the wildlife preparing for winter. This beautiful picture book is the third installment in the poetic When Seasons Come series and is a must-read for fall.

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Otis and the Scarecrow

Otis and the Scarecrow

by Loren Long

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Beautiful on many levels, this gentle tale of compassion is a standout. The farm buzzes with news of a new scarecrow, but excitement turns to disappointment when the newcomer stands frozen with a frown on his face. However, the kindhearted tractor, Otis, finds a way for the scarecrow to star in his friends’ favorite game. This is a thoughtful seasonal story that you can enjoy all year long.

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Mouse Seasons

Mouse Seasons

by Leo Lionni

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Featuring gorgeous illustrations, this story by the renowned author and illustrator Leo Lionni celebrates the four seasons. Frederick, the cherished mouse from Lionni’s Caldecott Honor Book of the same name, reappears in this book. In it, he bolsters his community of mice with the wonders of fall, winter, spring, and summer.

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Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

by Denise Kiernan, illustrated by Jamey Christoph

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The tastiest holiday happens in the fall — Thanksgiving! Learn the history behind the day and how one woman launched a letter-writing campaign and persevered until Thanksgiving became a national holiday. This inspiring story will become an annual favorite.

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The Poky Little Puppy and the Pumpkin Patch

The Poky Little Puppy and the Pumpkin Patch

by Diane Muldrow, illustrated by Sue DiCicco

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It’s impossible to resist the cuteness of the Pokey Little Puppy! This beloved character joins his sisters and brothers as they explore a farm, go on a hayride, play in a corn maze, and pick out a pumpkin. This timeless story captures the fun and wonder of fall.

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Strega Nona's Harvest

Strega Nona's Harvest

by Tomie dePaola

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Join Strega Nona as she grows a well-planned and organized garden and Big Anthony as he haphazardly creates a secret one. Readers will laugh at Big Anthony’s garden-growing attempt and enjoy Strega Nona’s solution for the extra vegetables. Readers of all ages love Tomie dePaola’s signature warmth and humor in this bestselling fall classic.

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The Wilderness

The Wilderness

by Steve McCarthy

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Oktober is afraid of the unknown and dislikes being outside. So when he gets separated from his family on a hike, he gets hopelessly lost in the wilderness. But Oktober is surprised to find beautiful scenery, adventure, and a new friend instead of monsters and misery. Vibrant illustrations accompany the subtle message that the outdoors is something to appreciate rather than fear.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2023.