A Children’s Book List for Fall—Cindy Anderson

by Cindy Anderson

You may have felt some whispers of fall, depending on where you live. We still have warm days where I am, but the morning and evening air feels cool and refreshing. I have always been a summer person, but I genuinely love fall. Breathing in the slightly chilled air drives me to throw open the windows, go for early morning walks, and enjoy the beauty of the world-changing color.

This book list celebrates everything we first think of when fall arrives: cool weather, autumn colors, and fall holidays. In addition, it celebrates the comfort of home-cooked foods, walks through our neighborhoods, watching animals prepare for winter, collecting the harvest, and gathering friends and family in gratitude for one another. I hope this season brings you some quiet moments to enjoy the changing season and time to read these books to a child or perhaps for you to read yourself.

Windows by Julia Denos

A boy takes his dog on a late-night autumn excursion through his urban neighborhood. While walking along, windows illuminate, giving the reader a glowing glimpse into the lives of his neighbors. It’s a lovely celebration of family, community, and paying attention to the beauty of our everyday lives.

(Recommended ages 3-8)

Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard

Rhythmic text and warm illustrations invite the reader into this beautiful story. The Native American tradition of making fry bread is about more than food; it’s about shape, sound, time, history, art, and place, and it is about us. The author has included excellent historical notes and a family recipe in the back of the book.

(Recommended ages 3-8)

Thank you, Omu by Oge Mora

Cooler weather often brings thoughts of comforting soups and stews to mind. Omu makes the best stew, and everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste. One by one, neighbors knock on Omu’s door for a bowl of stew, but will anything be left for her dinner? Oge Mora creates beautiful collage illustrations in this heartwarming story that celebrates community and generosity.

(Recommended ages 3-8)

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

“Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of being a real knight.” Owl may be small, but he is also gallant, clever, and brave. Will Owl be wise enough to save the castle from a giant, fire-breathing dragon? The cover has Owl standing in front of a giant full moon, and the illustrations are filled with shadows and moonlight, giving this book a perfect fall-like atmosphere.

(Recommended ages 3-9)

In November by Cynthia Rylant

“The earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures.” The poetic text and double-page paintings gently invite us into November. We observe the changing landscape, animals preparing for winter, and families gathering to share a festive meal. Cynthia Rylant’s books are a treasure.

(Recommended ages 2-7)

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman

Making an apple pie is easy if you can gather all the needed ingredients. This book takes the reader on an adventure around the world to find the best ingredients: Italy for Seminole wheat, England for fresh milk, and Vermont for picking fresh apples. It’s a clever way to teach a little world geography with fall baking. The author has included an apple pie recipe in the back of the book.

(Recommended ages 3-7)

Heartwood Hotel by Kallie George

Mona the Mouse has lost her home in a storm. While seeking shelter, she stumbles across the Heartwood Hotel to find forest residents celebrating the Acorn Festival. Mona is offered temporary lodging but hopes to make Heartwood Hotel her long-term home. Charming characters, an engaging storyline, and just the perfect amount of adventure make this first book in the Heartwood series an excellent choice for a family read-aloud or newly independent readers. Sweet black and white illustrations decorate the short chapters.

(Recommended ages 5-10)

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Cindy has been an educator for over 30 years, including work in environmental and nature education. She consistently uses stories and books, including picture books, with all of her students from elementary to high school. Most recently, she taught high school humanities, as well as creative writing and science classes for middle school. On any given Saturday, you can find her in her garden, the local farmers market, and her local library.

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