It’s rapidly approaching: that season so many of us call our favorite.
The one where pumpkin spice lattes, candles, and gourds prevail. I often feel like this time of year is more of a ‘fresh start’ time than the New Year.
The older kids are back to school and I find myself making lists, attempting new habits, and setting goals as if it were January 1st. Even with all those things to look forward to in the fall, the season’s best picture books are still my favorite thing to anticipate. Our family’s favorite, by far, is Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, but there are a handful of others that make my ‘best of’ list.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
by Julia Rawlinson
This is the first Fletcher book I read to my kids and remains my favorite. It’s about a sweet little squirrel (or maybe fox? Who can tell?) who frantically tries to keep all the leaves from falling as he worries it means the tree is unwell. I love all the woodland characters and the beautiful illustrations.
The Little Yellow Leaf
by Carin Berger
I could look at the images in this book all day. The text is written in interesting patterns and each page has a collage-type illustration with so many details. The story is sweet as well and a fun way to talk about all the colorful and falling leaves around us.
The Scarecrow’s Hat
by Ken Brown
This one is new to me this year and I love the loose pattern on each page and the idea of each animal having something to offer to another friend.
Yellow Time
by Lauren Sringer
Lauren Sringer’s illustrations in Yellow Time are so vivid and her descriptions are rich. I would highly recommend this for kids in the 4-6 age range as there is so much language to explore and discuss.
Because of an Acorn
by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer
This is one of the more graphically pleasing books you’ll ever find. It’s a simple story about how all things in nature are connected, but the illustrations will just capture you.
Why Do Leaves Change Color
by Betsy Maestro
While all of the above books are fiction picture books, ‘Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsy Maestro is non-fiction and such a well-written book about the science behind our beautiful fall colors.
It’s written with language and helpful illustrations I would consider appropriate for a wide age range of children from about age 4 to 10.
Time To Sleep
by Denise Fleming
A nice change from all the leaf books in that it focuses on preparing for hibernation. A series of animal friends remind one another about winter coming. The text and animals it introduces are wonderful.
Leaves
by David Ezra Stein
This is such a precious book about a bear who is concerned about the falling leaves. It follows him into hibernation and as he wakes up in the spring to the new buds the trees have formed. This is a simple book for younger kids, but a very sweet story.
This is a simple book for younger kids, but a very sweet story.
Run, Turkey, Run
by Diane Mayr
Lastly, this is our favorite Thanksgiving-related book about a turkey who manages to escape the farmer the day before Thanksgiving. It’s hilarious and fun and your kids will love it!
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Teresa Ward is stay-at-home mom and former elementary teacher who is currently ignoring her singing baby in his crib because she isn’t ready for him to be awake!
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