55 Best Fall and Thanksgiving Picture Books For Kids (2024)
Pull the best fall picture books to cozy up with your kids when the weather cools and the leaves turn vibrant.
Keep reading to discover great Thanksgiving books for kids too!
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Fall Books For Toddlers
Fall picture books for toddlers and preschoolers are perfect to:
- Foster a love for reading.
- Learn about fall.
- Develop new vocabulary around autumn changes.
Pro Tip: Engage your child by letting your toddler hold the book and turn the pages as you read.
After reading fall picture books, try sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers:
- Take a nature hunt and look for the signs of fall.
- Make a simple fall sensory bin with popcorn kernels or corn seeds, other fall items, and scoopers.
- Collect leaves, acorns, sticks, and other nature objects. Then, push and roll them into play dough.
1. Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills (Ages 1-3)
*New York Times Bestselling Author
Two of our favorite friends are back in this oversized board book. It’s perfect for reading with your toddler. Duck and Goose are looking for a pumpkin. Will they find what they are looking for?
2. Mouse’s First Fall by Lauren Thompson (Ages 2-4)
*New York Times bestselling illustrator Buket Erdogan
Toddlers will love this board book about Mouse and Minka and their fall adventures. This is a great book to teach about the season of fall!
3. I Love Fall!: A Touch-and-Feel Board Book by Alison Inches (Ages 1-3)
The touch-and-feel textures in this book will bring fall to life for toddlers with crunchy leaves, wicker baskets, soft scarves, and more!
4. We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger (Ages 2-4)
*Bestselling Author
Enjoy the fall spin on this popular rhyme and head out on an adventure as three friends hunt for leaves! Grab We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt here!
5. Fall (Bright Baby Touch and Feel) by Roger Priddy (Ages 1-3)
This board book is perfect to introduce bright fall and Thanksgiving photographs to a baby or toddler. Young readers will enjoy the touch-and-feel pages as they learn new vocabulary words.
6. Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell (Ages 2-4)
In this classic board book story, a young girl goes to a farm to pick apples and searches for “the best pumpkin of them all.”
7. Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson (Ages 2-4)
Little readers love to turn the pages in this interactive board book. They tap, shake, and jiggle the magic tree to see it change with every page turn.
Related: Best Interactive Kids Books
Preschool Fall Picture Books
Next, preschoolers and young kids will continue to enjoy the autumn books on this list.
8. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson (Ages 2-6)
*Popular fall book and series
Why are the leaves falling from the tree? Explore the season of fall with Fletcher the fox in this beautiful picture book!
9. The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders (Ages 2-6)
*Award-winning author and illustrator team
This silly fall story will amuse young readers!
A young girl will chase her pumpkin on a humorous adventure through the country and town. Enjoy the beautiful illustrations and repetitive text in The Roll-Away Pumpkin.
10. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak (Ages 2-5)
Welcome the changes of autumn with a young girl as she takes a walk to see how nature gets ready for fall in this sweet story.
11. Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer (Ages 2-4)
Because of an Acorn…many magical things start to happen! Preschoolers will learn how nature is connected in this beautiful autumn book. And how an acorn is just the beginning.
12. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert (Ages 2-5)
*Caldecott Honor-Winning Author-Illustrator
Adventure in this preschool fall book as Leaf Man blows away. Where will the wind take him? Read this story to find out!
13. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro (Ages 2-5)
*Teacher’s Pick
We all know the familiar and popular rhyme about the old lady who swallowed the fly. Read the fall version of this story to see what she swallows next!
14. Fall Is Not Easy by Marty Kelley (Ages 3-6)
Change is not easy…even for trees! Read Fall Is Not Easy to discover one tree’s journey through the seasons.
Related: Thanksgiving Charades Game for Kids
Fall Picture Books for Kindergarten
Next, Kindergarten and first grade kids love these children’s picture books about fall.
Fall activities for kids this age include:
- Make a list of fall words and point out vocabulary words when you see them in books.
- Help your child write simple sentences using fall words. Then, illustrate their favorite part of the story.
- Take a nature walk and make a collage with your fall collections!
15. Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda
*New York Times Bestselling Author
Bunny needs help picking apples for a pie. Can you help? Use the red ribbon to help Bunny reach the apples!
Young readers adore this interactive and humorous story! It is the perfect story and makes a great gift for the entire family.
16. The Autumn Visitors by Karel Hayes (Ages 3-8)
*Read all 4 books in the Visitors series!
In this story, a family of bears discovers the magic of autumn. From the fall country fair to Halloween, and then a Thanksgiving feast, the bear family will have plenty of fun without getting caught!
Read The Autumn Visitors here!
17. In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes (Ages 2-5)
*Caldecott Medalist and New York Times Bestselling Author
Introduce fall with expressive paintings and all the sights of the season.
“This exquisite picture book will inspire youngsters to get outdoors and observe the world around them.”—School Library Journal
18. The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger (Ages 3-6)
Will Little Yellow Leaf ever be ready to fall?
Read this sweet story of a leaf who is afraid of the unknown. See how Little Yellow Leaf faces change with a friend.
19. Awesome Autumn: All Kinds of Fall Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone (Ages 4-8)
*Part of: Season Facts and Fun (4 books)
Discover all the amazing things that happen in the fall! From harvest crops to Thanksgiving, enjoy the delights of autumn.
Read Awesome Autumn here!
20. Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayer (Ages 3-8)
*Part of 3 Weather Walks books
Stunning photographs make this a must-read nonfiction book for young readers. Journey through the changes of the leaves and learn the science behind the colorful leaves of fall.
21. How Do Apples Grow? by Besty Maestro (Ages 2-6)
*Great for the classroom
Before your next trip to the apple orchard, read this informational book to learn how apples grow.
22. Step Into Reading: Apple Picking Day! by Candice Ransom (Ages 2-5)
*Step 1 Early Reader
Young readers can read along in this book. A brother and sister go apple picking and have a fun day in the orchard.
23. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White (Ages 4-7)
*Teacher’s Pick
What happens when a huge pumpkin is smashed in a yard and covered with dirt? Too many pumpkins start to grow!
Read this heartwarming tale of a girl who doesn’t like pumpkins and what she does when faced with too many.
24. Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper (Ages 2-6)
*Part of 3 Pumpkin Soup Books
Join Cat, Squirrel, and Duck as their friendship is tested when they decide to make their pumpkin soup in a different way than usual!
Find your copy of Pumpkin Soup here!
25. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming (Ages 2-5)
*A New York Times Bestseller
Discover the magic and humor of autumn with Squirrel. When one of Squirrel’s leaves go missing, he works to discover who the leaf thief is and also learns about the season of fall.
The Leaf Thief is a must-read picture book about fall!
Fall Picture Books For Kids
Next, check out these fall picture books great for read alouds for elementary age children.
Check out this fall bucket list or fall this or that questions too!
26. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry (Ages 3-7)
*Bestselling author of Stick and Stone
Read this beautifully illustrated picture book to see what happens when Scarecrow does something unexpected.
*Read the book with us on our Youtube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe for more!
27. Hello Autumn! by Shelley Rotner (Ages 4-8)
*Part of 4 Hello Seasons books
For both younger and older elementary students, this book explores the changes that occur during fall including hibernation, migration, and in plants.
Kids will enjoy the photographs and the concepts presented in this children’s book about fall.
28. Applesauce Day by Lisa J. Amstutz (Ages 4-8)
Follow Maria and her family’s special tradition as they visit an apple orchard and then make applesauce.
*This story is perfect to introduce personal narrative writing to kids and students.
29. Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro (Ages 3-7)
Elementary students will be engaged in finding out how and why leaves change color in this Let’s Read To Find Out book.
Included in this book are fun fall activities for kids to do, including leaf rubbings and pressings.
30. The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade (Ages 4-7)
Will Lance the leaf be able to conquer his fear of falling?
Journey in this funny picture book. It also addresses emotions that kids feel from time to time.
31. Hello, Harvest Moon by Ralph Fletcher (Ages 4-8)
As the harvest moon climbs into the sky, a little girl and her cat discover the wonders of a fall night.
Beautiful illustrations make this a captivating read and bedtime story for kids.
Chapter Books About Fall
Older readers enjoy chapter books about fall. And these are also excellent fall and back-to-school read alouds for kids to get hooked on a new series.
32. Roscoe The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch by Shana Gorian (Ages 6-9)
*Book 1 of 12: Rosco The Rascal
Newly independent chapter book readers will enjoy the story of James and Mandy. They are trying to choose their pumpkins for Halloween along with their mischievous German shepherd, Rosco.
When they find bullies scaring kids in the corn maze, will Rosco be the helpful hero?
Related: Easy Halloween Scavenger Hunt for Kids & Tweens
33. Ready, Freddy! Apple Orchard Race by Abbey Klein (Ages 7+)
*Part of the Ready, Freddy! Book Series
Freddy’s first-grade class is going to the apple orchard. Whoever can find the hidden wooden apples will win $5. Will Freddy walk away with the prize?
34. Sophie Mouse and the Maple Festival by Poppy Green
*Book 5 of The Adventures of Sophie Mouse Series
Sophie Mouse is excited about the town’s annual Maple Festival. She helps her mother bake treats, but will anyone want to buy them?
Adventure with Sophie this fall!
35. Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Ticket Trouble by Carolyn Keene (Ages 5-9)
Nancy Drew and friends are excited about the fall festival and have been working hard to earn money for tickets for the amusement park rides.
But when tickets come up stolen, Nancy and the Clue Crew have to work to find the culprit.
36. The Friendship Garden: Pumpkin Spice by Jenny Meyerhoff (Ages 7-10)
Fall has arrived and Anna and her gardening friends are excited for the Windy City Pumpkin Fest. They are sure their pumpkin will take home the first prize in the pumpkin contest.
But when their pumpkin disappears, will they be able to find the thief before the festival? Read to find out what happens in Pumpkin Spice.
37. Apple Crush by Lucy Knisley (Ages 8-12)
Middle grade students will enjoy this graphic novel about a sixth-grade girl getting adjusted to life on a farm with her two new stepsisters.
Jen has to figure out new friends, a new school, and her new stepsisters who have decided hanging out with boys is more fun than hanging out with her.
38. Shirley and Jamila’s Big Fall by Gillian Goerz (Ages 8-12)
This graphic novel tells the story of girl detectives Shirley and Jamila and their mission to stop their school’s bully. Will their plan work?
Read Shirley and Jamila’s Big Fall to find out!
39. Before The Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson (Ages 10-12)
*Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award
This award-winning book tells the story of ZJ and the price playing professional football has played on ZJ’s dad.
With his dad’s memory failing, will his family be happy again?
40. October, October by Katya Balen (Ages 9-12)
*Winner of the YOTO Carnegie Medal 2022
October lives in the woods with her dad. But, when October turns eleven, everything changes and she will have to fight to remain wild beyond the woods.
Find this intriguing book here!
41. The Pumpkin War by Cathleen Young (Ages 8-12)
12 year old Billie is determined to win the annual giant pumpkin race on the lake after losing to her best friend last year.
Will she grow the biggest pumpkin and win the race? Or will a surprise visit make her see things a different way?
Find out in The Pumpkin War.
Related: Fall Trivia Questions and Answers.
Thanksgiving Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Look here for great Thanksgiving books ideas for preschool kids and toddlers.
Also, try out this Thanksgiving scavenger hunt!
42. Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney (Ages 1-3)
Join Llama Llama and his family as they celebrate Thanksgiving! This is the perfect Thanksgiving board book for toddlers!
43. Happy Thanksgiving by Roger Priddy (Ages 1-3)
Young children love holding and turning the pages in this sturdy and bright Thanksgiving board book. Learn all about the foods and concepts to introduce kids to Thanksgiving.
44. Happy Thanksgiving, Curious Geroge by H.A. Rey (Ages 1-3)
Adventure along with Curious George as he enjoys everything about Thanksgiving…and gets into a little monkey trouble too!
*This board book has tabbed pages which make it perfect for little hands.
45. Thankful by Eileen Spinelli (Ages 2-6)
Explore what the different people in this town are thankful for! With whimsical illustrations, this book is a timeless tale of giving thanks.
46. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson (Ages 2-5)
Join Bear as he wants to prepare a feast for his friends. When he discovers his cupboards are empty, what will he do?
Find Bear Says Thanks here!
47. The Very Stuffed Turkey by Katharine Kenah (Ages 3-5)
Turkey has a problem! He’s been invited to too many Thanksgiving meals! Will he be able to handle eating that much food?
This is a fun and silly Thanksgiving book that is perfect for preschoolers.
Thanksgiving Books for Kids
Finally, we end our list with Thanksgiving books for elementary kids.
Kids will also love these Thanksgiving Jokes, Riddles, and Puns!
48. Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf (Ages 2-6)
*Warm and inviting illustrations
Based on a true story, Thanksgiving in the Woods shares about a family and friends that gather in the woods to celebrate Thanksgiving each year.
Join in the tradition and warmth of Thanksgiving in the Woods.
49. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble (Ages 2-6)
*A 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Winner
*Teacher’s Pick
“Fry bread is food. It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.”
Read this book written in powerful verse about a modern Native American family and what Fry Bread represents.
50. Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano (Ages 3-6)
In this comical tale, Turkey tries to come up with a disguise to avoid being the main course this Thanksgiving! Will it work?
Read Turkey Trouble to find out!
51. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (Ages 1-7)
The word otsaliheliga is used to express gratitude for members of the Cherokee Nation.
Read this story of modern Native American life told by a citizen.
52. Molly’s Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen (Ages 6-1)
Follow along with Molly, an immigrant girl, as she helps her third-grade class discover that it takes pilgrims of all kinds to make a Thanksgiving.
53. How To Catch A Turkey by Adam Wallace (Ages 2-6)
*New York Times Bestseller!
Readers delight in this funny story of a turkey loose in the school before the Thanksgiving play.
Can you catch this tricky bird before the school play has begun?
54. Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet (Ages 5-8)
*Teacher’s Pick & Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet
Discover the inventor of the giant balloons that float in the sky during the annual Macy’s Day Thanksgiving parade each year in this nonfiction illustrated book.
This is a Thanksgiving must-read book for kids!
55. Magic Tree House: Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborne (Ages 7-8)
*Book 27 of 38: Magic Tree House
Join Jack and Annie as they adventure back to the eve of the very first Thanksgiving!
Grab your copy!
Related:
- Thanksgiving Day Activities
- Would You Rather Thanksgiving Questions
- Thanksgiving Questions & Conversation Starters
- Thanksgiving Day Trivia Questions and Answers
- Best Friendsgiving Games for Kids & Adults
What’s Next?
Hopefully, you have found great fall books that put you in the mood for cozy fall reading!
Looking for books or gifts for kids? Check out our great kids book lists by age.
Also, see these seasonal and theme book lists too.
- Halloween Books for Kids & Teens
- Christmas Picture Books
- Easter Picture Books
- Books for Kids That Are Movies
- Inspiring Books
- Kindness Books
Next, join the Kids Reading Challenge to encourage more reading! Enter your email below!