I believe one of the greatest ways to mark a season is through literature. Books reinforce the themes that surround a child. They are a bridge from what they are learning to how they are exploring. So while my children gravitate towards the same books on their book shelves over and over again, I make sure to gather books at the library that follow along seasonally to enhance their learning.
But besides being an educational tool, reading seasonally is just so cozy. The nostalgia of a story that celebrates the best of a season brings on all the snuggly vibes. I never tire of the morning routine of two kids piling into bed with a stack of books. Christmas is one of my favorite ways of doing this, as evident in my Book Advent Calendar. But Fall is making a good fight for second, for obvious reasons.
In my head I see September as Apple Season, October as Halloween/Pumpkin season, and November as Leaf season, but these can all be read at any time in the fall. While Christmas gets rushed into about one month, you really can never have too much Fall.
Here are some of our favorites (mostly mine because let's face it, I'm the reader and thus picker these days.)
Apple Season Books
Apples are eaten year round in our house. But it feels so fulfilling to give them an extra special nod at this time of year. There were many more I was excited to read by alas, the Library Hold Gods were not smiling down on me this season. I look forward to adding more to this group next year.
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie
Our beloved character is back only she ages backwards and adorably. If only we could all be that lucky. This book will make you run to the kitchen to whip up your very own pie, and a recipe is included too!
Little Arnold loves his apple tree not just for the apples in the fall, but for all the seasons that the tree provides for him. A great way to share about all of the seasons.
With very minimal words, this book encourages problem solving in the reader to help the worm figure out how to get to that delicious juicy apple. And for those kids who love a gross ending, stay tuned!
Halloween Season Books
Halloween can be a weird scary time for a toddler and preschooler. I'm looking at you Target and your 2 story high giant purple glowing ghost. So here is a circumstance where it is great to read books about Halloween to show the not so creepy side of Halloween. Some of these books are down right adorable. I can't say that for the Halloween aisle at Target.
Perfect for the little one a little confused and slightly afraid of the creepy things at Halloween, it is helpful to learn that often what seems scary can sometimes just be friendly. Also this one reads like the 12 days of Christmas which is very fun as everything adds up like a tongue twister in the end. Read it fast and giggles will ensue.
I first discovered this one last year when we watched the animated version of the story on Netflix. This is a rare instance when I think the movie is a little better than the book, mostly because I love the British narrator and the facial expressions of the animals. The story is a sweet look at how there is always room to be friendly and welcoming to friends in need. I might have cried a bit at the end (you'll notice that being a common theme.)
If you are familiar with The Funniest Book Ever by the same author, you will love this Halloween Edition. Kids will get a kick out of the ghost who is super scared of the "forest" when the kids know it is filled with cupcakes, crafts, and kittens. A Halloween book that makes you giggle is a good book.
If last year’s election is still a bit too raw for you, this one might make you cry for sure. Halloween is a great time to remind our little girls, and boys, they can be anything they want, even the President of the United States!
We have read this one 627 times in our household. We all have it memorized. And while I would love nothing more than to return it back to the library never to read it again, it is still a pretty adorable book. I mean what kid doesn’t love a book with creepy underwear that exude that ghoulish greenish glow?!
Leaf Changing Season Books
Let’s just be real here. This collection of books fall primarily in the category of “my kids think they are kind of boring but I will read them anyway because they give me all the feels.” Trees are such a great expression of growth and change. These books give you that glory fall feeling.
I already spoke on this one in my last post but it deserves a place on this list. I find myself walking around whisper cheering for that last little leaf on the tree to go ahead and be brave and make the change (and maybe I’m cheering a little bit for myself too.)
This is the story of a self proclaimed introverted boy who is ok with being different as long as he has the company of his beloved tree, Bertolt. I dare you not to cry at that end when the boy makes something beautiful out of the tree after a sudden death. Dare you.
This book celebrates that lovely golden glowing time we find ourselves in right now. I know that the grays of winter will come but for now, I am soaking up all the loveliness, and loving this book.
We often forget how long a tree can live. This story takes us all the way back to that first acorn planted into the ground 275 years ago and watches the world change as it grows. How mighty and wonderful our trees can be.
Talk about books to make me cry, this was one of the first books I received a week before the birth of my first child, and thus I associate it with my little ones' growing. Here baby Leo grows along with the newly planted tree. Trees grow, kids grow, it's all so adorable.
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That about wraps it up, although confession I picked up a few more of my library holds and it looks like I'm going to have to add a whole bunch more to next year's list. Happy Fall Reading!
This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them, I make a small commission. That being said, these are my honest opinions and I was not paid to talk about any of the products mentioned. I just think they are pretty great! Also, the links send you to IndieBound.com, a site for encouraging sending business to local independent book stores. Support your neighborhood bookstores! And Happy Shopping!