Best Fall Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Grandparent-Tested Favorites
Picture cozy story time reading picture books about fall that sparks conversations about nature's changes while building precious memories with your grandchildren. These carefully chosen fall books do more than entertain—they create connection moments that last long after your turn the final page.
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The leaves are turning and the days are getting shorter here in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the perfect time to warm up some cider, snuggle with your grandchild, and read some books about the change in season. We looked for the best picture books about fall, reading all we could get our hands on. These are our favorites.
As always, we look for books that are a pleasure to read aloud, with captivating stories and rich illustrations. But most of all, we look for ones that our grandchildren love to listen to and read!
A Mischief of Mice
by Christie Matheson
This delightful tale of missing mice introduces the creative collective nouns for groups of animals. A scurry of squirrels asks all the forest inhabitants for help in finding the mischief of mice. A wonderful book to share with a word-loving grandchild!
The Leaf Thief
by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater
What’s a squirrel to do when he discovers one of his pretty leaves is missing? Your grandchild will love going along on the hunt for the leaf thief. The vibrant illustrations and enchanting forest friends make this book about fall a great way to talk about change—both of the seasons, and when something you love changes.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
Children love this story about Fletcher trying to put the leaves back on the trees! The story is well written and riveting for even the youngest of your grandchildren. Beautifully illustrated and sure to be a much requested read aloud. It’s a great way to kick off a conversation about the changing season with kids as young as two and a half or so.
Because of an Acorn
by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon
Through very few words, this book explains the entire food chain to young readers. The illustrations capture the attention of the most fidgety young readers and draw them into the story, making it one of the best fall books for toddlers. Meanwhile, the simple story will allow older children to ask questions and learn more about the way our world is interconnected.
In the Middle of Fall
by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek
Kevin Henkes is a trusted source of titles for young readers, and this book is no exception. This short and simple book highlights all the best parts of fall with colorfu illustrations. It will entertain your little ones and help them learn about the change in season. If you’ve got a toddler who’s hard on books, it’s also available as a board book.
Leaves
by David Ezra Stein
This wonderful story makes a perfect fall bedtime tale. The graceful watercolors echo the child-like quality of Bear and his plight. Your grandchildren will delight in Bear’s solution for all the leaves falling off the trees, and learn a little about hibernation in addition to fall!
Leaf Man
by Lois Ehlert
This is our favorite fall book. The charming story is illustrated with collages made of leaves, and the die-cut pages add further depth and interest to the pictures. We dare you to read it and not immediately want to create your own Leaf Man, even if your grandkids aren’t around. If they are, however, you will likely spend an afternoon collecting leaves and creating entire leaf families.
The Gigantic Turnip
by Aleksei Tolstoy, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey
This well-loved Russian folk tale is charmingly told, and will absolutely become a family favorite. It has just the right measure of silliness to be wildly entertaining without being ridiculous. Even better, it will stand up to repeated readings—one thing we find important in the books we are likely to have to read again and again.
Hello, Harvest Moon
by Ralph Fletcher, illustrated by Kate Kiesler
This lyrical, beautiful look at an early fall night is a special book to share with your grandchildren. As the story shares what’s going on at the farm after dark, the rich language will expand their vocabulary. This is one of those books that provides lots of opportunity for deeper conversations.
When Fall Comes: Connecting with Nature as the Days Grow Shorter
by Aimée M. Bissonette, illustrated by Erin Hourigan
The family in this book (including grandparents!) explores the changing season as they observe the way the animals in different habitats prepare for the coming winter. It’s a perfect book to read to children who love to observe and discuss the world around them.
Lawrence in the Fall
by Matthew Farina, illustrated by Doug Salati
Children in their first years of school will appreciate this tender story of Lawrence’s worry about not having a “collection” to share with his classmates. His father and the falling autumn leaves solve his problem and teach a gentle lesson about sharing the beauty of nature. The language is lovely and the illustrations are perfectly rendered to match it.
Making the most of fall reading time with grandchildren
How did we choose the best picture books about fall for toddlers and preschoolers? We look for books that are a pleasure to read aloud, with captivating stories and rich illustrations that hold attention. Most importantly, we choose books that grandchildren genuinely enjoy hearing repeatedly—because the best books become beloved requests that create anticipation for story time together.
How do books build stronger relationships with grandchildren? Sharing books creates uninterrupted one-on-one time where grandchildren have your complete attention. The shared experience of discovering a story together builds inside jokes, favorite phrases, and memories that become part of your unique relationship. When you read the same books multiple times, you're creating a special tradition that belongs just to the two of you. Read more about creating bonds through books in How Reading to Grandchildren Creates an Everlasting Bond.
What are simple ways to build fall reading traditions? Start a fall reading basket that comes out each September, filled with seasonal favorites. Let grandchildren help choose which book to read first during each visit. Create a cozy reading spot with soft blankets for chilly days. Take photos of your grandchild with their favorite fall books to capture how they grow and change each year. For long-distance grandparents, mail a fall book with a note about why you chose it, or read the same book together over video calls. For more fall traditions to start with your grandchild, see our blog post: Fall Activities for Toddlers That Build Family Traditions.
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