Fall Favorites Booklist

“Children who are read to learn two things: First, that reading is worthwhile, and second, that they are worthwhile.” Laura Bush

“Fall has treasures to be found in colors, textures, smells, and sounds. It’s so much fun-we love it all.” It’s Fall! Renee Kurilla

Books about fall are more plentiful than the leaves piling up outside my window! It is a mysterious, magical, and dramatic time of the year, especially in Wyoming. As the sun begins to set earlier and we wake up with frost on the pumpkins, it is a perfect time to read the rich, engaging picture books celebrating this season of change.  There are stories about a pumpkin named Jack, a little old lady who is not afraid of ANYTHING, a journey from seed to pumpkin, a bear, and a fox who are both very concerned about why the leaves change and fall!  Put some books in a basket and head outside for Storytime!

Featured Favorites

It's Fall! By Renee Kurilla

It’s Fall! By Renée Kurilla (2023) Ages 4-8 years

“Colors bursting, shadows tall. There’s lots to celebrate-it’s fall!”

This beautiful new book invites children to connect with their favorite routines, holiday observations, and activities as the seasons change. Use this book as a launching point for exploring diverse ways of enjoying the change of season.

After the Story

What activities do Wyoming families enjoy in the fall?  Do children have families who go hunting?  What do families do to prepare for winter?

After sharing the book, including the end page art, invite children to create their own group collage using drawings of favorite fall activities.

Leaves By David Ezra Stein

Leaves by David Ezra Stein (2007) Ages 1-4 years

It is a captivating story of a young bear experiencing fall for the first time.  Perfect for children beginning to notice the colorful changes.  This one might also go in the just-before-nap basket in your program or home.  How often do little ones in Wyoming go to sleep “just as the wind began to blow.”?

After the Story

Go outside and find a leaf or leaves to hold and share while reading the book.

On a windy day (you won’t have to wait long), go outside with the children and play in the leaves. Encourage the children to catch the leaves like the bear did.  Let them see if they can put the leaves back on the tree. What did the bear do with the leaves after they would not stay on the trees? Can the children scoop up leaves to make a nest for hibernating?

Senorita Mariposa By Ben Gundersheimer (MISTER G) Illustrated by Marcos

Senorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer (MISTER G) Illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero (2019) English/Spanish Ages 2 years and up

A poetic story of the journey the monarch butterflies make from Canada to Mexico for the season each year.  This beautifully illustrated book lets children experience the long flight and what the butterflies see along the way.

After the Story

Listen to the story read by the author, Mister G, in English/Spanish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-s4plLc1OM

Learn and sing the song with MISTER G.

Check out the information about butterflies in the back of the book.  Share with the children.

In the Middle of Fall By Kevin Henkes, Illustrated by Dronzek

In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes, Illustrated by Dronzek

(2019) Ages 2-5 years

This charming book combines simple text and rich, engaging art that perfectly depicts the transition from the “middle of Fall” to the beginning of winter. Invite listeners to notice what animals and people are doing throughout the season. 

 In the Middle of Fall is the perfect tool for encouraging children to notice the world outside.

After the Story

Talk with children about how sometimes, in Wyoming, fall leaves dance in the wind while it is snowing outside.  Invite children to create artwork showing our wintery fall days. 

What do children want to remember about fall this year?  Invite children to look at the center page with fall images and share their memories.  Find a creative way to record their ideas. 

Keep the book in your basket of favorites throughout the fall and early winter.  Talk with the children about the changes throughout the book and encourage them to notice the sky, temperature, and colors they see going from fall to winter.

Puzzle piece in box icon

More Favorites

  • Boo! Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton (2021)

    Ages Baby to 3 years

  • Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson Illustrations by Tiphanie Beeke

    (2006) Ages 4 and up

  • Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak (2016) Ages 2-5 years

  • Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert (2005)

    Ages 2-5 years

  • Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell (2000)

    Ages 3-7 years

  • The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams Illustrated by Megan Lloyd 1986

    Ages 2-5 years

  • The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by The Fan Brothers (2019)

    Ages 3-6 years

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall by Eric Carle (2022)

    Baby -2 years

  • Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf  by Lois Ehlert (1991)

    Ages 4-7 years

  • Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum (2009)

    Ages 3-6 years

  • The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming  (2021)

    Ages 4 and up

  • The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle (1984)

    Ages 2-6 years (Available in Spanish)

Favorites for When Days Get Shorter

  • Flashlight by Lizi Boyd (2014)

    Ages 3-6 years

  • Knight Owl by Christopher Denise (2022)

    Ages 3-5 years

  • Owl Babies by Martin Waddell Illustrated by Patrick Benson

    Ages 1-4 years

  • Time To Sleep by Denise Fleming (1997)

    Ages 2-4 years

Three talking bubbles icon

Ideas for Sharing Books with Children

Encouraging Families to Read Together

Building Blocks Icons

Library Connections

Check Out the local library in your Wyoming community.  Librarians are an excellent resource and can help you find the perfect books for your classroom, program, or home.  If you can’t get to your local library, try the Libby App!

Use your local library card and access the Libby App for children’s books on your phone, tablet, or computer. 

https://library.wyo.gov/find-thousands-of-e-books-and-audiobooks-in-gowyld-with-libby