Cozy Stories That Celebrate Autumn, Change, and the Magic of the Season
There’s something magical about autumn—the crisp air, colorful leaves, and the gentle rustling sound under your feet. Fall-themed books help children appreciate the beauty of nature and understand the changes happening around them. They also offer wonderful moments for slowing down and enjoying cozy, thoughtful reads.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite books about falling leaves and the fall season, organized by age group. I’ve also included autumn activity ideas and discussion questions to spark wonder and creativity. Let me know which books make your home or classroom feel like fall!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Falling Leaves?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Falling Leaves
- 11 Falling Leaves Fall Books For Children
- What Falling Leaves Fall Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Falling Leaves?
Books about falling leaves introduce children to the seasons, especially the wonders of autumn.
These stories help kids understand how trees change, why leaves fall, and how animals and people prepare for colder days. Through beautiful illustrations and gentle storytelling, children learn about nature, cycles, and the joy of cozying up with a good book.
Reading about fall helps children connect with the world around them and appreciate its rhythms.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Falling Leaves
Falling leaves books offer more than just seasonal charm—they also encourage curiosity and observation.
Children notice details in the world: leaf colors, chilly breezes, shorter days, and animal habits. Many books explore feelings of change and transitions in a comforting, age-appropriate way, helping kids process their own experiences with growth and change.
These stories often blend science with storytelling, making them great for both literacy and nature-based learning.
How to Use Books about Falling Leaves with Children
Here are some lovely ways to use autumn books to inspire creativity and learning:
- 🍁 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What does fall look and feel like to you? or If you were a leaf, what kind of tree would you grow on? In class, use Turn and Talk to share favorite fall memories.
- 🎨 Engage in Leaf-Themed Activities: Go on a leaf hunt, create leaf rubbings, make a leaf garland craft, or write a short poem about fall. You can also sort leaves by shape or color to combine art with early science.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: When learning about trees, seasons, or animals preparing for winter, reference the stories. Say: Remember how the squirrel in the story gathered food for fall?
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Suggest families read autumn stories together, take nature walks, or share photos of their neighborhood leaves. Fall is a great time for bonding through books and simple seasonal routines.
11 Falling Leaves Fall Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
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This beautifully illustrated classic explores the life of a tree from a child’s point of view.
Activity Idea: Create a leaf journal with real leaves and their colors.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s your favorite leaf color?
- What do trees do in autumn?
- Why do you think leaves fall?
#2 Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
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Follow a whimsical “leaf man” blown by the wind in this collage-style book.
Activity Idea: Make your own leaf creature with collected fall leaves.
Discussion Questions:
- Where do you think the leaf man went?
- What could you make with leaves?
- What sounds does the wind make?
#3 We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
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A fall twist on a classic chant—go on a leaf-finding adventure through forests and mountains.
Activity Idea: Go on your own leaf hunt in the yard or park.
Discussion Questions:
- What types of trees did they find?
- What’s the best part of a nature walk?
- Have you ever crunched leaves under your feet?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn by James Dean
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Pete learns to enjoy all the fun things about fall—even if change can be tricky.
Activity Idea: Make a fall checklist like Pete’s.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s your favorite fall activity?
- How do you feel about changes?
- What did Pete learn about autumn?
#5 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro
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A silly fall-themed twist on a favorite rhyming tale.
Activity Idea: Act out the story with props (scarf, pumpkin, leaves).
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think she’ll swallow next?
- Why is this story funny?
- What else could you add to make your own version?
#6 Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
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Fletcher worries about his tree losing leaves—but discovers nature’s rhythm.
Activity Idea: Paint a tree and add falling tissue paper leaves.
Discussion Questions:
- Why was Fletcher worried?
- How do seasons change?
- What helps you feel calm when things change?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Ant’s Big Problem by Julia Zheng
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A story of a tiny ant learning about teamwork and resilience in fall’s changes.
Activity Idea: Build a small ant playground with natural items.
Discussion Questions:
- What problem did the ant face?
- How did he solve it?
- Have you ever worked together with others?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
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Squirrel thinks someone’s stealing leaves—but nature is just doing its thing!
Activity Idea: Play detective and spot fallen leaves in different colors.
Discussion Questions:
- What made the squirrel confused?
- What do you notice about trees in fall?
- What does this story teach about worrying?
#9 Sweep by Louise Greig
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A poetic story of emotions and a boy whose bad mood grows like a pile of leaves.
Activity Idea: Make a wind swirl collage with tissue paper and crayons.
Discussion Questions:
- What helps sweep away bad moods?
- How do you handle big feelings?
- Why are leaves a good symbol for emotions?
#10 Yellow Time by Lauren Stringer
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Celebrate the magical moment when the world glows with golden leaves.
Activity Idea: Make a “yellow window” with colored cellophane and drawings.
Discussion Questions:
- What is “yellow time”?
- What sounds and smells remind you of fall?
- What would your perfect fall day look like?
#11 Fall Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
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A nature walk full of facts, tree names, and beautiful illustrations of autumn leaves.
Activity Idea: Make a field journal with leaf rubbings and notes.
Discussion Questions:
- What kinds of trees grow near you?
- Why do leaves change color?
- What do you see on a fall walk?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Falling Leaves Fall Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Books about falling leaves invite children to slow down, look closely, and enjoy the magic of everyday change. Whether you’re reading under a blanket or outside among the leaves, these stories bring warmth and wonder to the season.
Which fall-themed book will you read first? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your leaf art, fall walks, or favorite autumn read-alouds!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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