While your Pinterest or IG feeds fill up with images of pumpkin pie and fall colors, I decided to find another way to celebrate the season. With books, of course. So here are a few fantastic books to read for the fall season.
I have tried to include books for all ages, from picture books to those for adults; as well as across genres. While I have read quite a few of them, others have been on my TBR for a while now or came on my reading horizon recently. Note that I have listed the age-ranges only when it is a children’s book – picture books through YA.
And of course, there is some spooky elements or those of thanksgiving to a few of these books.
Starting off with this one – The Myrtle Hardcastle series: I am getting started on the reading of this series out on Oct 6th (these are ARCs), and enjoying it so far. Here is a mysterious look at this duo of perfect for the fall cozy mysteries (or to step into spring!) and look forward to my review and spotlight feature on October 6th as part of the blog tour.
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30 Fantastic Books to Read For the Fall Season
For the Youngest Readers (and Older too)
- Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon: The food chain explained using the acorn (and more) with minimal words and eye-catching illustrations. Love the informative back-matter in this book. (For ages 3 – 5+)
- There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared Lee: This old lady is certainly one for new experiences, and it is always hilarious to read about her adventures! This book is no different. (For ages 3 – 5+) And also check out The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz, Justine Korman Fontes: The Peanuts gang is always welcome, regardless of how old we are. And here is a fall classic for those who enjoy reading this series, and for the rest too!(For ages 4 – 8+)
- Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie by Herman Parish and illustrated by Lynne Avril: I fell in love with Amelia the first time I read one of these books, at age 30something! And this one has apple pie too. (For ages 4 – 8+)
- Fall Leaves, by Loretta Holland and illustrated by Elly McKay: Get this book for the outstandingly creative and stunning illustrations if nothing else. The text reads more like backmatter but the titles, the scientific text, and of course amazing artwork provide enough fodder for imaginations to make up wondrous stories. (For ages 4 – 7+)
- Leaves: An Autumn Pop-Up Book by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Lindsay Dale-Scott with pop-up art by Yoojin Kim: I have mentioned my love for pop-up books many times and it is no wonder I loved this read too. (For ages 3- 8)
- Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson (Author), Axel Scheffler (Illustrator): Witches always are a favorite for me, from the first time I read about Baba Yaga and heard stories from my grandmom. This witch is cacklingly, read-aloudingly delightful! (For Ages 3 – 7+)
- Dino-Thanksgiving by Lisa Wheeler and Illustrated by Barry Gott: A rambunctious romp of a read for everyone, especially the little dino-lovers. You learn while you have fun too (I love when this happens). This was a recent eARC NetGalley read. (Ages 4 – 8+)
- Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak: Watch summer transition into autumn in this beautifully illustrated book; and enjoy the conversations between the girl and nature. (Ages 4 -7 +)
- The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree by Stan and Jan Berenstain: Like all books in the series, this one is sure to captivate the audience, spookily! (Ages 3 – 7+)
Elementary/Middle-Grade Readers
- Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen: Read this now! Perfect cozy read for the fall, or well anytime. You can see my complete review here. (Ages 8 – 12+)
- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: A childhood favorite, one for all seasons, and truly an enchanting read with the most wonderful medley of characters. (Ages 7 – 10+)
- Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children by Caroline Kennedy, Jon J. Muth (Illustrator): As those of you who visit my blog know, poetry is one of my passions too. And this collection includes a variety of poems to read through the year, each with an introduction by Caroline Kennedy. (Ages 10 – 14+)
- The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente: This is one that has been on my TBR forever. I know I will love it and I wonder why I have not read it yet. The fall connection, of course, is September. (Ages 10 – 14+)
- Anne of Green Gables by : I enjoy spending time outdoors with Anne and through her eyes as well, in this classic and beloved series. (Ages 8 – 12+)
- The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury: One I really need to read NOW! (Ages 8 – 12+)
- The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #1) by Lemony Snicket: The kiddos have both devoured this series when younger, even my less enthusiastic of a reader! While I have to say that I only read some of it, I loved what I read; and loved watching both the Jim Carrey and Neil Patrick Harris versions. Another read that needs to be read cuddled up so perfect for this time (Ages 8 – 12+)
- Coraline by Neil Gaiman: I read this book first as an adult. Neil Gaiman never fails, and while it was the movie I saw first, I knew why I loved the movie when I read the book (and loved it even more!). (Ages 8 – 12+)
- The Landry News by Andrew Clement and illustrated by Brian Selznick: A beginning of the school year book is always perfect for this time of the year too. You can read my full review here. (Ages 8 – 12+)
- The Canterville Ghost by : This story has truly withstood the test of time. And I don’t think I stopped loving it from the first time I read it decades ago. Perfect for this time (or anytime, really) of the year.
Teens, YA and More Lit Reads
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: An author I am yet to read; and with this book set in the month of November, maybe I will pick it up then. One I am guessing I will enjoy. (Ages 14+)
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: I was so enamored by this book that I wrote a review in verse! (Ages 13+)
- The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: I don’t recall when I first read this book or any of the other Sherlock Holmes mysteries, but I know I loved that first read and ever other re-read. (Ages 12+)
- The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe: Poe has definitely stayed on my list of favorite authors from the time I first read The Tell-Tale Heart eons ago. And you can pick most or any of his books for that perfect spooky read now. (Ages 13+)
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson: I added this to my TBR the moment I read The Lottery. It is now overdue for the first reading. Considering this year’s Halloween is going to be indoors, why not?
- The Cider House Rules by John Iving: Watched the movie and yet to read the book. Maybe this fall?
- This Side of Paradise by F.Scott Fitzgerald: I added this read to my TBR recently; and this book evokes fall in so many ways.
- Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie: Christie is another long-time favorite; I have read and enjoyed this book as well as others, including And Then There Were None.
- Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman: I watched the movie years ago, and this will be another perfect fall read!
- It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas: I do love historical romances; and Lisa Kleypas is one of my favorite authors. I loved this series and I guess it is time for a re-read!
Additional Reading
Here are previous Halloweeny lists for you:
- 13 Interesting Facts About Spooky Creepy Halloween Handpicked For You
- Magic Monday – Halloween!
- Magic Monday – 13 Spooky Halloween Reads for Kids and Adults
- 10 Halloween Reads Old and New for Young and Old
- Halloween Reads for All Ages
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, any suggestions to add to this list? And which ones are the reads you are adding to your fall (or spring for those down south) TBR? Do let me know..
So many of these bring back memories from when my granddaughter was in elementary school. She will soon be reading the same books to Lia!
I love It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! And like you, I have seen Cider House Rules, the movie, but haven’t read the book. My son and I used to get this one book out every fall season to read – my son thinks it was called Autumn Walk. It was delightful! It had leaf crunching sounds in the words.
What a great list. I’m looking forward to reading Skunk and Badger.
I am going to check these out. There is a few I know my kids would love.
Great list! The raven!! Love.
This is a great list of books. I’m going to look into getting some of these.
I am aghast – I am unfamiliar with all of these!
Because of an Acorn is one of our favorites! I can’t wait to check out the others!
Thanks for these recommendations, yesterday I was searching on Google for the best books to read for the fall season.
I love how you shared Thanksgiving themed books as well! Will check them out.
These are all such cute books! I have read a bunch of these with my kids. Room on the Broom is a fave!
SO many great titles on this list, and I love that it includes selections for both kids and adults! I know many of these titles, but look forward to checking out some new-to-me options!
Thanks Heather..I started it as one for the kiddos and got carried away…
Great Blog post. I love the books and the theme is so cute!
Thank you Cheeia.. glad you enjoyed the post 🙂