Crisp air, rosy cheeks, crunchy leaves, warm drinks, cozy sweaters – fall is in full swing and there is no better time to curl up with a blanket and a good book. The cooler temperatures and beautiful color palette of the outdoors provide the perfect setting for friends and family to gather together and make memories. The list below highlights some books that showcase the things we love best about this season: appreciating nature, working together, and giving thanks.
To find more books about this beautiful season of colors, food, and family, try searching the catalog using a combination of subject terms like “juvenile fiction” for fiction books or “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books along with “Thanksgiving Day,” “autumn,” “leaves,” “gratitude,” or other fun fall words!
Alsdurf, Phyllis.
Thanksgiving in the Woods. 2017 (Picture Book: Based on a True Story)
Based on a real-life Thanksgiving tradition, this book shares an enchanting example of a community coming together to share food, join in song, and make memories. The beautiful illustrations bring this story to life with vibrant colors that invite readers into the scene as a young boy takes them along for the magical journey. This is the perfect book to share as a family to celebrate the gratitude, community, and wonder that is the power of Thanksgiving.
[S-Collection Q. SE. Al7831t]
Balla, Trace.
The Thank You Dish. 2017 (Picture Book)
It’s dinnertime, and as usual, Mama begins to give thanks. Grace jumps in, however, and unexpectedly thanks kangaroos! As the back and forth continues, Grace embodies the true spirit of gratitude and celebrates community and the bonds created by sharing meals together. In this charming conversation between Grace and Mama, readers come to realize that there is always something to give thanks for and someone to give thanks to.
[S-Collection SE. B2108t]
Henkes, Kevin.
In the Middle of Fall. 2017 (Picture Book)
Gorgeous fall colors are radiant in the full page illustrations, highlighting the change and movement that is so visible during this season. The simple prose and defined lines help make the story accessible for young children, and kids will recognize the fall activities mentioned, such as the leaves changing color, picking pumpkins and apples, squirrels running around, and jumping into piles of fallen leaves. This is a beautiful picture book that celebrates all the beginnings and endings that are evident during fall.
[S-Collection Q. SE. H389in]
Holland, Loretta.
Fall Leaves. 2014 (Picture Book)
Readers of all ages are sure to enjoy this unique picture book. Simple two-word headings explain what happens during the fall season, while short paragraphs underneath introduce scientific concepts such as how leaves change color, migration, hibernation, and more. The illustrations seem to glow and illuminate the beautiful colors of the leaves. There are even directions for a leaf print activity at the end that children will love!
[S-Collection Q. SE. H7191f]
Miller, Pat Zietlow.
Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story. 2015 (Picture Book)
In this heartwarming tale, each member of the family plays a part in creating the Thanksgiving meal. The detailed illustrations give readers a lot to look at and the vintage tones help set the stage. The narrator is a young boy whom children can identify with, and we follow along as he shares each step of the preparation. Repetitive language invites readers to take part in the story and learn along the way that the most important part of Thanksgiving is simply being together.
[S-Collection SE. M6173sh]
Miltenburg, Sanne.
When Will Fall Arrive? 2017 (Picture Book)
Bunny and Hedgehog are best friends, and Bunny doesn’t want Hedgehog to hibernate and leave him alone during fall and winter. As a result, he tries to hide the fact that fall has arrived from Hedgehog, but as you can imagine, things soon get out of hand. This cute story of friendship is told with simple sentences and cartoon-like pictures, and readers are sure to love this unlikely duo.
[S-Collection Q. SE. M64w:E]
O’Brien, Anne Sibley.
Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! 2016 (Picture Book)
With such a fun, magical theme, this book is sure to get kids into the fall spirit. The simple, rhyming sentences leave the beautiful, full-page illustrations to play the leading role. Readers will love examining the fold-out pages throughout the book that demonstrate the fall season in action. The warm colors and dynamic movement of the animals and kids in the book will have readers wanting to go outside and explore!
[S-Collection SE. Ob6h]
Spinelli, Eileen.
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’. 1992 (Picture Book)
In this Thanksgiving tale, everything that can go wrong does, and the Tappleton family wonders how they can possibly celebrate the holiday without the traditional feast. With unique characters and dynamic illustrations, readers are soon pulled into the plot and find themselves rooting for the family. Ultimately, although a bit predictable, it’s a cute story about what really matters: being together.
[S-Collection Q. SE. Sp46t]
Stringer, Lauren.
Yellow Time. 2016 (Picture Book)
This book is a celebration of the anticipation of yellow time arriving, and readers will recognize the in-between feeling that occurs during summer and fall. The array of beautiful yellows and powerful use of white space in the illustrations highlight the splendor of the fall season. With poetic language and diverse children featured in the illustrations, the story is accessible for a wide audience and will appeal to those who love the beauty of the changing seasons.
[S-Collection Q. SE. St864y]
Wellington, Monica.
My Leaf Book. 2015 (Picture Book)
In this introduction to different kinds of leaves, readers explore leaves of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Fun facts about the elements of different leaves are included to add another dimension to this deceptively simple picture book. With bright and happy colors throughout and a page of suggested projects using leaves in the back, this is the perfect fall book for curious explorers.
[S-Collection Q. SE. W46my]