5 September Picture Books for Kids: Seasonal Read-Alouds For Fall

I think I say this about every month, but I really mean it this time. September is my favorite! Summer is wonderful, but busy. My soul is ready for changing leaves and crisp autumn air.

But, I can’t make that happen any faster, so I find ways to bring fall to me sooner! I bring out all of my kid’s prettiest fall books at the beginning of the month. I know that after the books come out, my cozy sweaters and slippers aren’t far behind. I love finding stories that help our family to slow down and notice the season shifting around us.

These are 5 fall picture books that my kids have requested to read year after year- I hope your family loves them as much as we have!

A Little Bit Brave

Nicola Kinnear

A Little Bit Brave is a sweet story about a little rabbit who, like me, is a total homebody. He finds the courage within himself to join his best friend and explore the woods outside of his home- and even becomes a bit of a hero in the process.

This book is great to read before September homeschool lessons like nature walks or scavenger hunts, or just to inspire kids to get outside and play!

Woodland Dreams

Karen Jameson + Marc Boutavant

My daughter’s absolute favorite illustrated book! Woodland Dreams is a little-known treasure!

A sweet little girl and her dog are walking through the woods to say goodnight to each of the animals who live there. Along the way, she observes and draws each animal, then and hangs the pictures up in her bedroom at the end- just like my daughter does.

The illustrations in this book are modern, but feel vintage, which I always admire. Marc Boutavant did a great job balancing emotions of stillness, curiosity, and coziness. I nerd out every time over the way he used negative space to illustrate the dog’s eyes and silhouette. The verse is lovely and poetic, perfect for a cozy read aloud before bed.

Basically, this one is a must read for autumn. Pairs well with hot apple cider and donuts.

Owl Babies

Martin Waddell + Patrick Benson

A classic! Three adorable baby owls wake up one night while their mother is out hunting, and wonder where she may have gone. I remember my mom reading this to me when I was a child. She worked full time, and I think we both took a lot of comfort in the end of the book where the mom always returns back to the nest.

The distinctive ink and watercolor illustrations in this book are absolutely gorgeous. It has a little bit of mystery and is set at night, so we like to put it on the shelf in September when my kids feel excited for spooky season, but it’s not quite time to pull all of the Halloween books out yet.

The Sweater: A Story of Community

Larissa Theule + Teagan White

Oh, Teagan White, your illustrations are divine! Not only is this a beautifully illustrated book, it’s a wonderful message about caring for one another, especially those who may be struggling and new to our communities. A sweet little bird moves into the woodland neighborhood, and Racoon gathers everyone together to welcome and help him. In turn, the bird returns the kindness with a simple gift of his own. I honestly began to tear up the first time I read this story, it really touched my heart!

Mushroom Rain

Laura K. Zimmerman + Jamie Green

This amazing author and illustrator collaborate to accomplish something that is, in my opinion, difficult to achieve in a nonfiction book. It sparks wonder. I didn’t think I could be more fascinated by mushrooms, but I was wrong. The minute you open this book, mushrooms transform from adorable little forest floor ornaments to serious. fungi. magic.

My children are huge nature and science lovers, so I am always so impressed and grateful when a book can not only educate them, but inspire their imaginations as well. I think art & science have so much overlap when it comes to qualities like curiosity, problem solving, and making observations, so I love books that can harness the power of both. This one wins first prize for doing it in such a beautiful, seamless way!