Gather around, grab a warm blanket, and bring the wonders of the most colorful season into your1st or 2nd grade classroom! We've got all the autumn themes covered with these 15 kid and teacher-favorite fall read alouds.
Jump to your favorite fall theme
Nature and the Changing Seasons
Team LLL Miscellaneous Favorites!
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Fall Read Alouds About Leaves
1. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Follow the lovable fox named Fletcher who's really attached to his favorite tree. When those colorful leaves start falling, he gets super worried and tries all sorts of fun and imaginative ways to save them. But as he embarks on these leaf-saving missions, Fletcher discovers that change can be pretty amazing, and each season has its own special charm.
2. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
In this creative story, a “Leaf Man” is created by leaves that have blown away in the wind.As the wind carries the Leaf Man over various landscapes, he takes on different forms, resembling animals and scenes from nature.
3. The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
This sweet picture book that tells the story of a lone, little yellow leaf that is reluctant to let go of its tree in the autumn. As all the other leaves around it turn red and fall, this little leaf clings to the tree, afraid to take the leap into the unknown. The book beautifully captures the changing seasons and the emotions of the little leaf, who is filled with both fear and curiosity. Through gentle prose and striking collages, Carin Berger conveys the message of change, friendship, and the beauty of letting go.
4. We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
Here's a playful nature adventure with three pals as they set off on a thrilling journey to find all sorts of leaves. They'll take you through the woods, across a river, and up a mountain, discovering leaves of different shapes and colors along the way. This heartwarming story not only gets kids excited about exploring the great outdoors but also helps them learn about the incredible variety of leaves out there. With catchy rhymes and colorful pictures, “We're Going on a Leaf Hunt” is a super fun and educational read that will make you appreciate the beauty of nature!
Fall Read Alouds About Nature and Changing Seasons
5. The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
In this sweet little book, two curious sisters take us on a year-long adventure as they watch their apple tree go through all the exciting seasons. From the delicate blossoms of spring to the juicy apples of fall, it's a colorful journey that ends with a yummy apple pie made with love by their family.
6. The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri
An adorable picture book that introduces us to a lively little squirrel with a never-ending to-do list! This cheerful squirrel is always on the move, gathering food for the upcoming winter. But it seems like everyone in the forest wants to chat and play with the busy squirrel. this book takes young readers on a delightful journey through the squirrel's day, as it hops, scampers, and chatters away. Kids will be enchanted by the squirrel's determination and the friendly animals it encounters along the way. It's a sweet tale that reminds us of the importance of hard work and the joy of spending time with friends.
7. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
One of the most heartwarming picture books you'll ever read! Jane Yolen tells the story of a young girl who goes owling with her father on a winter night. With poetic prose and stunning illustrations by John Schoenherr, the book beautifully captures the magical and quiet moments of their nighttime adventure. Along the way, the story not only conveys the wonder of nature but also celebrates the special bond between a child and a parent. “Owl Moon” is a tender exploration of the bond between generations and the enchantment of the natural world.
8. Leaf Trouble by Jonathan Emmett
In this story, students will follow Pip, a little squirrel, who is puzzled when the leaves start falling from the trees in autumn. Pip believes he can put all the leaves back on the trees by himself. His friends, including a friendly hedgehog named Sam, chip in to help, but Pip insists he can do it alone. Through playful antics and teamwork, the animals discover that sometimes, it's better to work together to solve problems. This charming tale teaches children about the beauty of autumn, friendship, and the value of cooperation in a lighthearted and engaging way. It's a perfect read for fall!
Fall Read Alouds About Pumpkins
9. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
When a truckload of pumpkins spills near the main character's home, she's in for an unexpected adventure. The pumpkins take over her yard, and although she is not a big pumpkin lover herself, she learns to share them with her neighbors and comes up with clever ways to use them. Through this, she finds out just how wonderful community and kindness can be.
10. Pumpkin Town! by Katie McKy
In this story, a little town is bursting with friendly competition as the townsfolk strive to grow the most colossal pumpkin for the annual Pumpkin Fair.With its playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, “Pumpkin Town!” is a celebration of community, teamwork, and the joy of embracing one's quirks. It encourages readers, both young and old, to think outside the pumpkin patch and find fun and camaraderie in unexpected places.
11. The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons
This book is like your friendly pumpkin buddy, guiding kids on an adventure through the wonderful world of pumpkins! With vibrant pictures and simple words, it shows how pumpkins grow from tiny seeds to big, orange treasures. Plus, you'll learn about pumpkin history and all the cool things you can do with them, like carving and cooking. It's the perfect book to get you into the autumn spirit and make you fall in love with pumpkins!
12. Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
We love this heartwarming tale of friendship and cooperation between three animal friends – Duck, Cat, and Squirrel. These buddies live together and love making pumpkin soup every day. But when Duck decides to stir the pot instead of just adding the salt, it leads to a kitchen kerfuffle. This charming story teaches kids about teamwork and the importance of valuing each other's contributions, all while celebrating the joy of sharing delicious pumpkin soup with friends. It's a delightful read that will warm your heart and make you crave a bowl of pumpkin soup too!
Miscellaneous Fall Read Alouds – Team LLL Favorites!
13. Yellow Time by Lauren Stringer
You'll adore this delightful and beautifully illustrated children's book that celebrates the magic of autumn's transformation. Through lyrical prose and truly stunning artwork, “Yellow Time” conveys the sense of anticipation, change, and unity that autumn brings. It will remind everyone to savor the small moments and the beauty of nature during the golden fall season.
14. Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka
We love this playful and silly book that mixes up all the fall elements, like apples falling from the trees and pumpkins floating in the lake.
15. Bat in the Dining Room by Crescent Dragonwagon
Here's a fun way to segue into the Halloween season! Get ready to go on an unexpected adventure inside a family's home when a bat makes an unexpected appearance in the dining room! As the family tries to figure out what to do with the unexpected guest, the story unfolds with humor and creativity. The book is filled with lively illustrations that capture the bat's antics and the family's reactions, making it an engaging and entertaining read.
These books offer a mix of autumn-themed adventures, nature exploration, and heartwarming stories that are perfect for 1st and 2nd graders during the fall season.
Fall Activity Pack
Ready to extend the fall experience and pair these read alouds with high- engagement fall activities? Grab our Ultimate Fall Pack below! We've included a little bit of everything from craftivities to math and literacy skills review. Watch engagement soar during the fall months this school year!
Leaf Trouble is one of my favz!!! My class this year loved it. I use it as a tie in to another fiction book about squirrels and a non-fiction book about squirrels. The comparisons are so much fun. It also makes me laugh when I ser a squirrel…wonder if they try to put the leaves back 🤔😆