By Guest Blogger Ellen Bryant Lloyd
Leaves with gorgeous fall-inspired hues, bright orange pumpkins, crisp apples and a slight chill in the air… yes, it is fall! This is my favorite time of year — the season nestled between sweltering summer days and the frigid temperatures of winter.
While fall activities may keep you and your family on the go and the countdown to the holidays may be in the back of your mind, make sure to carve out plenty of down time with your children. One great idea is to select fall-themed books to enjoy during reading time. Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather by spreading out a blanket and sitting under a tree full of fall color while reading together, or pack a few books to bring along during a nature hike and take turns reading pages aloud during snack and water breaks. Below are a some suggestions for fall-themed books for preschool through third graders to consider. Enjoy this season and all its splendor… as well as the many great books featuring autumn as the main character.
Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall
This long-time favorite features things to do with fall leaves.
The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
This sweet story about courage features a leaf that doesn’t want to let go.
Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow
This story features Sophie and her new-found friend, Bernice… a squash she bought at the farmers’ market.
Awesome Autumn: All Kinds of Fall Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone
This wonderful nonfiction title is a perfect way to teach children all about the changes of this cooler season — from changing leaves to animals that hibernate.
By the Light of the Harvest Moon by Harriet Ziefert
Readers are taken on an autumn adventure to the pumpkin patch by the bright light of the harvest moon.
Leaves by David Ezra Stein
The star of this book is a little bear that is confused about experiencing fall for the first time.
Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
Along with changing leaves and pumpkins, apples also have an important place in the fall season. This adventure brings readers along a trip to the farm, apple orchard and pumpkin patch.
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
After getting rid of an unwanted pumpkin by burying it, a woman ends up with a grand crop of the orange globes the following fall.
The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown
This title is by the author of a long-time favorite that is sure to be on your bookshelf — Goodnight Moon. This sweet story is about a little scarecrow boy who is determined to prove himself after being told he is too small to scare crows.
Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsy Maestro
This is the perfect book for young children who want to u understand what happens to leaves as they change color— many adults may learn something from this book too!
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
In the spirit of the classic “Going on a Bear Hunt” game, this book will surely delight children as they watch peers go on a “leaf hunt” and take in all the wonderful aspects of this beautiful season.
It’s Fall by Linda Glaser
This story touches on all the senses and encourages children to be totally aware of their surroundings in this glorious season
Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit www.funwithfreckles.com and www.facebook.com/funwithfreckles to learn more about Freckles. Ellen writes a blog about her perspectives on life and parenting at www.mindfulmom.wordpress.com and tweets at @EllenBLloyd. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and two children.
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