Fall brings vibrant leaves, pumpkins, crisp air, and the excitement of Halloween. Below you’ll find a delightful selection that captures the spirit of the season. The picture books are perfect for children ages four and up, while the final two fiction titles are best suited for readers ages eight to twelve.
A Great Fall, by Ame Dyckman, vibrantly illustrated in acrylic by Mark Teague, is a lively and humorous early reader starring best friends Bat, Cat, and Rat. The book includes four playful stories, such as “Falling,” where Bat and Cat discover Rat snoozing in a lounge chair, only for a falling leaf to land right in his mouth. With their silly antics and expressive faces, this trio is sure to delight emerging readers ages four to eight.
Twelve Days of Autumn, by Sherri Maret and warmly illustrated by Thomas Hilley, is a seasonal picture book inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas. Through playful observations, it highlights the many wonders of fall, with each day featuring a different animal preparing for winter. Young readers will also enjoy searching for a little turtle cleverly hidden throughout the pages.
The Wishing Leaf, by Kallie George with delicate pencil-and-watercolor illustrations digitally enhanced by Paola Zakimi, is a gentle picture book that celebrates the final moments of fall. As the animals gather to watch the last leaf drift down, they know that whoever sees it fall may make a wish. Eager to join his friends, Bear bundles up for the cold and waits with anticipation. This tender tale beautifully highlights friendship and patience, while the warm, expressive artwork radiates comfort and love. Don’t miss the charming details on the end pages! 
Sunflower Seeds, by Ellen Heck, is a richly painted picture book with expressive oil brushstrokes that stand out in today’s digital age. The story follows a classroom of children as their teacher guides them in planting sunflower seeds to nurture over the summer. By season’s end, the plants have flourished, producing tall sunflowers heavy with seeds. Heck beautifully captures the children’s expressions and body language, while the flowing text pairs seamlessly with each spread. Be sure to linger over the stunning end pages.
How the Forest Feels: Sensory Play Nature’s Way, by Wendi Silvano and expressively illustrated in watercolor with digital enhancements by Mirkka Hokkanen, is a beautifully crafted picture book that encourages readers to step outside and embrace the wonders of fall. At first, a young boy resists joining his grandfather for a walk in the forest, but as they explore, his reluctance fades and his senses awaken to nature’s beauty. Feathered and Fluffy are slip, long-stemmed reeds: the lyrical rhymes create a story that is both elegant and inviting.
This Year, a Witch!, by Zoey Abbott, is a spirited picture book about daring to be different on Halloween. Tired of being cute or adorable, a young girl decides she will be a witch instead. With every bit of dress-up and make-believe, she feels more empowered and magical. The lively multimedia and Risograph illustrations burst with energy, perfectly capturing her transformation.
The Haunted Scavenger Hunt: A Spook-tabular Storybook, by Steve Patschke and with bold digital illustrations by Roland Garrigue, is a picture book that starts with just the right touch of spooky fun. Four friends, wandering through the dark of night, stumble upon a mysterious box marked with strict instructions: Don’t look at it! Don’t touch it! Don’t open it! Of course, curiosity wins—and what follows is a playful adventure with a delightful surprise at the end.
Creepy Carrots!, Creepy Pair of Underwear!, and Creepy Crayon!, by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown, are three hilariously spooky picture books that have been republished thanks to their enduring popularity. Brown’s distinctive illustrations, drawn in pencil and digitally colored, bring each story to life with just the right mix of humor and creepiness. If you haven’t discovered these yet, you’re in for a treat!
The School for Wicked Witches book 1 and The School for Wicked Witches: Wicked Never Waits book 2, both by Will Taylor offer a magical adventure reminiscent of Hogwarts. Eleven-year-old Ava is eager to begin her training to become a powerful witch, but trouble starts right away. With dreadful teachers and mounting challenges, her journey quickly takes an unexpected turn—leading all the way to expulsion and prison. Fast-paced and full of excitement, this series now concludes with the recently published third and final installment.
Ghoul Summer, by Tracy Badua, is a spooky mystery with plenty of heart. Twelve-year-old Barnaby expects a dull summer helping his grandfather pack up in a quiet beach town—until he encounters Maxwell, a grumpy ghost with unfinished business. As the story unfolds, Barnaby uncovers the reason behind Maxwell’s anger, leading to a surprising and satisfying reveal. This page-turner blends ghostly chills with an intriguing mystery that will keep readers hooked to the very end.
