Fall is the perfect time to curl up with your child and share a good book. Autumn stories bring the magic of changing seasons to life, while Halloween tales add just the right mix of fun and spookiness. The books shared below include cozy stories about pumpkins and falling leaves, as well as playful (and not-too-scary) Halloween favorites that will spark your child’s imagination. As the back-to-school excitement begins to dip, this mix of fun fall and Halloween books can help keep reading motivation high all season long.
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Preschool
Goodnight Goon
Written and illustrated by Michael Rex
This book puts a hilarious Halloween twist on the classic Goodnight Moon. Instead of a quiet bedtime scene, readers meet a little werewolf saying goodnight to bats, mummies, and other spooky (but silly) creatures. It’s a perfect not-too-scary read to get kids giggling before bedtime.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves
Written by Lucille Colandro
Illustrated by Jared Lee
A silly old lady swallows leaves, a shirt, a pumpkin, and more in this playful fall-themed story. With its catchy, rhyming pattern and familiar repetition, kids will be laughing as they guess what she’ll swallow next. The surprise ending brings everything together.
Halloween ABC
Written and illustrated by Jannie Ho
This playful alphabet book takes kids through all the sights and symbols of Halloween, from A to Z. With just the right touch of spooky fun, it’s a great pick for building letter knowledge while celebrating Halloween.
Leaf Man
Written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Follow a leaf-shaped character as he drifts along the wind, creating animals, plants, and landscapes along the way. With engaging leaf collages, this fall read invites children to see the beauty and possibilities in nature.
Kindergarten
Room on the Broom
Written by Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
A kindhearted witch and her cat make room on their broom for a cast of helpful animal friends, but their crowded ride leads to a surprising adventure. Told in playful rhyme, the story balances humor and friendship, with a touch of Halloween magic.
There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bat
Written by Lucille Colandro
Illustrated by Jared Lee
In this silly Halloween tale, the old lady swallows a bat, a cat, a ghost, and more in her usual outrageous style. The rhythmic, repetitive text makes it fun to read aloud, while the silly surprises keep kids laughing.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Written and illustrated by Kenard Pak
This book follows a child walking through town and countryside, noticing the small changes that signal the shift from summer to fall. It’s a calming read that encourages kids to slow down and observe the world around them.
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt
Written by Steve Metzger
Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto
Three friends set out on an outdoor adventure, hiking through forests and over mountains in search of colorful autumn leaves. With a rhythmic, chant-like text inspired by We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the story invites kids to join in and act out the journey.
First Grade
The Ugly Pumpkin
Written and illustrated by Dave Horowitz
This quirky story follows a lonely pumpkin who feels left out because he doesn’t fit in with the others at Halloween. As the season changes, he discovers he’s actually a squash and finally finds where he belongs. With humor and a sweet message about acceptance, it’s a fun read that celebrates being yourself.
Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn
Written and illustrated by Kimberly and James Dean
Kids love following Pete as he tries different seasonal activities. This book embraces all the fun of fall, from picking apples to playing in the leaves, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Because of an Acorn
Written by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer
Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon
This simple yet powerful story shows how an acorn connects to a tree, an ecosystem, and the animals that depend on it. Blending science and wonder, it highlights the interconnectedness of nature.
How to Catch a Monster
Written by Adam Wallace
Illustrated by Andy Elkerton
A brave kid sets out to catch the monster hiding in his closet, armed with creativity and courage. Told in fun rhymes, the story turns something scary into something silly and fun. It’s a playful Halloween read that helps kids face fears with imagination and humor.
Second Grade
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Written by Joe Troiano
Illustrated by Susan Banta
As a square pumpkin who doesn’t look like the others in the patch, Spookley feels like he doesn’t belong. But when a big storm comes, his unique shape helps save the day and shows that being different can be a strength.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
Written by Julia Rawlinson
Illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
Fletcher the fox worries as the leaves fall from his favorite tree, fearing that something is wrong. This story reassures readers about change and the natural cycles of the seasons, helping kids embrace transitions.
Creepy Carrots!
Written Aaron Reynolds
Illustrated by Peter Brown
Jasper Rabbit loves eating carrots— until he starts to suspect the carrots are following him everywhere. Kids love this funny story that balances just the right amount of creepiness with humor.
How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow?
Written and illustrated by Wendell Minor
This imaginative story explores just how enormous a pumpkin could be, from towering over monuments to filling up famous landmarks. The illustrations invite kids to picture gigantic pumpkins at Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, and even the Statue of Liberty, making each page a new surprise.
Stories filled with pumpkins, leaves, and a hint of spooky fun are great for sparking imagination. So, curl up with fun fall and Halloween books and put the magic of autumn right into your child’s hands.
