Fall is the perfect time to start a new reading routine. School is in full swing, evenings start a little earlier and after a busy summer, cozying up with a good book doesn’t sound too bad.
From picking up a new book to tackling an entirely new reading level, there are plenty of ways to get kids engaged throughout the season. Not sure where to start? The month of October offers plenty of inspiration, with books chock-full of pumpkin patches, crisp fall days and changing leaves.
Here at Epic, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall books for kids, plus a few ways to get them reading all season long.
Find Fall Books That Fit the Season
As the weather changes, the kinds of books kids will want to reach for may change too. Fall is a great time to get kids to branch out from their usual picks and find stories that will take their school year to the next level.
For younger readers, Little Frog & the Scary Autumn Thing is a fun way to lean into the sights and sounds of the season, while Fletcher and the Falling Leaves follows a little fox experiencing the autumn changes for the first time. Both books celebrate the unique wonders of fall while giving kids the opportunity to stretch out those reading muscles.
There are plenty of fall reads for all the little fact-lovers out there, too. Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy takes a closer look at the science behind autumn’s changing trees, while Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie follows pumpkins from seed to harvest. Both are great nonfiction picks for kids who love learning something new while they read.
Let kids gravitate toward whatever sounds good to them. Fall is a great excuse to switch things up and put something new in their reading rotation.
Try a New Kind of Fall Read
Trying something new doesn’t always have to mean picking up a harder book. Switching up the format can be another great way to take their fall reading to new highs.
For example, The Mutts Autumn Diaries packs fun and laughter into a collection of kid-friendly comic strips that follow a lovable dog-and-cat duo.
You can also shake up their reading routine by changing how they read. Audiobooks and Read-To-Me books can help kids take on new vocabulary and more challenging stories with a little extra support along the way.
Too Many Pumpkins—a sweet story about making the most of a pumpkin-filled surprise—is available as both a Read-to-Me book and audiobook.
Bring Fall Reading Outdoors
Fall reading doesn’t have to keep kids indoors. Some of the best fall books for kids can make outdoor family traditions even more fun.
Headed to a pumpkin patch? Read Pumpkin Orange, Pumpkin Round, a lovable story about a family of cats who visit a pumpkin patch and carve jack-o’-lanterns. Then, see what your child recognizes when it’s your family’s turn to experience the real thing.
Taking a walk after school? Listen along to A Fall Ball for All, a heartwarming rhyming tale about forest animals coming together for an autumn harvest. See how many signs of fall your child can spot along the way.
Connecting books to activities kids already love can make reading feel like a natural part of the season, especially when choosing fall books for kindergarteners and early elementary readers.
Help Kids Grow as Readers This Fall
As the school year moves along, keep giving kids opportunities to stretch their reading skills and explore new books. Progress looks different for every reader, so follow their lead and celebrate the wins along the way.
Explore more fall books on Epic and help your child find their next great read.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What are some good fall books for kids?
Look for books that match the season! Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, Little Frog & the Scary Autumn Thing, Too Many Pumpkins and Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie offer a mix of cozy fiction and fall nonfiction.
▶ What are good fall books for kindergarten?
For kindergarteners, look for fall books with engaging illustrations, approachable text and topics they’ll recognize from the season. What Happens to Leaves in Fall? is a Level 1 reader for ages 5–7, while Pumpkin Orange, Pumpkin Round brings fall fun into a playful story about a family of cats visiting a pumpkin patch.
▶ How can I make reading fun this fall?
Pair fall reads with outdoor activities! Read about pumpkins before visiting a pumpkin patch, collect leaves after a walk around the neighborhood or make cozy family reading time part of your evening routine. The goal is simple: Help reading feel like something kids get to do, not something they have to do.
