As we begin a new school year and cross the last books off our beachside reading lists, we’re looking forward to cooler temperatures and cozy books to share with friends and family during the fall season. Perfect for extra-cuddly storytimes with picture book fans of all ages, explore our picks for fall- and harvest-themed reading.
The Scarecrow’s Hat
by Ken Brown
Chicken really admires Scarecrow’s hat. Scarecrow would gladly trade his hat for a walking stick to rest his tired arms. Chicken doesn’t have a walking stick to trade—but she knows someone who does. This charming circular story and classroom favorite is packed with relatable themes of friendship, bartering, and problem solving. An ideal storytime choice for autumn and harvest read alouds.
Amara’s Farm
by JaNay Brown-Wood
illustrated by Samara Hardy
Amara is hosting a potluck on her farm, and her snacks won’t be complete without pumpkins. She searches and searches, finding apples, cauliflower, eggplant, okra, persimmons, and more, but where, oh, where could those pumpkins be? Little gardeners will compare, contrast, and hunt for visual clues to help Amara find the pumpkins in time for the potluck with her friends and grandparents. Perfect for early childhood and elementary education units on agriculture, farming, gardening, and healthy eating and featuring a yummy molasses pumpkin bread recipe for little chefs to try!
Spring is here and new life is stirring. There is so much for Big Bear to teach her new cub as they step out into the forest. Together they eat, swim, fish, and play as one season becomes the next. With Big Bear’s help, Little One grows more and more confident, until winter comes once more and it’s time to head home. Revealing the wonder of nature, the first steps of independence, and the strength of parental love, this quiet and gorgeous picture book is ideal for storytime or bedtime as well as for early childhood and elementary nature and animal studies.
The Wheat Doll
by Alison L. Randall
illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
Mary Ann lives with her family in the rugged Utah territory. Mary Ann has a busy life, and a special friend to share it with: her beloved homemade doll, Betty. But one afternoon after a sudden, fierce storm, Mary Ann discovers Betty is gone. Mary Ann is heartbroken, but one day when winter turns to spring, she spies a familiar shape growing into a patch of slender grass near the bottom of a hill… A moving tale of steadfast love and hope.