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Favorite Fall Books for Toddlers

 The first official day of autumn is only a few days away, though it's hard to believe with the 80+ degree weather we've been experiencing in Philadelphia lately. I'm looking forward to crisp air, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin spice everything, how about you? With the change of seasons comes the change of books on our shelves. Today I'm going to highlight a few of my favorite books to curl up with this fall. Enjoy!

 

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

by Julia Rawlinson, Illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

 

This book is at the top of my list for fall reads. The pastel illustrations by Tiphanie Beeke are as cozy as a fall sweater, and the lyrical words of Julia Rawlinson will captivate young readers. You will fall in love (sorry for the pun, I couldn't resist!) with sweet Fletcher Fox, as he gently cares for his favorite tree. Fletcher wakes up one morning and notices that his tree is turning brown, and worries that the tree is sick. He tries his best to cheer tree up and make it feel better, but tree still keeps turning brown and losing its leaves. Mother fox assures Fletcher that "it's only autumn," and tree will be just fine, but Fletcher is still worried. Find out what happens to Fletcher, his tree, and the rest of the forest animals as the seasons change. 

 

Squirrel's Fall Search

by Anita Loughery and Daniel Howarth

 

Stories about brothers are a favorite in our house. In this book, Squirrel and his brother are out to collect food for the winter. Food is everywhere during the fall, but then again, so are fun times with other creatures of the forest. Squirrel is having so much fun playing that he forgets where he has hidden some of his food. What will he do? Will his brother help him, or eat all the food before Squirrel finds it? 

 

Fall Mixed Up

by Bob Raczka, Illustrated by Chad Cameron

 

"Apples turn orange. Pumpkins turn red. Leaves float up into blue skies overhead." Wait, what did that say? Consider Fall Mixed Up the perfect search-and-find book for fall. This silly story is filled with mixed up rhymes, and zany illustrations to match. Little readers will have fun correcting the rhymes, and finding the mistakes in the pictures. My favorite illustration is a creative group of "flying" squirrels - but I won't spoil it for you! You have to see for yourself!

 

Fall is Here

by Frankie Jones, Illustrated by Fhiona Galloway

 

I'm not a dog owner, but if I was, I would want the little dog from Fall is Here as my pet (Those big, dark eyes! That little wagging pink tongue! Too. Cute!!!) An adorable dog discovers all the joys of fall. Toddlers will have fun identifying with familiar fall scenes, like a trip to the farm, walking through crunchy leaves, and getting dressed up for Halloween. I also love that this is a board book - perfect for little hands to discover on their own.

 

We're Going on a Leaf Hunt

by Steve Metzger, Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto

 

This book is a creative spin on the song "We're Going on a Bear Hunt." Follow along with three friends as they search for leaves and other wonders of the changing seasons. Be ready to hear "Again! Again!" from your little readers at the end of this book. 

 

Mouse's First Fall

by Lauren Thompson, Illustrated by Buket Erdogan

 

A delightful addition to the Mouse's First... series. My youngest is experiencing his first fall this year, so this book will definitely be one of our new bedtime stories. Mouse heads out to play on a fresh fall day, and discovers one of the great joys of autumn - jumping in a big pile of leaves! A simple story of friendship, fall and fun.