As the leaves become pretty colors and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to snuggle up with a good book that celebrates the beauty of it all. There is just something about Fall that creates a cozy atmosphere and offers a perfect backdrop for stories of friendship and togetherness. I had the privilege to explore a variety of Fall books with my 4-year-old at the onset of Fall. We scoured and searched the public library and our very own, and we chose these five books that deserved some extra love.
Check these heartwarming fall books and let us know if they gave you the same warmth and friendship we felt.
1. “Fletcher and the Falling Leaf” by Julia Rawlinson
“Fletcher and the Falling Leaf” tells the story of Fletcher, a kind-hearted fox who becomes deeply concerned when he sees a leaf falling from his favorite tree. He fears his tree is sick and about to lose all its leaves. With the support of his friends, Fletcher learns that change is a natural part of life, and their friendship helps him embrace the beauty of the changing seasons. The best part of this book is the culmination – a winter tree standing tall amidst a blanket of snow and shimmering icicles.
2. “The Scarecrow” by Beth Ferry
“The Scarecrow” is a touching tale about a lonely scarecrow who stands watch over a field. He yearns for companionship but only thinks it’s possible once a lost crow befriends him. Through rain and storm, family and babies, the scarecrow offers his protection and friendship. The story beautifully illustrates how even the most unlikely friendships can blossom during the fall season.
3. “Time to Sleep” by Denise Fleming
In “Time to Sleep,” a bear catches a whiff of the impending winter chill, signaling that it might be time to settle in for a long winter’s nap. However, things take a twist as Bear feels the need to notify his friend Snail, who then informs Skunk, and this chain of events continues until Ladybug arrives to convey the message to Bear, who, as it turns out, is already peacefully asleep in his cave. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a stunning and vibrant fall setting, enticing us to cozy up with these adorable creatures and embark on our autumn hibernation. This book beautifully underscores the significance of friends who look out for one another and come together to facilitate the process of hibernation.
4. “The Great Pumpkin Contest” by Angie Rozelaar
Autumn wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins, and “The Great Pumpkin Contest” captures the spirit of the season perfectly. When a group of animal friends decides to have a pumpkin-growing contest, they learn that true friendship is more valuable than winning. This book is a story of two neighbors with entirely different personalities who eventually become friends, share their pumpkins and talents, and develop a strong friendship that might lead to (as I speculate) the Greatest Pumpkin in the next big contest. This book demonstrates the joy of sharing and celebrating together.
5. “Fall is for Friends” by Suzy Spafford
“Fall is for Friends” takes readers on a delightful journey between two friends who crave a pile of leaves to welcome the fall season. They try everything from cheering for the leaves on the trees to fall to dancing for them. It is not until they sing a sweet song that the leaves finally all fall, and the two friends officially hail in the season. This book encapsulates the simple pleasures of autumn and the friendships that make them even more special.
In each of these fall books, friendship is the underlying theme that weaves the stories together. These tales remind us that friendships are like the leaves on a tree – they may change and fall, but they always have the potential to grow anew. As we enter the fall season, let these heartwarming stories inspire you to cherish the friends who fill your life with warmth, laughter, and love.
