There’s something about autumn that makes it the perfect season for cozy reading. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the warm scent of apples and spices seem to invite us to slow down and gather together. In our family, fall means baking, diffusing clove and cinnamon, and spending extra time outdoors noticing the world around us.
One of our favorite ways to welcome each season is through Charlotte Mason–inspired nature study and books are a big part of that rhythm. A well-chosen story has a way of opening our children’s eyes to the beauty and wonder of the world right outside the door.
These homeschool fall picture books are a wonderful addition to your library list or book basket this season:
🍁 Fall Picture Book List
Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley
Celebrate the harvest with this story inspired by the childhood of Edna Lewis, a beloved African-American chef who grew up in the Virginia countryside.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
A gentle, lyrical book that captures the shift of seasons as a young girl notices changes in the natural world.
Why Do Leaves Change Colors? by Betsy Maestro
A classic nonfiction picture book that explains the science behind autumn leaves in a way children can easily understand.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
This award-winning story celebrates Native American culture, family, and the traditions of food that connect us.
Oxcart Man by Donald Hall
A timeless story of the rhythms of farm and family life, perfect for reflecting on the beauty of simple work and the passing of seasons.
If You Find a Leaf by Aimee Sicuro
A sweet, imaginative book about collecting leaves and dreaming up creative uses for them.
Gracias, Thanks by Pat Mora
A bilingual celebration of gratitude, reminding us of the beauty in everyday blessings.
From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer
A science-based story that shows children the growth cycle of a pumpkin—from tiny seed to autumn harvest.
Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf
Based on a true story, this book shares the joy of gathering outdoors with family and friends for a Thanksgiving celebration.
Fall Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
A charming invitation to join a walk through the trees and learn about different kinds of leaves.
In November by Cynthia Rylant
A beautifully poetic book that captures the mood, colors, and reflections of late autumn.
Hello, Harvest Moon by Ralph Fletcher
A lyrical, dreamy story about the quiet wonder of the harvest moon.
🍁 Enriching Your Fall Nature Study
Books like these make it easy to weave the beauty of fall into your homeschool days. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with hot cider or bringing a stack along on a picnic blanket in the crisp air, they open doors to conversations about gratitude, change, and the rhythms of the earth.
If you’d like even more ways to connect with the seasons, our Nature Book Flood is a 184-page digital guide that includes 48 picture book suggestions, crafts, recipes, music, art, poetry, and simple science activities. It’s a gentle way to enrich your homeschool year while making joyful memories with your children.
Grab a free sample of our Nature Book Flood here!
Autumn invites us to slow down and savor the season with our children. Whether you follow a Charlotte Mason approach, lean into gentle homeschooling, or simply love adding seasonal rhythms to your family life, these homeschool fall books are a beautiful way to connect. Pairing fall picture books with nature study, outdoor walks, and cozy read-aloud times helps create memories your children will carry for years.
As you enjoy these fall stories, may you find moments of wonder, gratitude, and joy woven into your homeschool days.