Falling into autumn...

Photo courtesy of PublicDomainPictures.net

It's fall!  Celebrate the season by reading some autumn-related picture books -- here are a few fun ones that I found at the library:

The Scarecrow's Dance, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, 2009... This story, written in the form of a poem, is about a scarecrow who leaves his post to dance in the wind, but ultimately returns when he discovers his purpose.  I particularly appreciated the beautiful illustrations!

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?, written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, 2007... Mr. Tiffin teaches his class some math and science concepts in an engaging way, as they learn about pumpkins.  I love the charming artwork by Karas and the story's lesson that "small things can have a lot going on inside them".

A is for Autumn, written and photographed by Robert Maass, 2011... An ABC book with gorgeous photographs, A is for Autumn depicts many familiar scenes of the season.  This book is a feast for the eyes!

Apples and Pumpkins, written by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell, 1989... A little girl and her family spend a day on the farm, picking apples and pumpkins, and enjoying other fall traditions.  With concise prose, this book is appropriate for a beginning reader, or for parents to read to their young children.

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic, written by Steven Schnur and illustrated by Leslie Evans, 1997... This book uses acrostic poems to describe different aspects of autumn, one for each letter of the alphabet.  Rich illustrations complement the poetry nicely.

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke,  2008...  Fletcher the fox doesn't understand why his favorite tree is changing color and dropping leaves, thinking it must be sick.  He tries to keep the leaves from falling, but of course, it doesn't work.  At last, he returns to the now bare tree and discovers a wonderous sight.  I love the tenderness of this story and the delightful artwork!

In the Woods: Who's Been Here?, written and illustrated by Lindsay Barrett George, 1998...  Cammy and William explore the woods one autumn afternoon, finding clues about who has been there before them.  The detailed, life-like illustrations are perfect for little ones (and adults!) who love to go on nature hikes.

Leaves, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein, 2007...  It is Bear's first fall, and he is concerned when leaves start falling from all the trees -- he even tries to catch the leaves and put them back on.  Eventually he grows too sleepy and hibernates, then wakes up to a surprise in the spring!  I really enjoyed the whimsical pictures and the poetic text of this story.

Leaves in Fall, written by Martha E. H. Rustad, 2007... This nonfiction book uses simple wording and photographs to teach children about autumn leaves.  It is perfect for a beginning reader.

Let It Fall, written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, 2010... This book follows a family through the season as they enjoy many of the delights fall has to offer.  Its lyrical text and colorful pictures combine to create a lively story for young children.

The Little Yellow Leaf, written and illustrated by Carin Berger, 2008... The little yellow leaf is reluctant to let go of its tree branch and join the other leaves swirling to the ground.  At last, it spies one other leaf still holding to the tree, a scarlet leaf.  Together the two decide to let go at the same time, joining each other in the breeze.  I especially like the playful collage-style illustrations of this book.

When Autumn Falls, written by Kelli Nidey and illustrated by Susan Swan, 2004... With its eye-catching illustrations cut from paper and its simple prose, this book features various things that fall in autumn -- from leaves to seeds to football players.

Why Do Leaves Change Color?, written by Betsy Maestro and illustrated by Loretta Krupinski, 1994...  This nonfiction book teaches children why (and how) leaves change color in the fall, using easy-to-understand explanations and interesting facts.  The end of the book provides instructions for some fun activities kids can do with leaves.

Pumpkin Soup, written and illustrated by Helen Cooper, 2005... Cat, Squirrel, and Duck live together in a pumpkin-shaped home.  They make pumpkin soup every night, and each has a special job to do.  When Duck decides he wants to try a different job for a change, chaos ensues, the friends argue, and Duck storms out.  In the end, the three friends make up, learning about cooperation and acceptance along the way.  A recipe for pumpkin soup is provided at the back of the book -- yum!

I am always looking for new book titles,  to read myself and to share with my kids.  What are your favorite autumn-themed picture books?