15 Fall Read Alouds for Kindergarten

Fall is a magical season in kindergarten, and fall read alouds are a wonderful way to bring the colors, sights, and experiences of autumn into your classroom. With rich illustrations, engaging storylines, and opportunities to connect to nature, there are so many fall books that help foster a love for reading and learning during this season of change.

Here are some fantastic fall books for kindergarten students that will captivate their imaginations and make learning -and teaching – even more fun!

My Favorite Fall Books for Kindergarten

Here are my top 15 must-have read alouds for fall, straight from my bookshelf!

1. “What Can You See in Fall?” By Sian Smith

In this book, students will be taken on a tour of things they can see in the fall. There are wonderful photographs in this book!

2. “A Very Big Fall” by Emmy Kastner

This charming story is about three leaves who experience the changes of autumn with very different attitudes. As the wind blows and their colors change, they face the big fall with anticipation, excitement, or nervousness, showing how they adapt in their own ways.

Here are some leaf activities that would go perfectly with this book!

3. “I Notice Animals in Fall” by Mari Schuh

This book introduces your students to how different animals prepare for the changing season. Through simple text and engaging photographs, this nonfiction book helps students observe and understand the behaviors of various animals as they get ready for winter.

4. “In the Middle of Fall” by Kevin Henkes

Anything by Kevin Henkes is a must-have, in my opinion! This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the essence of the fall season with rich illustrations and simple, lyrical text. The book highlights the changes in nature during autumn, from falling leaves to migrating animals. It’s a wonderful fall read aloud!

5. “Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn” by James Dean

In this book, the beloved character Pete the Cat discovers all the things he loves about fall. From pumpkins to hayrides, Pete experiences autumn activities with his friends, showing students the fun in seasonal traditions.

6. “Fall Weather: Cooler Temperatures” by Martha E. H. Rustad

As the title suggests, this book explains that temperatures drop and days get shorter in the fall, and this has effects on nature and people. It has language that is easy for kids to understand, which makes it another great read aloud.

7. “Sophie’s Squash” By Pat Zietlow Miller

This is one of my favorites! It’s a heartwarming story about a young girl, Sophie, who “adopts” a butternut squash from the farmers’ market and treats it as her best friend. As the squash begins to wither, Sophie learns valuable lessons about change, love, and the natural cycle of life.

8. “Counting on Fall” by Lizann Flatt

Here’s a great book to tie in with math! It combines math concepts with nature, helping students explore patterns, counting, and sorting through the lens of autumn. The book uses animals, leaves, and other fall elements to introduce numbers and problem-solving skills.

9. “How Do You Know it’s Fall?” by Lisa M. Herrington

This book helps readers identify the signs of fall through simple text and vivid images. It explains seasonal changes like cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and animal behaviors in a way that is easy for kindergarteners to grasp.

10. “Animals in Fall: Preparing for Winter” by Martha E. H. Rustad

This book explores how different animals get ready for winter during the fall season. With simple text and colorful illustrations, it explains behaviors like migration, hibernation, and gathering food in an easy-to-understand way for kindergarteners.

11. “Hello Autumn!” by Shelley Rotner

In Hello Autumn!, the author uses photographs and simple, rhythmic text to highlight various aspects of autumn, including changing leaves, seasonal activities, and wildlife. It’s a great read aloud to lead into discussions about things we do in the fall, and works really well with a fall writing prompt – here’s a list to get you started!

12. “Because of an Acorn” by Lola M. Schaefer

This story beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of nature through the journey of an acorn as it grows into an oak tree. The book details how the acorn’s growth supports various animals and plants, showcasing the cycle of life in a simple and engaging manner.

13. “The Scarecrow” by Beth Ferry

This sweet book tells the story of a lonely scarecrow who longs for companionship and connection. As he protects the crops, he forms an unlikely friendship with a bird. It has themes such as friendship, empathy, and the significance of helping one another, making it a great addition to social-emotional learning activities as well!

14. “Always Everly” by Nate Wragg

Perfect for all seasons, this book is especially fun to read in the fall as students may begin to notice that some trees’ leaves change color, but some do not. The story is about a pine tree named Everly, who sprouts in the woods while everyone is green. But when all of the other trees begin to change, Everly wants to change, too. Your students will love seeing how Everly comes to realize that she is perfect just the way she is!

15. “Awesome Autumn” by Bruce Goldstone

This book is full of engaging fall facts! It explores seasonal changes and highlights activities to do in the fall.

Activities to Do with Fall Books

Fall brings wonderful read alouds, which happen to be great ways to introduce classroom topics and themes! Here are a few fall activities that go great with these fall books:

• Fall Writing Prompts: Here’s a free list of fall writing prompts for kindergarten.

• Fall-Themed Skill Practice: Practice pages like this one from my October No Prep Pack make quick and easy skill practice possible!

• Morning Tub Activities: Start the school day off with some fall fun! Students can do their October Morning Tub activities upon arrival, and then start your day with a quick fall read aloud!

These fall vocabulary cards from my October Morning Tubs pack are also great for literacy centers!

Why Fall Books Are Great for Kindergarten

Fall books provide an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the world outside. From exploring the changing seasons to learning about nature, fall-themed stories can support lessons in science, literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Plus, they offer endless opportunities for engaging activities that will make autumn a memorable season for your kindergarten students.

Incorporating these fall books into your kindergarten curriculum will inspire curiosity and excitement in your young learners while fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the season. Happy reading!

More Fall Classroom Fun:

The Best Hands-on Activities for October

Fall Writing Prompts for Kindergarten

Five Leaf Activities for Fall Classroom Fun