Autumn Reading List for Homeschoolers
Autumn is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book. This autumn reading list for homeschoolers helps bring the fall season into your learning routine. Adding seasonal stories makes lessons more engaging, whether new to homeschool reading lists or experienced.
In this post, I’ve curated a list of autumn-themed books perfect for kindergarten through second-grade kids. Each autumn story captures the beauty and magic of fall while offering excellent opportunities to explore nature, friendship, and change. Plus, Iโll share some tips on incorporating these books into your daily homeschool routine!

Why read fall-themed books in your homeschool?
Reading autumn-themed childrenโs books in your homeschool engages young learners by connecting lessons to the world around them. Seasonal themes help children relate learning to their own experiences. This makes understanding new concepts easier.
Autumn books are captivating, featuring beautiful illustrations and cozy stories that capture the season’s essence. They help children appreciate fall, from colorful leaves to the crispness in the air.
These books also enhance language skills by introducing rich, descriptive vocabulary that vividly depicts the season. Discussing the stories helps kids develop their comprehension and communication skills while fostering a love for reading.
They offer a natural way to explore topics like life cycles, animal migrations, and changing weather. This helps children connect with nature and the world around them.

Best Autumn-Themed Books for K-2 Homeschoolers
Choosing the right books can spark your childโs interest in reading, especially when they match the season. This list of autumn-themed books captures the magic of fall. They also teach lessons about nature, change, and friendship.
These are some of our favorite fall books for kindergarten through second-grade homeschoolers. Weโve also included tips to make these stories more meaningful.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Fletcher, an adorable young fox, is puzzled as his favorite tree begins to lose its leaves. He tries to help the tree hold onto them, not realizing it’s a natural part of the seasonal cycle. This sweet story illustrates the beauty of change and helps young readers understand that transformations, like the falling leaves, are a normal part of life.
Homeschool Tip:ย Use this wonderful book to discuss why leaves change color and fall. A simple leaf-rubbing activity can further reinforce this concept.
Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
This charming story follows three animal friendsโDuck, Squirrel, and Catโwho live together in an old white cabin and make the perfect pumpkin soup. When Duck decides he wants to stir the soup instead of adding salt, the friends disagree, leading to an adventure that ultimately teaches them about teamwork and compromise. The bookโs warm, detailed illustrations capture the cozy essence of autumn, making it a delightful read for young children.
Homeschool Tip:ย After reading, try making your own pumpkin soup with your child. Involve them in simple cooking tasks, like measuring and stirring, to reinforce the importance of cooperation and following steps.
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
This imaginative story features a ‘leaf man’ made of colorful autumn leaves who embarks on a journey across various fall landscapes. The stunning illustrations showcase different leaf shapes and colors, making it a great book to inspire creativity and appreciation for nature.
Homeschool Tip:ย After reading, take your child on a nature walk to collect leaves, and have them create their own leaf characters or scenes.
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
This heartwarming tale tells the story of a scarecrow who, despite his job to scare birds away, befriends a lost baby crow. Set against the backdrop of an autumn field, the story highlights themes of kindness, friendship, and compassion.
Homeschool Tip:ย Talk about the role of scarecrows in protecting crops, then have your child make a mini scarecrow using craft supplies like straw and fabric scraps.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
In this beautiful picture book, a young girl walks through her town, observing the gradual changes as summer turns into autumn. The poetic text and gentle illustrations make it a perfect read to discuss seasonal transitions.
Homeschool Tip:ย Encourage your child to observe and journal the changes they see as the seasons shift, just like the girl in the story. Use their notes to create a seasonal scrapbook or drawing.

Incorporating Autumn Books into Your Homeschool Routine
Adding autumn-themed books to your homeschool routine is a great way to blend reading with hands-on learning and seasonal activities. From cozy read-aloud sessions to creative crafts and nature walks, these activities will help your child connect more deeply with the stories and themes of the season. Here are some ideas to get you started on bringing these books to life in your homeschool.
Read Aloud Sessions
Set the mood for a special read-aloud by gathering cozy blankets and warm drinks like hot apple cider. Read the selected book aloud and pause to ask questions, encouraging your child to share thoughts or predict what might happen next. After reading, have your child retell the story in their own words or act out their favorite scenes to build comprehension and communication skills.
Creative Activities
Pair the stories with creative crafts that tie into the bookโs theme. For example, after reading Leaf Man, collect leaves and have your child create their leaf characters or scenes. If you read The Scarecrow, make a mini scarecrow using materials like straw, fabric scraps, and a small stick. These hands-on activities reinforce the story and allow children to express their creativity.
Nature Walks and Observations
Take a nature walk to observe signs of autumn mentioned in the books, like changing leaves or migrating birds. Bring a basket and collect natural items like leaves, acorns, or pinecones to use in crafts or as part of a nature table display. After the walk, encourage your child to draw or write about their observations, helping them make real-world connections to the stories theyโve read.

Developing Literacy Skills with Books
Reading autumn-themed books is a wonderful way to enhance your childโs literacy skills while enjoying the beauty of the season. These books introduce rich, descriptive vocabulary related to fall, helping children expand their word bank and understand seasonal concepts like โmigrationโ and โharvest.โ As you read together, discuss the stories to boost comprehension and encourage your child to share their thoughts and ask questions.
These seasonal stories also make reading more enjoyable and relatable for young children, connecting their learning to the changes they see outside. This real-world relevance helps make reading a positive and engaging experience.

Incorporating autumn-themed books into your homeschool routine is a fantastic way to celebrate the season while fostering a love of reading in your child. These stories offer more than just seasonal enjoymentโthey introduce valuable lessons about nature, friendship, and change.
By pairing these books with creative activities and discussions, you can make reading an interactive, engaging experience that enhances your childโs literacy skills and curiosity. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, let these cozy, fall-inspired books bring warmth and joy to your homeschool days.