As the air gets crisper and the leaves begin to change, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a few good books in the classroom. Fall read-alouds not only bring seasonal excitement but also offer opportunities for rich discussions and activities. Whether you’re exploring the theme of change, celebrating the beauty of nature, or diving into stories about friendship and kindness, these books will engage your students and spark their imaginations. Below are ten must-read stories for fall, along with an activity idea for each!
1. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
Leaf Man takes an imaginative journey through fields and forests, blown by the wind. The unique leaf illustrations will inspire creativity in your classroom.
Activity idea: Have students collect leaves and create their own leaf characters to tell a story.
2. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Fletcher, the little fox, worries as his favourite tree loses its leaves. This sweet story helps kids understand that change is a natural part of life.
Activity idea: Have a discussion with students about a time when something changed for them and how they felt.
3. In November by Cynthia Rylant
This book beautifully captures the quiet moments of November, as animals prepare for winter and families come together.
Activity idea: Have students write about their favourite month and what makes it special.
4. Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
In this story about friendship, three friends are happy until one of them decides he wants to be in charge. It’s great for discussions on cooperation and sharing.
Activity idea: Have students write a “recipe” for friendship, listing ingredients like kindness and trust.
5. The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
A little leaf isn’t ready to fall from its tree but finds courage with a friend. This is a sweet story about bravery and friendship.
Activity idea: Create a class tree mural, with each leaf representing an act of kindness they could do for someone.
6. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
Follow along as summer turns into autumn, exploring the beauty of seasonal changes. This book encourages observation and mindfulness.
Activity idea: Take a nature walk and have students write or draw what they notice as fall begins.
7. We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
This fun adventure takes students through the woods, searching for colourful leaves. The rhythmic text makes it a great read-aloud.
Activity idea: Collect different leaves outdoors and have students sort them by type or colour.
8. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
A simple, beautiful story about the life of a tree, focusing on the changing colours of its leaves. Perfect for younger readers.
Activity idea: Have students create leaf rubbings and label the parts of the leaf for a science connection.
9. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
Bear wants to host a feast, but has nothing to give. His friends bring the food, teaching the importance of gratitude and community.
Activity idea: Start a classroom gratitude jar where students write down things they’re thankful for.
10. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
A touching story of friendship between a scarecrow and a little crow. It highlights empathy and the joy of helping others.
Activity idea: Have students imagine and draw an unlikely friendship between two different characters, like a wolf and a sheep or an owl and a mouse.
Boost Reading Comprehension with Our All-in-One Resource
Want to dive deeper into these fall favourites? Our Reading Comprehension for Any Book resource helps students engage with any story.
These worksheets guide students through key skills like identifying story elements, making inferences, and exploring new perspectives. Each activity helps students think critically and connect personally with what they’ve read.
Ready to help your students explore story elements and improve their comprehension? Check out our Reading Comprehension for Any Book resource and bring deeper learning to your fall read-alouds!
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