Can you be-leaf it’s already October? Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and some fun, fall-themed children’s books! We hope this list of festive reads from Naperville Public Library will encourage you and your children to appreciate all the wonderful things about autumn.
“The Very Last Leaf” by Stef Wade
Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his fears take over?
“The Leaf Thief” by Alice Hemming
Squirrel enjoys looking at the beautiful, colorful leaves, but every day they disappear, making him think someone is stealing them!
“Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship” by Edward Hemingway
When Mac, an apple, meets Will, a worm, they become fast friends. But apples aren’t supposed to like worms, and Mac gets called “rotten” and “bad apple.” At first, Mac doesn’t know what to do, but after a lonely day without Will, Mac decides he’d rather be a bad apple with Will than a sad apple without.
“It’s Fall” by Renee Kurilla
It’s time for corn mazes, trick-or-treating and all the Thanksgiving food you can eat… It’s fall! With playful rhymes and lively illustrations, this celebratory book shows how we welcome fall.
“How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat” by Jane Yolen
It’s Halloween time! The streets are filled with kids in costumes, and the spooky decorations are out, but our rambunctious dinosaurs are not quite sure about trick-or-treating. With a little practice, and some hilarious antics, our prehistoric friends learn some holiday tricks and treats.
“I’m NOT Scary” by Raahat Kaduji
Bat just wants to make friends, but the other animals think he is a monster! That is, until Beattie the bear cub chances upon Bat’s home tree and discovers that he is not scary at all.
“Happy Halloween, Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt
It’s almost time to go trick-or-treating, but first Stinky Face has just a few questions for Mama. As always, Mama lovingly addresses each and every one of her child’s concerns.
“Acorn Was a Little Wild” by Jen Arena
Acorn is the first one off the tree, longing for adventure and new experiences. When a squirrel buries Acorn, he is forced to stay still in the dark until the exciting changes begin, and he grows into a mighty oak — though at heart he is still a little wild.
“Little Ghost Makes a Friend” by Maggie Edkins Willis
Little Ghost and his mom have been happily haunting their creaky old house for years. When a new girl moves in next door, Little Ghost wants to introduce himself. But making friends can be scary … until he comes up with the perfect plan: he’s going to invite her over for a Halloween party! But what costume will make her want to be friends with him?
“The Little Ghost Who Was A Quilt” by Riel Nason
Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl. But the little ghost who is a quilt can’t whirl or twirl. He doesn’t know why he’s a quilt. But one Halloween everything changes. The little ghost who was a quilt has an experience that no other ghost could have… and he realizes that it’s OK to be different.
“Always Everly” by Nate Wragg
Everly wants to change just like her other tree friends, but . . . what’s an evergreen to do? With the help of her friends, Everly soon realizes she is perfect just the way she is and starts to glow in her own special way.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.
