13 Fall Books That Bring Faith, Family, and Thankfulness to Life
These christian fall books for kids invite families to slow down, give thanks, and enjoy cozy read-alouds all season long. The air is crisp, the days are shorter, and the leaves outside our window seem to glow with gold. Fall is here — and with it comes a beautiful invitation to slow down, cozy up, and make memories with the people we love most.
Whether you’re reading under a blanket fort or beneath a tree covered in orange leaves, these stories help kids connect with gratitude, nature, and each other.
They’re our Fall Favorites — the books that bring faith, family, and thankfulness to life all season long.
Why Reading Matters More Than Ever
Earlier this month, Dr. Albert Mohler shared a thought on The Briefing that struck me deeply:
“We’re now in a post-literature age when it comes to America’s civic discourse. The decline of reading isn’t just making politics dumber — it’s making everything dumber. And yet, for Christian families, the simple act of being read to remains a kind of magic.”
He went on to remind listeners that God designed us to be story-shaped beings — homo narratus, creatures who tell and receive stories.
And it’s true: children who grow up being read to carry an invisible gift — imagination, empathy, and the ability to connect words with wonder.
That’s why family storytime isn’t just another cozy fall tradition. It’s discipleship.
It’s forming a love of truth, beauty, and goodness in the next generation — one bedtime book at a time.
Gratitude & Thanksgiving
Stories that help kids remember that gratitude is the greatest harvest.
Llama Llama Give Thanks by Anna Dewdney.
Simple, sweet, and perfect for preschoolers, this story reminds little readers that the best part of Thanksgiving isn’t the feast — it’s being together.
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks by Mike Berenstain.
The Bear family shares a harvest meal and gives thanks for God’s blessings in this classic faith-filled favorite. It’s one we read every year after pumpkin pie.
Let’s Be Thankful (Paw Patrol)
For younger readers who love a little action, this board book brings everyone’s favorite pups together to celebrate teamwork and thankfulness.
Pumpkin Patch Blessings by Kim Washburn.
A gentle, rhyming reminder that God’s goodness can be found in every pumpkin patch, golden leaf, and smiling face.
Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf.
Inspired by a true story, this beautiful picture book shows a community gathering outdoors to share a Thanksgiving meal — a quiet, heartfelt reminder of gratitude and connection.
Nature & Seasons Changing
Celebrate God’s design in every falling leaf and golden sunset.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson.
When Fletcher sees the leaves falling, he worries his favorite tree is sick — until he discovers the beauty of change. A tender way to talk about seasons, trust, and God’s renewal.
Autumn in the Forest: Lift-the-Flap Surprise
An interactive story for little hands, filled with hidden critters and woodland wonders. Perfect for toddlers discovering fall’s magic for the first time.
The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming (All time family Favorite)!!!
A hilarious story about a squirrel who thinks someone is stealing his leaves — until he learns about nature’s seasonal cycle. Great for giggles and learning. I love how at the end of the book, all jokes aside, the author does explain who the real leaf thief is! I also think they want to end the book when the story ends, but they want to read even the “boring” stuff.
When Fall Comes: Connecting with Nature as the Days Grow Shorter by Aimée M. Bissonette.
A poetic, reflective look at how animals and people prepare for winter. This one invites slow, mindful reading — maybe with a blanket and cocoa. I hesitated adding this book to the list. The book itself is wonderful. I read the dedication; that reads to her nature loving cousins, which I only assume are why the perceived two women are cozied up by the beach.
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger.
A fun, rhythmic story that turns a nature walk into an adventure! Perfect for kids who love “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” but want an autumn twist.
Harvest Fun & Silly Reads
Because sometimes fall fun means pumpkins, pies, and a few turkey chases!
You’re the Apple of My Pie by Rose Rossner.
A sweet wordplay-filled story celebrating the cozy love between parents and kids. Great for bedtime snuggles or family storytime before baking.
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White (Probably Second All time family favorite)!!!
A funny and timeless tale about abundance, generosity, and what happens when you get way more pumpkins than you bargained for!
How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace (Maybe tied with Second all time family favorite)!!!
A Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser — this silly, rhyming story about a runaway turkey is sure to make everyone laugh around the table.
Why These Stories Matter
These books remind us that gratitude doesn’t just happen around the dinner table — it grows in the small moments.
The giggle from a silly squirrel, the warmth of a pie in the oven, the joy of a leaf hunt — all are quiet reminders of the goodness around us.
As the days grow shorter, may your family find time to pause, notice, and give thanks for every beautiful change this season brings.
Want to keep the fun going?
Download our free Fall Family Reading Tracker and explore even more adventures with Ethan & Oliver this season!
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