Early literacy skills are vital to the positive development of the young child. The organization Zero to Three cites that literacy development "begins at birth", and is aided by simple adult-child interactions such as story telling. One of the easiest ways to help boost early literacy development in the young child is book reading. This article contains children’s book suggestions for the fall season.
Favorite Characters Children’s Books
Connecting with the child on his or her level is an important part to learning and development. Often this means playing to the child’s interests or base of knowledge. Choosing a book that is a well known or favorite character may help to peak interest.
These book selections are based on favorite television, movie, and literature characters:
- Arthur Jumps Into Fall by Marc Brown [Little, Brown, 2006]
- Boo! Made You Jump! (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child [Grosset and Dunlap, 2007]
- It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz [Running Press Kids, 2008]
- The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin by Stan and Jan Berenstain [Random House Children’s Books, 1994]
- Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Pat Schories [HarperCollins, 2004]
Fall Leaf and Nature Themed Books
Fall is an excellent time to teach young children about nature and the environment. With the colorful turning of the foliage, children can be dazzled and impressed by the brilliant yellows, reds, and oranges.
Try reading a fall leaf themed book in conjunction with a foliage viewing expedition. These books will help the young child to think more about fall leaves, and may even inspire an artistic moment.
- Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert [Harcourt, 2005]
- Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert [Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1991]
- Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall [Scholastic Press, 2000]
- Why Leaves Change Colors by Betsy Maestro and Loretta Krupinski [HarperCollins, 1994]
Halloween Themed Children’s Books
Dressing up and preparing for Halloween is a memorable fall activity. Read a Halloween themed book during daily play or try one at a children’s party.
- Trick or Treat: A Peanuts Halloween by Charles M. Schulz [Ballantine Books, 2004]
- Maisy’s Halloween by Lucy Cousins [Candleweick Press, 2004]
- Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming [Owlet Paperback, 2005]
- Halloween Day by Ann Rockwell and Lizzy Rockwell [HarperCollins, 1999]
This list is by no means exhaustive. There is a large variety of fall themed children’s books available for readers of all ages. Choose a topic such as fall leaves or Halloween, and then pick a book that matches the child’s age, needs, and interests.
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