Create New Traditions: Cozy Fall Books For the Whole Family

Where we live, in sunny Arizona, we have to travel to the mountains to see the trees change color, but we enjoy fall books and traditions with our children anyway. I just love this time of year, the weather is perfect for sitting on the porch with a cozy blanket and a book! Even though a cactus won’t turn orange in fall, I still can’t resist putting out some decor that includes some fall foliage and pumpkin-scented candles. I find comfort in the simple act of marking the passing of the seasons and books are such a great way to do that with kids.

Make Books a part of your family traditions

It’s been so fun to see some familiar books come off our shelves this time of year, a reminder that Christmas is around the corner! Did you know that once you do something with your kids it becomes a tradition? That’s how it starts– next year they will remind you, “Hey mom, we did that last year!” Finding beautiful books your family can read again and again will be just as important as the favorite recipes passed down several generations. This is real family culture and you can have a hand in it too.

Most of these are enjoyable to all elementary age and some overlap into being enjoyable for adults, as any good book should. I have sorted them by the youngest age to teens. Most fall books emphasize the preparation for winter and show how people and animals alike do well to plan for the future.

John Muir Quote on Autumn, renewal of all.

They also celebrate all the hard work it took to reap a harvest. I have also included some books that tell America’s history around this time of year, including stories of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.

Cozy Fall Books

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Brambly Hedge Autumn Story

The illustrations are just as interesting as the text in the Brambly Hedge stories. Just like the other books by the author, you’ll be transported to a world of adorable creatures fully invested in their current season of mousey business. (There are three other books for Spring, Summer, and Winter that are just as cute.)

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin

A household favorite, the Beatrix Potter stories are timeless and delightful. This Tale highlights a character from the Autumn Season. You might not want to stop at just one tale, the whole Beatrix Potter collection is so much fun!

Hello, Harvest Moon

With a whimsical feel and lyrical prose, this book shows how the Harvest Moon marks the changing season and important events in preparation for winter.

Don’t Say A Word, Mama

This is a fun story about how a family deals with an over-abundant harvest.

Johnny Appleseed

Beautiful illustrations and poetic verse tell the story of the famous man who became a legend for creating apple orchards in the Eastern US and Canada. We probably have him to thank for a lot of our autumnal traditions centered around apples.

Ox-Cart Man

An industrious farmer’s journey from autumn to autumn tells the story of the seasons in a clever way. The family isn’t left out, everyone has a part to play in the livelihood of a home and farm. (Modern homesteaders would adore this book!)

Over the River and Through the Wood

Did you have this book around your home as a child? I am pretty sure I did because the cover brings me right back to cozy memories. This book tells the popular poem with charming illustrations.

Winter is Coming

Beautiful Illustrations tell the story of a young naturalist observing the change of seasons. Homeschoolers who love nature study will especially appreciate this one.

The Road Not Taken

A poem by Robert Frost is newly placed in an illustrated book for children. Robert Frost was a keen observer of nature. As a farmer by day and writer by night, he knew all too well the signs of an oncoming winter.

Little House in the Big Woods

Autumn is a very important time in the Ingalls home. Harvest time is full of activity and you’ll soon be caught up with their hardships and celebrations. A perfect cozy fall book for the whole family.

Squanto’s Journey

A Thanksgiving story that honors the unique viewpoint of a Native American Hero, Squanto. His story will draw you into history with beautiful paintings to illustrate the memoir.

The Pilgrims of Plimoth

This is a good overview of the history of the pilgrims. Perhaps not entirely accurate, but it gives a good insight into the hardships of the pilgrims leading up to the day we call Thanksgiving. The illustrations help to show their way of life.

The Landing of the Pilgrims

If want a longer book that will cover a lot of history before Thanksgiving, this is a great choice. The reader gets an inside look at the hope and bravery of the men and women who came to seek a new life of religious and personal freedom- to build their own destiny.

The Chronicles of Narnia

One year we took The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe along on a camping trip. The kids were delighted by scenes of the characters warming themselves around the fire in the cold woods, just like they were. It doesn’t get any more cozy than reading of adventures in the comfort of your living room or bundled in a chair by the campfire.

Weetamoo: Heart of the Pocassets (The Royal Diaries)

This was especially recommended by one of my daughters. (It is out of print but can be easily found as a used book.) Harvest themes make this a great fall book. It gives an intimate look at the lives of Native Americans in Colonial Times through the eyes of a young Pocassett.

Anne of Green Gables

Oh, Anne, the world knows you love autumn!

If you’re looking for a carefree way to spend reading time, this is the book for you. Anne’s antics and flowery language will keep you turning the pages.

The Lord of The Rings

Fall Book. J.R.R. Tolkien the Fellowship of The Ring quote. "But Autumn was waning fast; Slowly the golden light faded to pale silver and the lingering leaves fell from the naked trees. A wind began to blow chill from the misty mountains to the east. The Hunter's Moon waxed round in the night sky, and put to flight all the lesser stars." LillyValleyCo.com

The master of description, J.R.R. Tolkien, crafts the magic and beauty of nature in the changing seasons throughout his volumes of TLOTR. The Fellowship of The Ring is especially perfect for fall.

Cozy Fall Books for you too!

84, Charing Cross Road

A sweet, short book perfect for those who adore literature. This is so perfect for a cozy fall read!

Pride and Prejudice

Have you read P&P? I think is the perfect combination of wit, wisdom, and humor. Austen was brilliant at describing the weaknesses everyone has, and I love the characters’ hilarious attempts to maneuver within their social statuses.

For your amusement, here is a one-star review from Goodreads: “Story about families visiting each other homes. Kudos to Jane for naming the most beautiful character as “Jane”. I would have done the same.”

Holy Hygge by Jamie Erickson

Christian moms, you’re going to love this book! I gleaned so much from Holy Hygge, my favorite take-away was how important our role as homemakers is in the community. We are called to much more than just thinking of our daily tasks and our families—we can be a place of comfort to strangers and friends. We can share the gospel by being a listening ear to a friend, making meals for those in need, or making our home a gathering place. This book is 100% cozy but also challenges us to renew our diligence in sharing the gospel through hospitality.