12 Picture Books to Read This Fall
When Green Becomes Tomatoes, written by Sara O’Leary & illustrated by Julie Morstad
You’ve probably come to my site for fall picture book recommendations expecting books with acorns, autumnal leaves, witches, and pumpkins — and instead, see a book with women in their underwear. I get it; I love festive books too, but you can find those books at school libraries, in the window display at your local bookstore, and all over the internet. This is a list of books that evoke a fall feeling. Maybe it’s their use of color, maybe it’s in their atmosphere, or perhaps it’s simply their mood.
Picture books rely heavily on mood (or at least my favorites do). A great picture book can elicit a range of emotions without ever explicitly telling you how to feel. Its sentence structure, word choice, and poetic rhythm all influence the tone and mood. When evocative writing is combined with equally stirring, atmospheric illustrations, the reader is likely to respond emotionally. That feeling may be elusive and hard to define, and yet the mood lingers.
I prefer art that leans on mood rather than plot or theme. Although, it’s tricky to make recommendations for something as subjective as a feeling. I may not be able to say how these books will make you feel, but I can say that all of them deserve a spot on your shelf.
The Philharmonic Gets Dressed written by Karla Kuskin, illustrated by Marc Simont (1982)
“It is almost Friday night. Outside, the dark is getting darker and the cold is getting colder.”
The mood is established in the very first sentence in the brilliant picture book The Philharmonic Gets Dressed. This is a suspenseful tale of 105 people in the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and how they prepare for work each Friday evening. You may be asking yourself how a story of a bunch of people taking baths and putting on socks is suspenseful. Well, that’s the genius of a great picture book. Kuskin describes the process with meticulous attention to detail. Initially, the writing may seem tedious, but listen carefully and you will hear the music. She’s building energy through her word choice and rhythm, creating a musical performance that ends in a dramatic crescendo. But she doesn’t do it alone. Simont’s humorous illustrations add to the energy. We get an inside look at the quirky lives of these ninety-two men and thirteen women. We’re curious who they are, what instrument they play — and in the end, our curiosity is delightfully satisfied.
Much like the members of the Philharmonic Orchestra, the work of a picture book is to “play. Beautifully.” And this book does just that.
We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen (2016)
“We found a hat. We found it together.”
The concluding volume in Jon Klassen’s celebrated hat trilogy, We Found a Hat, embodies the same witty charm and minimalism of his first two books, but this story is more delicate and refined. It’s the story of two turtles making their way through the desert when they come across a glorious, big white hat. Each turtle tries the hat on, both turtles look great in it. And herein lies the problem: two turtles, one hat. What will happen? Klassen tells the story in three parts, in his deceptively simple style. Through the subtle expressiveness of his characters, you’re able to infer a lot about them and their relationship. Unlike in the other two “Hat” books, these characters feel invested in one another, complicating their dilemma. While you don’t have to be familiar with the first two in order to enjoy this book, it does add an element of expectation — one that Klassen delightfully and unexpectedly deters from.
Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág (1928)
“Cats here, cats there, Cats and kittens everywhere, Hundreds of cats, Thousands of cats, Millions and billions and trillions of cats.”
You probably wouldn’t believe that the author of the oldest American picture book still in print was a leftist, sex-positive feminist, but it’s true! That picture book is Millions of Cats, and its author is Wanda Gág, one of the most ingenious picture bookmakers of all time. This book needs no introduction: it’s sold millions of copies, won a Newbery Honor Award (one of the few picture books to do so!), and is read by kindergartners everywhere. It’s the story of a lonely old couple who decide to get a cat. But when the old man goes searching he doesn’t find just one cat, he finds millions and billions and trillions of cats! It’s an adventure that’s wildly entertaining, perfect for reading out loud.
translated & illustrated by Wanda Gág
I’m cheating by slipping this book into this list because technically it’s not a picture book, but who cares! Gág was not only a gifted artist and writer, but she was also a talented translator and editor. And she put those skills to work in her 1936 adaptation of the legendary fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.
In Tales from Grimm, Gág reimagines 16 German fairy tales, including, “Hansel and Gretel” and “Rapunzel.” I have to be honest. I’ve not read many versions of Grimms’ fairy tales, and I can’t read any language other than English, so my scope is limited. But I can attest that Gág’s text and illustrations are highly engaging. In her introduction, Gág explains how she fell in love with these fairy tales:
“Often, usually at twilight, some grown up would say, ‘Sit down, Wanda-chen, and I'll read you a Märchen [fairy tales].’ Then, as I settled down in my rocker, ready to abandon myself with the utmost credulity to whatever I might hear, everything was changed, exalted. A tingling, anything-may-happen feeling flowed over me, and I had the sensation of being about to bite into a big juicy pear.” — Wanda Gág
When reading the original stories in German, Gág found that many were ripe for a relatively straightforward translation. But others lacked clarity and vibrancy. Her goal was to maintain the mood and cadence of the stories but to make them easier for children to follow. But at the same time, she strongly believed in not “writing down” to children and that “long, even unfamiliar, words are relished and easily absorbed by them, provided they have enough color and sound value.”
What’s wonderful about Gág’s translations is that they’re entertaining for children and adults. I grew up with the Disney version of fairy tales (and James Marshall’s humorous adaptations). It wasn’t until I was older that I started exploring them more. Fairy tales are bizarre and often quite scary! And the originals don’t always have happy endings. I find that refreshing, and I think my kids do too.
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold (1991)
“Sleeping on Tar Beach was magical. Lying on the roof in the night, with stars and skyscraper buildings all around me, made me feel rich, like I owned all that I could see.”
In the imaginative and poignant Tar Beach, eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot imagines herself flying over “Tar Beach,” the rooftop of her apartment building in Harlem, NY, where her family and friends share picnics. She dreams of flying over The Washington Bridge — a bridge her daddy helped build. Cassie wants to claim the bridge for her family. In doing so, she imagines their freedom to go and do whatever they want. This urge to break free from constraints and to fly is sure to resonate with most children. But the dream of flying is deeply connected to the African American culture and their desire to reclaim their freedom. Ringgold’s writing is powerful, but she maintains a lightness appropriate for high-flying, whimsical Cassie.
Each illustration is bordered to resemble a quilt. Ringgold originally wrote and illustrated the story on a quilt — which is now part of a series of Ringgold’s work on display at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
When the Sky is Like Lace written by Elinor Lander Horwitz, Illustrated by Barbara Cooney (1975)
“On a bimulous night, the sky is like lace. Do you know how it looks when it’s bimulous and the sky is like lace? It doesn’t happen often, but when it does —
KA-BOOM!
— and everything is strange-splendid and plum-purple.”
When you break down this book it sounds absurd: made-up words, singing otters, pineapple spaghetti, and characters who can’t wear orange pretend to be helicopters. It’s surreal and non-sensical, but I think it works. Published in 1975, When the Sky Is Like Lace is the haunting and dreamlike tale of the strange-splendid things that occur on dark, dreamy nights.
The writing is a bit forced at times. I imagine if Margaret Wise Brown put her spin on this text, she would hit a home run. But what saves this book is its playful eeriness. Cooney’s bewitching artwork creates a spooky atmosphere. And really, how can you wrong with Cooney? I want to rip out every page and frame it. I especially love the illustration of the three little girls exchanging presents with their adorable creature friends. The chartreuse green details leap off the page.
The accompanying text includes a list of charming presents:
“three fireflies in a jar
anything chartreuse
honey
kites
homemade marshmallow fudge
a bag of red marbles
a coconut”
Overall, it’s moody and experimental — exactly the type of book I like.
Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow
“OK. You hide,” says the child.
Says the elephant: “I must warn you though. I’m VERY good.”
My daughter was gifted this fabulous book when she turned three, and now, at almost eight, she still requests it at bedtime. Have You Seen Elephant? is about a young boy and an elephant playing hide-and-seek, which, as you might expect, is pretty difficult for one of the largest existing land animals. This is a highly engaging, interactive, and utterly silly story that small children will get a kick out of. And older kids will enjoy being “smarter” than the child in the story (OK, maybe that’s just my kid). Barrow’s warm, earth-toned illustrations include unspoken absurdities that will leave little ones laughing and screaming at the page. So fun!
On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna, translated by Jill Davis (2016)
“That is it. That’s all we did.
On this magical do-nothing day.”
Sometimes you fall in love with a picture book for its story, or maybe you fall in love with a character, but often it’s for the illustrations — and that’s certainly the case for me when it comes to Beatrice Alemagna’s books. In On a Magical Do-Nothing Day, I fell in love with the illustration of a fabulous, incandescent orange rain jacket (although the mom’s outfit is a close runner-up). Alegmagna has a wonderful way with color, especially neons — which she incorporates into many stories. In The Wonderful Fluffy Little Squishy (another favorite of ours), Eddie wears the brightest-most-perfect hot pink puffy jacket. What makes these punchy colors truly glow is how she contrasts them against murky landscapes. In this modern story, a child begrudgingly goes with their mother to their cabin. With “nothing” to do on a gloomy, rainy day, the child insists on playing video games until their mother forces them outside. Eventually, the reluctant explorer finds delight in the strange and marvelous outside world. Soaked but inspired, the child returns to the cabin to have a cup of hot chocolate with their mom, savoring a magical do-nothing day.
City Moon written by Rachel Cole, illustrated by Blanca Gómez (2017)
“We see glittery dots in the sky.
‘Mama are those other moons?’
‘They’re stars,’ says Mama.
Oh, Stars!
Like a lot of millennial women, I’m obsessed with the moon. Although, in my defense, I’ve been ogling over the moon since I was little. Not that I need defending. Weren’t many of the great artists, poets, and thinkers enthralled with the moon? It’s cliché for a reason! And because the moon is so beautiful and enigmatic, it appears in many picture books, especially moody picture books. That’s why I share my favorite picture books with full moons in them every month on my Instagram.
One recent discovery was City Moon, a simple story of a mother and child who search for the moon on an evening walk through the city. It’s a chilly fall evening; the mother and child put on their cozy pajamas and head outside to look for the moon. Sometimes it’s hidden behind buildings, other times it’s peeking out from behind the clouds, once it’s reflected in a puddle. Throughout their evening stroll, the child curiously questions the mother about the moon. Towards the end of their walk, the child asks, “Mama, why doesn’t everyone look?” The mother answers, “Because they’re busy.” This is a question I still ask myself as an adult — not only about the moon but about so many beautiful, magnificent things that we take for granted. And it’s true; people are busy. But it’s important to make time for wonder. While this is the essence of the story, Cole avoids turning this into a teachable moment. The mother’s answer is straightforward — allowing the reader to ponder this question for themselves.
The combination of Gomez’s soothing, collage-style illustrations and Cole’s effortless prose makes it a perfect bedtime read.
Leo: A Ghost Story written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson (2015)
“Jane, I told you a lie. I am a ghost. I said I was your imaginary friend, but I’m not. I am just your real friend.”
Leo has a problem. He wants to be seen for who he truly is, but most people cannot see him. Leo is a ghost. Like in the strong opening of The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, in Leo: A Ghost Story, the mood and tone are established immediately. The spreads are awash in sophisticated blue and black tones — creating a somber atmosphere. Early on, we find out that Leo is a lonely ghost. It seems he’s been looking for a friend for a long time. Then he meets the playful and imaginative Jane who can see him! The issue is, she mistakes him for an imaginary friend. Will Jane still like Leo if she finds out he’s a ghost?
Barnett’s storytelling is humorous and delightful. He’s able to tackle deep, philosophical questions about what it means to be human, but he keeps it playful and never gives explicit answers. Leo is afraid that if Jane finds out the truth about him, she will reject him. But what’s more painful? Hiding the truth and never knowing, or risking rejection in the hopes of finding someone who loves you for who you are?
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Little Fur Family written by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Garth Williams (1951)
"There was a little fur family
warm as toast
smaller than most
in little fur coats
and they lived in a warm wooden tree."
As a fan of picture books and a huge admirer of Margaret Wise Brown, I feel ashamed to admit that I hadn’t read Little Fur Family till I had my children. It’s a timeless classic! You may or may not know that Margaret Wise Brown was a prolific author of over 100 children’s books, including, most famously, Goodnight Moon (and if you didn’t know that, maybe you’re the one who feels ashamed! No judgment!). Brown was one of the pioneers of experimental picture books. She was also an incredible poet with a spectacular ear for rhythm and alliteration. That talent is apparent in Goodnight Moon and Little Fur Family — both of which are gentle stories that hypnotize listeners with their lyrical text.
Little Fur Family follows the day of a little fur child who goes exploring “in the wild wood where they lived.” Nothing much happens, and yet it’s mesmerizing, thanks in part to Williams’s rich, warm color palette. Williams was an incredible artist who illustrated classics like Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and my favorite: Bedtime for Frances.
This charming book is the result of two of the most talented people in picture book history, and it shows!
In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak (1970)
"MILK IN THE BATTER! MILK IN THE BATTER! WE BAKE CAKE! AND NOTHING'S THE MATTER!"
Maurice Sendak is easily one of the most well-known, critically acclaimed authors in picture book history. His most famous book, Where the Wild Things Are (1963), has won multiple awards and is still a worldwide best-seller. Despite its success, Where the Wild Things Are, had a controversial start and was banned from many libraries. Many felt the book was “too frightening” for children. Similarly, Sendak’s surreal book, In the Night Kitchen, was banned (and even burned!) all because of the boy’s harmless nudity.
It’s the strange story (although it’s more like a song) of a young boy, Mickey, who falls asleep (and out of his clothes) and dreams of a fantastical joyride adventure into the Night Kitchen. There he meets three maniacal bakers who mistake him for milk and stir him into the cake batter. Mickey jumps out of the batter and into bread dough that he kneads into the shape of an airplane which he uses to fly into a giant milk bottle. Mickey saves the day when he brings milk to the bakers for their cake. The story ends, “And that’s why, thanks to Mickey we have cake every morning.”
Sendak’s rhythmic text reads like a delightfully haunting nursery rhyme. And his bold artwork adds to the wild energy of the story. The first time I read it, I wasn’t sure what I’d just experienced. But I find pleasure in its perplexity. Plus, it’s amusing to read aloud. My husband and I perform it in completely different styles, and then we force our children to vote on who’s better. I’ll let you guess the winner.
