One thing that’s becoming clear as I sink further into motherhood is that an alternative career path as a children’s librarian would be very fulfilling.

There are few topics that hold my attention more than the endless discovery of books. Children’s literature is supreme, in a way, because you can consume so many books in a short sitting. The quest is to find books that you want to re-read on repeat, since that’s what your kids will do to soak up the knowledge contained in these tiny vessels.

As with most things, my fellow Substackers will agree, the proliferation of books in today’s instant, popularity-driven culture, does not equate to quality. Thus my efforts to separate the meh from the truly beautiful, fun, captivating, literary works of art. Consider me your source of not just Pinterest-viral or eye-catching books, but classics that will stand the test of time.

Fall is the perfect time to discover new books and revisit old favorites, even if your family didn’t make as much time for reading over the busy summer days when you want to play outside all day (guilty!). The days are getting shorter and cooler (or rainier), and it only makes sense to curl up with a good book, especially with the holiday season on the horizon.

There are tons of books out there for toddlers about autumn and Halloween, but a surprising amount focus on the spookier side, that I personally do not want to expose my children to at a young age. I made a round-up of sweet books for the littlest readers to explore autumn leaves, cool weather, and the gentler side of Halloween.

Follow the links to invest in your favorites from my Bookshop.org shop (where I would make a tiny commission), or check out a haul from your local library. These are geared towards babies and younger toddlers (ages 0-3). I’ll do another post on books for preschoolers!

Fall

1. Curious George: Curious About Fall – On each page, George discovers the delights of the season, from back-to-school and football to Halloween and Thanksgiving
2. Leaves – A curious bear wonders why the trees are losing their leaves
3. Daniel Loves Fall – Daniel and his friends help decorate his town for the fall festival
4. Autumn in the Forest – Lift the flaps to explore the forest
5. A Pumpkin for Peter – Something frightens Peter on his way to pick out a pumpkin

Halloween

1. Happy Halloween, Little Black Cat – A playful kitten spooks her friends
2. Happy Halloween, Hungry Caterpillar – Lift the flap to find the Hungry Caterpillar and friends hiding in the forest
3. It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse – Mouse decorates a Jack-o-Lantern
4. Hooray for Halloween, Curious George – George and his friend show up to a Halloween party without a costume
5. You’re My Little Baby Boo – Snuggle up with your boo and tell them how much you love them