Our Favourite Autumnal Books for Under 5s

As the seasons change, books are a wonderful way for children to explore the world around them. These books celebrate the wonders of autumn while supporting key areas of early years development — from language and communication to understanding the natural world.

Here are Our Favourite Autumnal Books for Under 5s

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Using real leaf collages, this beautiful picture book encourages children to spot shapes, patterns, and movement in nature. It’s perfect for developing observation skills and descriptive language as children talk about what they see in the illustrations.

Available from: Waterstones | Amazon UK

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper

A cosy tale about three friends learning to share and work together. Children can explore emotions, turn-taking, and problem-solving — all key parts of personal, social, and emotional development.

Available from: Waterstones | Amazon UK

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

Follow a seed through the seasons and learn how plants grow and change. This classic story introduces simple science concepts while building children’s understanding of time, growth, and the natural environment.

Available from: Waterstones | Amazon UK

Tree: Seasons Come, Seasons Go by Britta Teckentrup

A visually engaging peek-through book showing the same tree across the seasons. The repetitive structure supports language development, while the changing illustrations help children notice patterns and cycles in nature.

Available from: Waterstones | Amazon UK

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

This gentle story helps children understand change and transition through Fletcher’s emotional journey as he watches the leaves fall. It’s an ideal way to explore empathy and emotional awareness.

Available from: Waterstones | Amazon UK

Why seasonal reading matters in early years

Autumnal stories aren’t just cosy — they support learning across all areas of development:

• Communication & Language: Rich vocabulary and rhythmical text encourage new words and conversation.

• Understanding the World: Books about seasons, animals, and weather deepen children’s awareness of their environment.

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development: Stories about change, friendship, and teamwork help children relate to their own experiences.

• Literacy: Repetition, rhyme, and prediction strengthen early reading and listening skills.

Extend their learning - try this at home!

• Bring books to life: Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, conkers & acorns to use as story props (or create characters out of these!)

• Encourage discussion: Ask open questions like “What’s happening to the tree?” or “How do you think Fletcher feels?”

• Link reading to play: After Pumpkin Soup, set up a role-play kitchen or make vegetable soup together