It’s October and thoughts turn to the annual changing of the leaves. Here are some of the best books about leaves and their trees to share with young readers.
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Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
written and illustrated by Kenard Pak
Henry Holt, 2016
As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows — autumn is on its way! Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.
How to Draw a Tree
written by David LaRochelle
illustrated by Colleen Muske
Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2025
The key to drawing a tree — or anything, for that matter — is to understand your subject. How do you get to know a tree? Use all your senses! First, you’ll need to make friends with your tree. Feel it. Smell it. Listen to it. Look at your tree from close up and far away. Notice all the things that make your tree special, from the shape of its leaves to the variety of colors hidden within. Beyond an art or science lesson, this book encourages young artists to go outside and spend time in nature, exploring firsthand what they plan to draw.
If You Find a Leaf: An Inspiring Nature Book for Kids and Toddlers
written and illustrated by Aimée Sicuro
Random House Studio, 2022
A young artist draws inspiration from the leaves she collects and every leaf sparks a new idea. She imagines turning a Japanese Zelkova leaf into a boat to sail far away, a Honey Locust leaf into a swing to sway in the gentle breeze, and an American Basswood leaf into a hot air balloon to float high above the trees. There are tips for including leaves in artwork and additional fun craft ideas.
Leaf Man
written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Harcourt, 2005
Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows? No one’s quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows. Ehlert crafts each illustration out of actual fall leaves on every spread to reveal gorgeous landscapes.
Leaf Town Forever
written by Kathleen Rooney and Beth Rooney
illustrated by Betsy Bowen
University of Minnesota Press, 2025
A group of neighborhood children use the piles of fallen leaves to construct a town for them to play in. They are as industrious about it as only focused children can be. A delightful book based on a true story.
Leaves
written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Nancy Paulsen Books
Penguin Random House, 2007
It’s a young bear’s first autumn, and the falling leaves surprise him. He tries to put them back on the trees, but it doesn’t work. Graceful illustrations and a childlike main character offer the perfect way to talk with children about the wonder of the changing seasons.
Oak: The Littlest Leaf Girl
written and illustrate by Lucy Fleming
Candlewick Press, 2024
High up in the leafy branches of a tree lives a leaf girl named Oak and her family. As the season begins to change, the usual bustle of the tree begins to slow. As winter approaches, Oak doesn’t feel ready to leave and stubbornly clings to her branch. But her family’s winter home, the acorn, glows and beckons. Oak realizes change is an opportunity for new adventures — and that home is wherever loved ones are.
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf
written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Harcourt, 1991
The artist blends bold graphics, vibrant colors, and precise details in her watercolor collage alongside found objects like seeds, fabric, wire, and roots. A glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, how to make a bird treat, and other facts about trees.
Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom
DK Children with the Smithsonian Institution, 2019
Explore the incredible world of plants, from the smallest seeds to the tallest trees, while you discover all about the weirdest, smelliest, and deadliest flowers on our planet. An engaging encyclopedia for children aged 9 – 12.
When Fall Comes: Connecting with Nature as the Days Grow Shorter
written by Aimée Bissonette
illustrated by Erin Hourigan
Little Bigfoot, 2025
A family joyously enjoys the outdoors in fall as they explore a broad range of ecosystems, filled with diverse animal habitats, after the summer crowds have left the trails. In this season, as the wildlife they discover along the way adapts and gets ready for the winter months ahead, the family also busily prepares for the seasonal change. Your family will want to head outdoors after reading this book!
I am honored to have How to Draw a Tree on this list, Vicki.
It’s a wonderfully inspiring book, David!