Trees transforming from green leaves to an explosion of color to bare branches and back again is one of the most concrete symbols of the change of the seasons. Celebrate the seasons and do a basic nature exploration with this series of story times.
First up, Fall!
Below are story time read aloud and song recommendations for a Fall Tree Storytime. I also have some additional ideas linked at the end.
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Fall Tree Read Aloud Picture Books
Tap the Magic Tree
by Christie Matheson
This one is a great intro to the Tree Storytime Series. It covers all of the seasons as kids interact with the pages to help the tree transform. It was a favorite in our house and also inspired this Tap the Magic Tree Scavenger Hunt.
Scaredy Squirrel
Written by Melanie Watt
In Kindergarten this was my son’s favorite series. He loved scarredy squirrel. He loved his antics. He thought the illustrations were fall out of his chair funny. He read every single one of these books and loved them all.
Squirrels Leap, Squirrels SleepÂ
By April Pulley Sayre
Illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Nonfiction that works a read aloud is a rare feat. This picture book is rhyming, brief, and yet informative. This reads like a delightful introduction to squirrels. The different kinds, how squirrels use their tails, what they eat and drink is all included, but it reads like a poem with short phrases and rhyming pairs.
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
Based on the song “Going on a Bear Hunt” this Fall twist on a classic makes for a fun read aloud. Filled with Fall colors and repetitive language the illustrations and words will draw in young readers for a playful romp in the woods and leave them eager to go on their own leaf hunt.
Story Time Songs about Fall
Falling Leaves – sang to the Tune of row row row your boat
Leaves leaves leaves will fall (stand up and sway)
Gently all around
Falling left falling right (arms move left and right with fluttering fingers)
Fluttering to the ground. (flow to the ground)
Gray Squirrel Shake Your Busy Tail
learn this one with JBrary on Youtube: Watch Here
DOWNLOAD FOR 12 MORE FALL STORY TIME SONGS
Fall Tree Storytime Extensions
Want more? If you have time, head outside for a Fall tree exploration. I love doing this four times a year with the same tree to help kids visualize the change of the seasons in concrete, observable way.
More Ideas
- Fall Nature Walk is you have a little more time.
- Fall Hike Storytime to pair with your Fall Nature Walk or Hike.
- Ultimate List of All Things Up in the Tree for any additional tangents you want to explore.
- Acorns and Squirrels Storytime if your kids fall in love with squirrels like my son did.
- Fall Tree Drawing Prompt that works perfectly as an easy table activity or morning invitation.
Tree Storytime Series
Winter – coming January 2026
Spring – coming April 2026
Summer – coming June 2026
