A selection of recommended picture books for 4-year-olds to enjoy in autumn and feel the wonders of nature
You can feel the arrival of autumn in the air now.
Four-year-olds are gradually becoming able to express their own thoughts, and this is also a time when they are deeply drawn into the world of picture books.
Picture books that feature familiar autumn nature—fallen leaves, nuts, and insects—greatly expand children’s curiosity and imagination.
Here, we introduce picture books that will resonate richly in children’s hearts during the fall.
We hope this guide helps you discover a favorite, and that you enjoy the world of picture books together with your children!
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Ages 4 can enjoy autumn! A recommended picture book selection that feels close to nature (21–30)
A Tale of a Moonlit Night
When we think of the moon, we usually picture a rabbit, but the characters in this picture book are mice.
The mice, who lived inside a picture of the moon, long to see the real moon and slip out of the painting.
They spend their time enjoying things they couldn’t do inside the picture, like basking in the sun, but when night falls, they begin to miss the moon in the painting.
The real moon and the moon in the picture each have their own charm—how did the mice feel about them? Please read the picture book to find out.
wash the dishes
During the moon-viewing season, the moon sparkles and looks so beautiful, doesn’t it? In this picture book, the foxes wash the moon to make it shine even more.
The very idea of washing the moon is amusing—how on earth do they do it? You’ll be curious to find out.
I hope you’ll also pay attention to the moon’s beauty once it’s all cleaned.
It’s a highly recommended book that lets you enjoy a uniquely whimsical picture-book story while also sparking interest in the moon-viewing tradition.
Autumn Fun for 4-Year-Olds! A Special Selection of Picture Books to Enjoy Nature (31–40)
The Chair of “Please Go Ahead”
Introducing “The Please Chair,” a warm story about animals meeting in a little forest.
One by one, animals come to the “please chair” that a rabbit has set out, and each leaves something behind.
Through gentle illustrations and words, children can feel the importance of sharing and kindness.
When you finish reading, both kids and adults will be inspired to be kind to someone.
It’s a heartwarming book that leaves you feeling cozy.
It also makes a great gift for young children, so be sure to read it together!
Professor Nekomaru’s Moon Viewing
This is a story about Nekomaru-sensei, a tabby cat who works at a human kindergarten, and a child named Kou-chan having a mysterious experience.
Nekomaru-sensei was making dumplings for the moon-viewing festival.
When a dumpling was about to fall and he caught it in his mouth, his body floated up, and he and Kou-chan, who was with him, were whisked away to an unknown place.
What will happen to the two of them…? With the whimsical premise of a teacher who’s a cat and the delightful “wouldn’t it be fun if this happened?” daydreams of a child, it’s a thrilling story that feels like imagination come to life.
Be sure to read it on the night of the moon-viewing and enjoy the adventure together with them!
Pino-chan and the Chilly Kitty
This is a picture book you’ll want to read in the colder months, featuring adorable interactions between Pino-chan and a cat.
As Pino-chan was about to head home because of the bitter cold, she met a cat.
The chilly cat had gotten too close to a bonfire trying to warm up and had singed patches of its fur.
The cat wanted Pino-chan’s coat, and though she hesitated, she decided to let the cat slip inside her coat.
Gentle and heartwarming, it’s a perfect read for the crisp days of autumn.
The cat’s vividly portrayed expressions are absolutely delightful.
The Sports Day at Wacky Mountain
Autumn is sports day season.
The children are surely tingling with nerves and excitement at the chance to show how hard they’ve worked.
Some are looking forward to it, while others feel anxious.
“Henteko Mountain’s Sports Day” is the perfect picture book for times like that.
When Henteko Mountain turns red, a slightly odd sports day begins.
What’s odd about it? Even when the footrace starts, there’s no finish line.
You can choose your own course, and everyone runs however they like.
It portrays a sports day with no winners or losers—just pure fun and freedom.
After reading this book, children might start looking forward to sports day, too.
I’m Acorn, Bo-shi-kun.
Bo-shi, a little acorn, feels a flutter of nervous excitement about how he’ll grow up.
This is the story of that tiny acorn, Bo-shi, as the main character.
As he spends time with friends and in nature, he gradually learns courage, kindness, and other important things.
With its colorful illustrations and rhythmic text, it’s perfect for reading aloud.
This warm, memorable picture book encourages children to feel, “I can do my best, too.” Adults will enjoy it as well, so be sure to read it together with your kids.