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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Autumn Fun for 4-Year-Olds! A Special Selection of Picture Books to Enjoy Nature (31–40)
Mel the Witch and the Shining Soup
The Halloween picture book “Mel the Witch and the Shining Soup” tells the story of Mel the witch meeting a boy and embarking on a mysterious adventure.
Although Mel is a witch, she isn’t very good at magic.
She tries to cheer up a downcast boy by casting a spell, but, just as you might expect, it goes terribly wrong.
But thanks to that mishap, a mysterious door is opened.
So, what kind of adventure will Mel and the boy begin? With its enchanting elements like magic and witches, plus the kind of adventure kids love, this is surely a delightful read.
The Waste-Not Grandma Goes to the Forest
How about reading a picture book that lets you feel the change of seasons this autumn reading season? In this work, the Mottainai Grandma teaches all sorts of nature play while saying “what a waste.” The seasons featured are spring and autumn.
In spring, there are flower crowns made from white clover, hunts for four-leaf clovers, and make-believe using wildflowers.
In autumn, children look at fallen leaves and guess which trees they came from, and have fun with a fallen-leaf “blanket.” As children grow, they tend to spend more time on activities like videos and games, but we hope they won’t forget to savor the joys of nature as well.
The Forest Gloves
Here’s a picture book that’s perfect for autumn, when leaves turn red and yellow.
It tells the story of a single yellow leaf and some animals.
A beautiful yellow leaf has fallen on a forest path.
Shaped almost like a glove, it draws passing animals to place their hands on it and compare sizes.
You’ll read with excitement, wondering which animal will come next.
Children will surely try placing their own hands on it, too.
Be sure to enjoy the delicate illustrations as well.
Forest Piano
This charming picture book tells a heartwarming story: when a little girl starts playing a tree stump as if it were a piano, the forest animals gather and it turns into a concert.
It’s adorable how the animals follow her lead, imagining leaves and flowers as instruments and playing along.
What kind of music might unfold amid the beautiful autumn scenery? We’d love for children to join the performance with their imaginations.
It’s a wonderful book that’s perfect for this season often called the “autumn of the arts.”
Tonight, Professor Wildcat is moon-viewing.
The story features Dr.
Wildcat, a slightly clumsy, food-loving forest doctor.
He completely forgets that he’s supposed to go to the moon-viewing party and hurriedly heads to the venue with the young squirrels.
They take a shortcut the squirrels told him about, but the footing is shaky and it’s dark, so one mishap after another occurs.
It’s a picture book you can enjoy with a bit of suspense as you wonder whether Dr.
Wildcat will make it to the venue on time.
It’s perfect for reading aloud on the night of the moon-viewing, too.
Picture books that 4-year-olds can enjoy in autumn! A recommended collection that lets them feel nature (41–50)
The Mischief Squad’s Acorn Festival
This is an autumn story about the Mischief Squad, who always stumble into mysterious happenings.
The three members were gathering acorns in the forest when a huge acorn suddenly rolled in from somewhere.
As they chased after it, they heard a voice say, “The Acorn Festival is about to begin.” The Acorn Festival is a celebration where acorn children become adults.
While savoring the autumn feel of the forest scenery, this book lets you fully enjoy an adventure in a world of fantasy.
Why not have your children join the Mischief Squad and take part in the Acorn Festival together?
Goma and Kinako’s Sweet Potato Digging
This picture book, portraying Goma and Kinako—the best-friend Shiba Inus—heading out to dig sweet potatoes, is a perfect autumn read.
Watching the two pack their backpacks with a water bottle, plastic bags for the potatoes, and work gloves so their hands won’t hurt will make kids want to get ready along with them.
On the big day, when they say, “We won’t lose!” and challenge each other to a potato-digging contest, children might be inspired to dig their hardest to find the biggest potato of all.
Read the book to find out what kind of potatoes they unearth.
By the end, you’ll definitely be craving roasted sweet potatoes!