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Embracing Storytime Magic This October



October 2025



As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp,
there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book and a steaming cup of tea while the scent of cinnamon rolls drifts from the kitchen.

Outside, the world is brushed in shades of gold and amber, leaves swirling in the wind like pages waiting to be turned. For me, autumn has always been the season of stories — of soft blankets, glowing fireplace, and quiet evenings spent reading aloud with my daughter. There’s something so special about those shared moments: her little head resting on my shoulder and both of us lost in a world of imagination as the rain taps gently on the window.

So, as the cosy season wraps us in its gentle embrace, I’ve gathered a list of our favourite autumn books for children — stories filled with wonder, warmth, and the comforting magic that makes this time of year so unforgettable. Perfect companions for mugs of hot chocolate, woolly socks, and the rustle of falling leaves outside your window.



1. Autumn Story (Brambly Hedge) by Jill Barklem



Age 3-6





Every autumn, I find myself reaching for stories that feel like a warm blanket — and ‘Autumn Story’ is exactly that kind of book. ‘Brambly Hedge’ feels like a gentle invitation to slow down and notice the magic around us. Jill Barklem’s beautiful illustrations and tender storytelling capture the quiet magic of the changing seasons and the comfort of community.


In this gentle adventure, Little Primrose sets out on an unexpected journey through the woodlands of Brambly Hedge — a world so richly detailed it feels almost alive. It’s a story about courage, care, and finding your way home, wrapped in the warmth of autumn. A lovely read to share with children on slow afternoons, reminding us to notice small wonders and the beauty of togetherness.



Buy here



2. Fox’s Favourite Autumn by Fiona Barker, illustrated by Christine Pym



Age 3-6





Fox’s Favourite Autumn is a gentle celebration of change, friendship, and the beauty of the season. When Fox notices the forest shifting around him — leaves falling, colours fading, air turning cool — he begins to worry that his favourite time of year is slipping away. But with a little help from his friends, he learns that every season holds its own kind of magic.


This beautifully illustrated story captures everything we love about autumn — the rustle of leaves, golden light, and quiet moments of reflection. It’s a lovely read to share with children on a cosy afternoon, sparking conversations about nature, change, and finding joy in every stage of the year.




Buy here



3. The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson



Age 3-6





A beautiful, lyrical story that follows the life of a single oak tree across hundreds of years — from a tiny acorn to a home for countless woodland creatures. The Oak Tree gently shows the passing of time, the rhythm of the seasons, and the ever-changing world around us. Julia Donaldson’s words flow like poetry, perfectly matched by Victoria Sandøy’s soft, detailed illustrations that invite readers to pause and look closer.


It’s a story that sparks curiosity about nature and reminds us of how much life can flourish from something small and steady. A wonderful book to share with children when exploring nature, change, and the beauty of slowing down to notice the world around us.



Buy here



4. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White



Age: 7+





There’s something about Charlotte’s Web that feels like autumn — golden fields, cool mornings, and the quiet hum of life on the farm. It’s a tender story of friendship, courage, and finding beauty in ordinary days.


As Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider weave their unforgettable bond, the story gently explores kindness, hope, and the changing seasons of life. It’s a timeless classic that invites children (and grown-ups) to slow down, look closer, and cherish the small, miraculous moments that make the world feel full of wonder. And when you’ve turned the last page, the beautiful film adaptation makes a lovely choice to watch together — a gentle way to revisit the story and see its magic come to life on screen.


If your child would love to share their thoughts, talk about favourite moments, and connect with other young readers, they can join my Book Club Friends — where we’ll be reading Charlotte’s Web together this season. A cosy space to read, imagine, and make new bookish friends.



Buy here
Join Book Club Friends



5. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery



Age: 8+





Some stories feel like coming home, and Anne of Green Gables is one of them. Set among the changing seasons of Prince Edward Island, this classic follows Anne Shirley — a spirited, imaginative girl who finds beauty and possibility in everything around her. It’s a story about belonging, friendship, and the power of seeing the world with wonder — where even the simplest moments, like walking under blooming trees or watching autumn leaves drift by, become something extraordinary.


Reading Anne of Green Gables feels like stepping into a slower, softer world — one that reminds us of the joy of daydreams, the comfort of community, and the magic of noticing the small things. This has always been one of my favourite books from childhood, and it’s a joy to share it with my daughter now — rediscovering Anne’s world together, page by page, and finding that its warmth and wonder feel just as alive as ever.



Buy here

I’d love to hear what stories fill your autumn days. Do you and your little ones have favourite books you return to when the leaves start to fall? Share them in the comments on my Instagram or tag me on social media — I always enjoy discovering new treasures for our storytime shelf. Let’s keep the warmth of the season alive together, one beautiful book at a time.


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photo by Anna, Autumn in Ireland



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