Fall Storytelling Books Every Child Will Love
Looking for books that inspire creativity and make reading fun again? These storytelling favorites do more than entertain—they help your child build confidence, imagination, and a love for words.
Do you ever notice how certain books just spark your child’s imagination—and suddenly they’re off creating their own stories? Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to help kids fall in love with reading. When you pair a fun storybook with a creative printable activity, you’re not only keeping them entertained—you’re also building literacy, vocabulary, and confidence.
Be sure to check out my Roll-a-Story Printables too:
- Fall Fun Roll-A-Story Printable for Kids
- A Halloween Roll-A-Story: Free Printable Your Kids will Love!
If you’re looking for great storytime reads that naturally lead to storytelling fun, here are a few favorites that pair perfectly with your literacy-based printables.
1. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
A heartwarming story about kindness, friendship, and unexpected connections, The Scarecrow invites children to think about what it means to care for others. The lyrical text and stunning illustrations make this book perfect for cozy fall storytimes.
Try this: After reading, have your child create their own scarecrow character and write a short story about its adventures in the pumpkin patch.
2. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan & Jan Berenstain
This classic book teaches lessons about courage and kindness wrapped up in Halloween fun. It’s the perfect way to start conversations about friendship and making good choices.
After reading: Invite your child to draw or write about a time they were brave or helped someone else.
3. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat by Lucille Colandro
Silly, rhythmic, and full of laughter—There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat is one gets everyone giggling. It’s great for practicing sequencing and memory.
Activity idea: Have kids retell the story using pictures, or mix it up by changing what the “old lady” swallows next.
4. How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace
A fun, imaginative book that helps kids face their fears and think creatively.
Storytelling tip: Encourage your child to dream up their own “monster-catching” invention. What tools would they use? What happens when the monster turns out to be friendly?
5. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
Perfect for fall evenings, this story builds suspense in a gentle, rhythmic way. Kids love repeating the sound effects!
Hands-on fun: Let children act out the story, using household items to make the clomp, clomp and shake, shake.
6. Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
Follow the life cycle of a pumpkin from jack-o’-lantern to new growth—it’s a wonderful story to bridge Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Extend the learning: Plant pumpkin seeds together and keep a “Pumpkin Journal” to track growth over time.
🍂 Bringing It All Together
Pairing books with storytelling activities turns reading into an adventure. Whether you’re using printable story prompts, sequencing cards, or roll-a-story games, each activity helps children make personal connections with the stories they read—and that’s where real learning happens.
