Cosy Autumn stories for kids!
As a family photographer who works mainly with toddlers and young children, I’m always looking for ways to connect with families and help them create special memories. One of my favourite way to celebrate the Autumn season with my kids is by cosying up with a good story. Whether you’re looking for a fun Halloween read or just a lovely Autumn book with colourful pictures, I’ve picked my top 5 October books for young children. These are perfect for snuggling up after a busy day and are sure to become Autumn favourites in your house!
Meg & Mog
by Helen Nicoll & Jan Pienkowski
These classic tales of a witch named Meg, her cat Mog and their friend Owl, are full of magical and messy adventures that children love . The one shown here is Megs Castle (after 16 years we seem to have lost our original Meg & Mog story!) where the friends visit a spooky castle. The bright, bold illustrations and simple text make it great for toddlers, while older kids love the rhyming spells and quirky characters. Meg's magical mixups are sure to bring giggles and spark your child’s imagination!
Pumpkin Soup
by Helen Cooper
I always read this to get my kids in the mood for 'pumpkin soup' (which is really butternut squash soup, but sshhh!) This cosy story follows three friends—a Cat, a Duck, and a Squirrel—who live in a little cabin in the woods and cook up the perfect pumpkin soup together. But what happens when Duck decides he wants to stir the soup instead of Squirrel? A story of compromise, teamwork and friendship, which is perfect for snuggling up on a crisp October evening.
Funnybones
by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
"On a dark, dark hill, there was a dark, dark town..." So begins the delightful story of Funnybones, where a big skeleton, a little skeleton, and their skeleton dog get up to some playful mischief. This humorous and slightly spooky story is perfect for October, giving young readers just the right amount of spooky fun without being too scary. Plus, the rhythm of the story makes it a wonderful read-aloud choice!
Winnie the Witch
by Valerie Thomas & Korky Paul
I always feel cosy reading Winnie the Witch to my kids. It is full of fun and surprises, and her adventures are as quirky as she is! Winnie’s house is entirely black, just like her cat Wilbur, and after several accidents (Wilbur blends in a bit too well), Winnie decides to solve the problem with a little bit of magic. The bold illustrations and funny characters make this a delightful read for toddlers and young children, and the themes of problem-solving and creativity are perfect for encouraging little minds to think outside the box.
Foggy Foggy Forest
by Nick Sharratt
For those that love traditional fairy tales, this is perfect. In the mysterious Foggy Foggy Forest, who knows who you might find? This enchanting book is full of fun surprises, with each page revealing shadowy figures that will have your little ones guessing who (or what) might appear next. It’s a simple, interactive read with fun peek-a-boo moments that young children absolutely love. The playful format makes it a great choice for toddlers, and the twist on familiar fairy tale characters keeps things entertaining
Why I Love These Books for October
Each of these books brings something special to the season—whether it’s a gentle introduction to Halloween, cosy themes of friendship, or a little bit of magical fun. October is the perfect time to slow down, get snuggled up and share stories with your little ones, maybe with a hot chocolate! These books are great for bedtime or quiet afternoons.
I hope you and your children enjoy these magical reads as much as I do! October is also a fantastic time to book your family photoshoot in Leeds, whether it’s story time, leaf pile jumping, or hot chocolate sipping. October memories are some of the sweetest!
Happy reading!
Chelle xx
