Top 10 Kids Book Picks for Fall (Bigs and Littles Alike!)

The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting crisp, and pumpkins are everywhere - fall is officially here. It’s the perfect time to cozy up with a good book with your littles. Whether you’re a fan of magical adventures, hilarious stories, or thrilling mysteries, we’ve got a list of favourites that will make your fall even more fun. (All links are to Queen Books, which is our local independent book shop. We encourage you to shop them or make a day of it - take the kids out and shop your local indie book store!)

1. Maelstrom: Prince of Evil by Lorian Merriman
   A huge hit in this house! This hilariously quirky fantasy graphic novel, the mischievous demon son of an evil tyrant teams up with the Hero of Virtue to take his mother down. Super storytelling meets inventive illustration, resulting in giggles for days.
   
   
2. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey
   My kids have been obsessed with Dog Man since the beginning, and honestly so have I. (Yes, we even went to see the musical and it took days to get those songs out of my head - half man, half dog, all heroooooo!) Join your favourite hero-dog as he tackles an underwater adventure and faces off against new villains. If your kids love funny comics and zany adventures, this book is for you.
   
   
3. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
   When a group of friends discovers that their buddy, Pipkin, has vanished on Halloween night, they embark on a magical adventure to save him. With eerie settings and a touch of magic, this book is perfect for getting ready for the Halloween spirit.
   
   
4. The Adventures of a South Pole Pig by Chris Kurtz
   Ever wondered what it’s like to live in the freezing cold of the South Pole? Join Flora, a determined little pig with big dreams, as she sets off on an epic adventure to the icy lands. This charming story is filled with bravery, friendship, and almost too much fun.
   
   
5. Sea Snooze by Sarabeth Holden
   Join two siblings as they set sail off for dreamland! The third (and possibly cutest!) children's book from my friend Sarabeth - a Canadian author, Blue Spruce Award Winner, brewery owner, and all-round amazing human - Sea Snooze joins Benny the Bananasaurus Rex and Please Don't Change My Diaper as adorable favouites on every little's shelf. Sea Snooze is not only adorably written but beautifully illustrated by Emma Pedersen.
   
   
6. Ellie Ultra: Super Spooked by Gina Bellisario
   Meet Ellie, a superhero with powers that are as unique as she is. As she tries to balance her superhero duties with everyday school life, Ellie discovers what it really means to be a hero. This fun and exciting book is a great pick for those who love a good blend of superpowers and school drama.
   
   
7. The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade by Max Brallier
   Zombie-fighting and epic adventures await in this thrilling series! Follow Jack and his friends as they navigate a world full of monsters and mayhem. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy action-packed stories with a touch of humor.
   
   
8. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
   Literally nothing beats a classic. Treat your littles to the enchanting story of Mary Lennox, a lonely girl who finds a hidden, magical garden that transforms her life. This timeless tale of friendship and renewal is a perfect book to enjoy as the days get shorter.
   
   
9. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm by Megan McDonald
   Join Judy Moody as she faces a series of unlucky events and tries to turn her fortune around. With her trademark spunk and creativity, Judy’s adventures are sure to keep you entertained and inspired to tackle your own challenges.
   
   
10. Ghost Book by Remy Lai
    A spooky fantasy graphic novel about the friendship between a girl who can see ghosts and a boy who is stuck between the worlds of the living and the dead. Very popular with my big kid who lives for Halloween all year long.

Fall is the perfect time for new adventures, and these stories are just waiting to whisk you away. Happy reading, and enjoy all the autumnal magic that books can bring! 📚🍁