Since Labor Day marks the unofficial close of the summer season and the welcoming of autumn, I feel like today is the perfect day to share some of my favorite apple-themed picture books with you. Here in Colorado, we are skipping the transition to fall and going straight to winter with an unexpected, early season, snow storm tomorrow. Going from ninety-three degrees today to thirty-eight degrees tomorrow feels insane, but I shouldn’t be surprised. This is Colorado. And it’s 2020. Enough said.

I love picture books! I will read picture books to my kids until they don’t let me anymore. You are never too old to enjoy beautiful prose and captivating artwork, and picture books are a wonderful source for both. Picture books are even better when you can incorporate content subjects, just by reading.

Even though our Colorado weather is skipping the fall season completely this week, we will still be enjoying some hot apple-crisp and apple cider. We will delight in fall themes, and if my kids let me, some apple themed picture books. Here are a few of my favorites.

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How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman

This delightful tale takes you on a journey around the world in search of the right ingredients to make an apple pie. Geography is woven throughout this story, and you can incorporate more social studies by adding in extra map work or a little bit of cultural geography. Or, you can just read the book. There’s a lot to be learned just from reading to your kids. Don’t forget to enjoy an apple pie together after you read it!

Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh

There are many books that depict the story of John Chapman, the pioneer that brought the apple tree to many parts of America. Johnny Appleseed became a historical legend in his own right and his story has been depicted in books and movies over and over again. Reading about Johnny Appleseed is a great way to incorporate some American history into your read aloud time.

Johnny Appleseed by David L. Harrison

I also like this version of Johnny Appleseed for early readers. Step Into Reading has many historical books that make it easy for your younger kids to read their own history books. I know my youngest has always liked working independently, so these early readers allowed him to cover a subject on his own when he was still a bit too young to do much independent work.

Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss

Who doesn’t love a classic from Dr. Seuss? Ten Apples up on Top was an early favorite of Peyton’s, and he still reads it to his Guinea Pig, Poppy. It is apparently Poppy’s favorite book. I read this book when I was teaching a STEM class for our homeschool co-op, and we incorporated a hands-on engineering project into our reading. You can get some simple, random supplies of your choosing, and then challenge your kids to build an apple carrier that will transport ten apples on top of their heads, while they walk ten steps. You can keep upping the game but challenging them to carry more apples or take more steps. This was a fun activity that my class loved.

Apples by Gail Gibbons

I really like Gail Gibbons’ books for teaching science and social studies topics. I always find the information is very thorough while keeping the kids engaged at the same time. This book incorporates history, science and social studies, all taught around the theme of the apple.

The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons

Another Gail Gibbons favorite! This is like a Charlotte Mason style nature study in a book. This is the perfect book to study the changing of seasons as you watch the apple tree change through colorful illustrations. It also depicts the sweet care and dedication that Arnold puts in to take care of his Apple Tree. Don’t be surprised if your kids want to plant an apple tree after reading this book. If you are planning a field trip to an apple orchard this fall, this is a must read before you go!

I would love to hear about some of your favorite fall-themed books! Feel free to leave a comment or connect with me through social media. Happy fall to everyone not in Colorado. Happy crazy-winter to all of the Coloradoans.