Cozy Fall Chapter Books to Read Aloud

Cozy, seasonal, sweet, innocent, wholesome chapter books: this is what I’ve been on the lookout for, and I have some great titles to share! I’ve snuggled up on the couch under a big blanket and read each of these books to my young listeners (my boys are almost 5 and 7). In each of these, you’ll find strong family relationships, characters to emulate, and… lots of woodland creatures! Bonus: each of these is part of a series, many with a book per season!

These titles are likely available at your local library, or through the affiliate links provided. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Maple Festival (Sophie Mouse series) by Poppy Green. We have enjoyed each book in this early chapter book series. Pencil drawings throughout and short chapters made this a great choice if you’re moving to longer read alouds. In this Fall installment, Sophie and her family are preparing for the upcoming town-wide Maple festival (I can’t help but think of Gilmore Girls a bit when I read this). Sophie’s family owns a bakery, and they’re especially excited to share their goodies but strangely find that no one has come! Sophie’s creativity saves the day. A simple read, very light.

A True Home (Heartwood Hotel series) by Kallie George. My boys surprised me by how much they enjoyed this chapter book (I loved it from the start). While a lovely book, I wasn’t sure it was going to hold their attention. I thought it was pretty slow moving, with a lot of emotional drama…. inferring how characters felt, why they felt that way, and what might be motivating their actions. But, they asked for “one more chapter” about 16 times. And then at its conclusion asked to go to the library and check out the next book in the series… and played “hotel” in their free play time all week. Lesson learned, don’t judge a book by its emotional complexity.

Mona the mouse stumbles upon the Heartwood Hotel after a storm that destroys her home. She is offered the position as (temporary) maid and despite struggling to fit in, she shows her compassion, bravery, and wit as she protects the hotel from danger.

The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins(one of two books, with a third in the works) by Karin Kaufman. Geraldine is “the smallest of ground things” who dreams of having big adventures. As a “young mouse,” Fall is brand new to Geraldine, and as it turns out, is full of excitement. From October through December, Geraldine wrestles with ideas about worry, bravery, gratitude, and faith. She questions Very Very Big Hands (aka God)—can he hear her, does he care, and why did he make her so small anyway? There are a lot of philosophical/spiritual depths to mine in this story, but overall we just enjoyed each episode and the exciting challenges Geraldine faced. There was just enough tension and suspense for my sensitive first grader. Thanksgiving and Christmas scenes were included.

Autumn Story (Brambly Hedge series) by Jill Barkam. This book is in the space between picture book and chapter book. Throughout are beautiful, full color illustrations, beside full pages of text. As a turn of bad weather approaches, the community is busy preparing when Primrose wanders off and gets lost, just as the rains begin. While it won’t take you long to read, the characters are memorable.

What are your favorite cozy reads?? Share with me in the comments below, or on my Instagram or Facebook pages.