For October, I selected some fun books about fall and Halloween.

I also selected a few inspirational books to help kids put a positive spin on the challenges we all have been facing as we try to navigate these confusing times.

For some extra fun, I threw in a joke book and the works of one of the greatest authors of Gothic horror and macabre suspense.

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming – Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree, especially after they begin changing colors, but one of his leaves is missing. Squirrel and his good friend, Bird investigate and soon discover what happens to the leaves in the fall. This book will help young children learn about change. For ages 2-5

Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers – A vibrant, rhyming, educational picture book for children showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. For ages 2-7

The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit by Beatrix Potter – This is the story of a rude little rabbit that never says, “please” before taking other people’s things. For ages 3-7

Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman – This picture book for children is full of hope at a time when we all need it most. The inspiring text and illustrations reveal how even the smallest gesture can make a lasting impact. For ages 4-8

A New Kind of Wild by Zara Gonzalez Hoang – For Ren, home is a wonderful place in the lush forest with his grandmother. Home is a magical place filled with fantastical friends where his imagination can run wild. Home for Ava is the city with its buildings and the hustle and bustle of daily life. When Ren has to move to the city, he feels lost until he meets a girl who helps him see that nothing makes you feel at home like having a friend. Inspired by Hoang’s father’s stories of moving from Puerto Rico to New York as a child.  For ages 4-8

She Persisted: Kalpana Chawla by Chelsea Clinton – This chapter book was inspired by the New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger. Kids will be inspired by Chalwa  who refused to accept societal limitations on her career choices in India because of her gender. She became the first Indian-born woman to go to space. Sadly Chawla died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, but her legacy lives on. For ages 6-9

Rosco the Rascal Visits the Halloween Patch by Shana Gorian – Ten-year-old James and his sister, seven-year-old Mandy are headed with their family to the pumpkin patch to find their perfect pumpkins. They take their dog, Rosco and mischief is around every corner.   For ages 6-9

Spooktacular Jokes and Riddles by Scripto Love Press – Get in the Halloween spirit with riddles and jokes the whole family can enjoy. For ages 8-12

Worrisome Whispers: Spine-Tingling Stories for a Haunting Halloween by Inksprout Digital – Enjoy this scary selection of seven tales for young listeners. For ages 9 and up

Greatest Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe – October is the perfect month to introduce young readers to the works of Edgar Allan Poe. For ages 12 and up