Even though summer temperatures are still lingering, the calendar says that fall has arrived, and I couldn’t be happier.

Everything about this season feels touched by just a hint of magic. This time of year always stirs up memories for me — the smell of bonfires drifting through the air, the glow of Friday night lights on the football field and the sound of leaves crunching under little feet as kids race from house to house on Halloween night.

I love seeing pumpkins on porches, the first swirls of red and gold leaves and feeling the cozy chill that fills the air. I love the activities fall brings, such as hayrides, corn mazes, trips to the pumpkin patch and trick-or-treating.

There’s a rhythm to fall that feels familiar and comforting; a reminder that even as the days grow shorter, there’s still so much to celebrate.

There’s something about this season that draws people closer. It’s a time to slow down, wrap up in a cozy sweater and take in all the simple joys fall brings.

Bringing that excitement into the library is one of my favorite parts of my job. Watching students light up as we celebrate the season with stories and activities that capture the spirit of fall is a highlight of each year.

Some of my favorite fall books to share with students are:

Spookley the Square

Pumpkin” by Joe

Troiano

A heartwarming story about a square pumpkin who learns that being different is what makes him special.

“The Scarecrow” by

Beth Ferry

A beautifully illustrated story about kindness, friendship, and finding love in unexpected places.

“The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky” by

Joey John

A fun story about Bad Seed’s quest to find the perfect Halloween costume, only to realize what really matters about the holiday.

“Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson

A cute rhyming adventure about a friendly witch who discovers that sharing her broom makes room for friendship and fun.

“Pumpkin Jack” by

Will Hubbell

A touching story that follows the life cycle of a pumpkin from Jack-O’Lantern to sprout, teaching children about nature and change.

“The Leaf Thief” by

Alice Hemming

A hilarious story about a squirrel who learns that change, like the falling leaves of autumn, is a natural part of life.

Sharing stories that celebrate the beauty of nature and the magic of the season is one of my favorite ways to bring fall alive for my students.

And, as the leaves continue to turn outside, our school embraces that same spirit inside.

At Purdy, we celebrate Book Character Day every fall, a favorite tradition for students, teachers, and staff alike. Everyone dresses as their favorite book characters, and we spend the day enjoying activities that bring stories to life. The day’s highlight is our Character Parade, where students proudly show off their creative costumes before we wrap up with our annual fall classroom parties.

As the season changes and the air grows cooler, I’m reminded how grateful I am to spend my days surrounded by books, children, and the joy of learning. Watching my students discover new stories and find themselves within the pages of a book is a gift that never loses its magic.

Just like fall, it fills me with wonder year after year.

Michelle Hilburn is a librarian at Purdy schools. She may be reached at mhilburn@ purdyk12.com.