2025 Featured Fall Books for Young Readers
As the days start to get colder, get cozy with these new poetry titles for children, YA novels in verse, and books by poets for young readers from our partners and advertisers.
Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder
by Erin Frankel
illustrated by Jasu Hu
Astra Publishing
October 2025, Hardcover $18.99
This lyrical picture book biography of beloved American poet Mary Oliver shows young readers ages 7–10 how her love of nature and sense of wonder inspired her art.
Age range: 7–10
Themes: literary biography, poetry, women's history, nature
Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes
by Sean Taylor
illustrated by Fiona Woodcock
Candlewick Press
Hardcover and E-book, $19.95 each
Playful, interactive, and full of whimsy, this rhythmic collection of poems, accompanied by colorful and visually engaging illustrations, invites little ones to get their fingers, hands, and wiggles ready.
Age range: 3–7
Themes: nursery rhymes, imagination
Lilac and the Switchback
by Cordelia Jensen
Holiday House
Hardcover $17.99
A riveting middle-grade novel in lyrical verse for any kid who has ever felt unwanted, uncomfortable, or unsure of where they fit in—full of both growing pains and healing after loss.
Age range: 8–12
Themes: adolescence, friendship, family/alternative family, healing, coming of age
The Blue Jays that Grew a Forest
by Lynn Street
illustrated by Anne Hunter
Margaret Quinlin Books/Peachtree
Hardcover and E-book, $18.99 each
Take a lyrical journey on the wings of blue jays as they bury thousands of acorns for next season’s food and, as a keystone species, help Mother Nature in the expansion of oak tree forest ecosystems.
Age range: 4–8
Themes: nonfiction poetry, birds, science and nature, trees and forests
when the world is puddle-wonderful
by E. E. Cummings
illustrated by Blanca Gómez
Norton Young Readers
October 14, 2025, Hardcover $18.99
The first-ever E. E. Cummings poetry collection compiled for children, this picture book is a delightful almanac of the seasons featuring the beloved poet’s signature distinctive, whimsical style. The perfect holiday gift for poetry fans!
Age range: 4–8
Themes: E. E. Cummings, seasons, weather, holidays, nature, children’s poetry
Sweet Dreams: Moon Poems for Bedtime
by Charles Ghigna
illustrated by Jacqueline East
Schiffer Kids
Hardcover $16.99
Fourteen soothing bedtime poems provide children with an engaging way to explore the wonders of the moon. Perfect for bedtime reading, this charming journey of words will gently guide children toward their own sweet dreams.
Age range: 4–8
Dinos that Drive
by Suzy Levinson
illustrated by Dustin Harbin
Tundra Books
September 30, 2025, Hardcover $18.99 USD/$24.99 CAD
Buckle up for a raptor race, train-faring Titanosaurs and (gulp) a taxi-driving T. Rex in this hilariously whirlwind picture book poetry collection for fans of Richard Scarry and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site!
Age range: 3–7
Themes: dinosaurs, poetry, transportation, animals, boy interest
Into the Goblin Market
by Vikki VanSickle
illustrated by Jensine Eckwall
Tundra Books
Hardcover $18.99 USD/$24.99 CAD
A picture book ode to Christina Rossetti's classic poem and a clever homage to familiar fairy-tale villains, this story about two sisters will enthrall readers with its beautifully detailed art and enchanting writing.
Age range: 4–8
Themes: fairy tales & fables, family & relationships, rhyme & alliteration, fantasy, courage & honor, Halloween
Words with Wings and Magic Things
by Matthew Burgess
illustrated by Doug Salati
Tundra Books
Hardcover $19.99 USD/$26.99 CAD
From award-winning author Matthew Burgess and Caldecott medalist Doug Salati comes a spellbinding collection of poems for young readers. A gorgeous gift book for fans of Shel Silverstein with seven die-cut spreads throughout.
Age range: 5–9
Themes: poetry, rhyme & alliteration, emotions & feelings, humor