Harvesttime is one of my favorite times of year. In New England, the leaves change, the temperatures cool, we pick apples, and the smell of wood burning fireplaces fills the air. Especially when it’s too damp to play or work outside, curling up with a good book can be the perfect way to spend some time. Here are a few harvesttime books to consider.

Teach your little ones to be grateful for God’s blessings with this adorable board book that’s in the shape of a pumpkin! The first in the Time to Pray series, children will learn to celebrate the abundance of the harvest season through charming illustrations and sweet rhymes that are perfect for little ones.

This charming story for children illustrates how a loving farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. Liz Curtis Higgs weaves a beautiful parable as the farmer picks out a special pumpkin from his garden, and scoops out all the messy “goo” to make room for his light to shine from inside. In the same way, God’s transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light. 

Invite your 6- to 12-year-olds to journey to the Celestial City with this special version of Pilgrim’s Progress—adapted just for them! Featuring child-friendly vocabulary and simplified concepts for young readers, Taylor’s abridgment leaves Bunyan’s unforgettable story line intact. Now fresh illustrations bring the classic to life for contemporary “travelers.”

The story of Ruth is accurately retold from the Bible (book of Ruth). Illustrated by Duncan Maclaren.

The Bibletime series by Carine Mackenzie has been praised for their accurate retelling of great Bible stories. This timeless collection has been printed in many languages throughout the world and sold in their millions.

The moon grows fatter, the days grow shorter, and it is time to bring in the harvest.

Written in the style of the traditional harvest song, “Harvest Home” tells the story of a family that toils together to make the work of harvesting lighter. Jane Yolen’s spirited verse resonates with the magic of an American heartland tradition. Greg Shed’s radiant art captures the warm spirit of this special time of year.

Have you read any of these books together? What is your favorite harvesttime book?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ~ Galatians 6:9