Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur, illustrated by Leslie Evans, is one of my favorite fall picture books. It is a wonderful choice for talking about the beauty of autumn, the structure of acrostic poetry, and the rich visual appeal of an unusual illustration style.

Each page offers more than a simple seasonal read-aloud. This book combines poetry, nature study, and art in a way that makes it both enjoyable and educational. It is also the first book in a lovely seasonal series that includes Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic, Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic, and Winter: An Alphabet Acrostic.

Book Snapshot

• Author: Steven Schnur
• Illustrator: Leslie Evans
• Ages: 6–9
• Themes: autumn, poetry, acrostics, nature study, seasonal change, art
• Best For: fall read-alouds, poetry study, nature-inspired learning, and cozy seasonal reading

About the Book

Each page of Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic features an acrostic poem about some part of the autumn season. For example, the word ACORN becomes a short poem about a single seed that can feed a squirrel or grow into a mighty oak. Later in the book, NORTH describes the coming of cold winds, rain, hail, and snow.

The book moves through the alphabet while capturing the sights, textures, and mood of fall. Leslie Evans’s hand-colored linoleum block illustrations are especially striking. They are rich in color and detail and give the whole book a warm, seasonal feeling that makes it a pleasure to revisit year after year.

Why This Book Works for Homeschooling

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic offers simple but meaningful ways to connect literature with other subjects. It works especially well for:

• Poetry – introducing children to acrostic poems in a memorable and approachable way
• Nature Study – observing seasonal details such as acorns, leaves, wind, and weather
• Art – noticing the distinctive beauty of hand-colored linoleum block illustrations
• Writing – inspiring children to create their own acrostic poems
• Seasonal Learning – slowing down to notice the character of autumn

Picture Book Activities

Use these simple ideas to turn your read-aloud into an easy autumn picture book study. Choose one or two that fit your family and the season.

• Nature Study: Collect a variety of nuts, leaves, and pine cones outdoors. Sort them by size, shape, and color. Talk about what makes each one unique and what they have in common.
• Art: Make leaf rubbings with peeled crayons and white paper. Gather leaves in different sizes and shapes, place them under the paper, and rub gently with the side of a crayon so the textures show through.
• Poetry: Read and discuss seasonal poems such as “September” by Helen Hunt Jackson, “Come, Little Leaves” by George Cooper, and “October’s Party” by George Cooper.
• Writing: Create your own acrostic poems using autumn-themed words from your family or community, such as APPLE, LEAVES, HARVEST, or PUMPKIN.
• Handwriting & Copywork: Practice handwriting with these free pages featuring “Autumn Fires” by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Discussion Questions

1. Which autumn word in the book was your favorite, and why?
2. How does the book help you notice small details about the fall season?
3. What do the illustrations add to the feeling of the poems?
4. If you wrote your own autumn acrostic, what word would you choose?

Final Recommendation

If you are looking for a fall picture book that combines poetry, nature study, and beautiful artwork, Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic is a wonderful choice. It is a rich little book that invites children to slow down, notice the season, and enjoy the beauty of words and pictures together.