I love almost everything about fall! The moment the air shifts and that first crisp breeze rolls in, the world just seems to slow down. Leaves crunch underfoot as the trees trade their green for shades of amber, crimson, and gold. Even the sunlight feels different—softer, richer, and more fleeting as evenings arrive a little earlier.  

In this guide, I’ll share unique and practical ways to transform any corner of your home into a fall-inspired retreat. Along the way, I’ll recommend some cozy finds (blankets, candles, lights, mugs) that can help make your space as snug as possible.

1. Choose Your Spot with Intention

The great thing about a reading nook is that it doesn’t have to be a full room—you just need a dedicated space.

• By a Window: If possible, pick a spot with natural light. There’s something magical about watching leaves drift down while sipping tea with a book in hand.
• Tucked Away: If you crave privacy, consider a corner of your bedroom or beside your bookshelf. 

If you aren't lucky enough to have a built-in window seat, you can create a cozy feel with an accent chair, like this Christopher Knight Home Armchair on Amazon or the woven accent chair from Target.

I have a "reading chair"--named by my daughters when they were very little. It was the spot to pile in every day for storytime--and, while my little ones are not so little anymore--it's still the spot for everyone to curl up with a good book! 

2. Layer with Cozy Textures

Fall decorating is all about texture. Toss a cozy plaid throw like this one from Amazon across your chair and add an extra fleece or faux-fur blanket for depth. The chunky hand knit throw feels like wrapping yourself in pure fall comfort.

Don’t forget pillows! Simple corduroy pillow covers or a plaid throw pillow from Target make your nook look seasonal and inviting without trying too hard. I have a stack of pillow covers that I use to change up the look of my room without needing to store big, bulky pillows!

 

3. Lighting: The Warm Glow of Autumn

Lighting completely sets the mood. Overhead bulbs are too harsh—opt for ambient lighting instead.

I like to weave warm-toned fairy lights into a bookshelf for a twinkly storybook vibe. Add a soft lamp and a few candles to warm up the space.

For a soft candle glow and scent, a pumpkin candle with spicy chai & vanilla or this warm cider & cinnamon candle from Target bring fall scents into your reading corner. 

If open flames and candle scents aren’t your thing, I swear by the LED flameless candle set from Target—I find these much safer in my cat-loving home! 

4. Bring in Nature: Seasonal Accents

A few small touches of nature go a long way: pumpkins on the windowsill, acorns and pine cones in a bowl, or a framed display of pressed leaves. Personally, I decorate with natural elements year around, but I still love bringing in fall-specific touches as the season changes.

For function and style, rustic wooden crates can double as a side table or storage. Or, if you need more blanket/book storage, this large cotton rope basket is perfect—and looks gorgeous next to a chair.

5. Curate Your Book Stack 

Autumn reading calls for a seasonal book stack—whether that means cozy mysteries, gothic thrillers, or romantic fall novels. Keep them close by on your side table or tucked into a woven basket. You can always check out my latest book stack on Instagram or Pinterest!

To make your little library stylish, these tree design bookends bring a subtle nature vibe. Or, you could keep your pile stored in the cotton rope basket mentioned above—perfect for quick swaps of your TBR pile.

6. Don’t Forget the Snacks & Drinks 

A cozy nook isn’t complete without refreshments--so put that decorative side table to use in your reading space and add some fun fall-themed accessories!

• Mugs: A pumpkin-themed mug from Target or a classic  fall coffee mug from Amazon makes reading feel like an event.
• Coasters: I love these autumn leaf coasters for protecting tables while keeping the seasonal aesthetic.
• Snacks: Picture warm apple muffins, popcorn dusted with cinnamon, or small indulgences like honeycrisp apple slices by your side.   

7. Personal Touches

Finally, style your nook with you. Frame favorite book quotes, put down a plush rug under your chair, or keep a refillable leather journal notebook like this one nearby for notes and reading reflections.

One of my favorite little luxuries is adding literary-inspired candle sets so even the scent feels bookish.

Share Your Nook

That’s how I like to make a cozy fall reading nook, but I’d love to see yours! Do you go all out with fairy lights and plaid pillows, or keep it minimalist and natural?

Tag me on Instagram @BookCornerNewsReviews or leave a photo/description in the comments below. You may inspire another book lover!

Remember...

Creating a cozy fall reading nook isn’t about spending a lot—it’s about choosing details that make you feel comfortable and inspired: a chunky throw, flickering lights, a mug of cider, and your favorite stack of books.

With a few thoughtful touches, you’ll have a space that feels like pure autumn magic. 

Happy fall reading! 

A trip to the farmer's market with a child is a feast for the senses. Their eyes go wide at the piles of bright red strawberries, their noses twitch at the earthy smell of potatoes, and their curiosity runs wild. It’s the perfect place for little hands to point and little voices to ask the big question: "But where does it all really come from?"

As book lovers, we know the best way to answer a big question is with a great story. Pairing a weekend market trip with a cozy story time can transform a simple shopping errand into a profound learning experience. These picture books are wonderful tools for connecting the dots between the seeds in the ground, the food on the table, and the community that makes it all happen.

Here are a few of our favorite picture books that teach kids where food comes from, perfect for reading before or after your next market adventure.

For the Market Explorer:

We're Going to the Farmers' Market by Stefan Page

What better way to prepare for your trip than with a book that takes you there first? This story follows a family through the market as they explore the stalls in alphabetical order, from "Artichokes" to "Zucchini." The rhyming text and charming illustrations introduce children to a wide variety of produce and market goods, making it the perfect primer to build excitement and familiarity before you go.

Buy the Book 

For the Little Gardener:  

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert

This vibrant, classic picture book is the perfect introduction to the magic of gardening. With bold, collage-style illustrations and simple, direct text, Ehlert takes children through the entire process: planting the seeds, watering the sprouts, watching them grow, and finally, harvesting them to make a delicious soup. It’s a foundational seed-to-table story that beautifully illustrates the care and patience necessary for growing our food.

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For the Clever Farmer: 

Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens

Based on a European folktale, this Caldecott Honor book is a brilliantly funny story about a lazy Bear who gets tricked into a farming partnership with a clever Hare. The story wonderfully illustrates that different vegetables grow in different ways—some we eat the "tops" (like broccoli) and some we eat the "bottoms" (like carrots). It’s a hilarious and memorable way to learn about harvesting and is one of the best books for kids about farms.

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For the Nature Lover:

The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner

Many fruits and vegetables at the market wouldn't exist without help from our buzzing friends! This wonderfully illustrated book explains the essential role bees play in pollination. It’s packed with fascinating facts about how bees live, work, and help our food grow. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the science of our ecosystem and foster an appreciation for the tiny creatures who do such important work.

Buy the Book 

For the Inquisitive Mind:  

How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? by Chris Butterworth

For the child who wants the straight facts, this book is a must-read. With engaging illustrations and lift-the-flap features, it traces common lunchbox items—from bread and cheese to carrots and apple juice—all the way back to their sources. It clearly explains the journey from the farm to the store, answering the "how" and "why" with fascinating detail that will satisfy even the most curious little foodie.

Buy the Book 

For the Community Builder:  

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

This heartwarming Caldecott Honor book is a beautiful celebration of how food brings people together. Omu (the Igbo word for "queen," used for "grandmother") makes a delicious stew whose scent travels through the neighborhood, attracting a diverse cast of community members. She shares her meal with everyone until the pot is empty, but her neighbors return to share their own food with her. It’s a powerful story about generosity, community, and the joy of sharing a meal.

Buy the Book 

For the Cultural Connection:

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

Food is so much more than just fuel; it’s history, family, and identity. This award-winning book celebrates the role of fry bread in Native American culture. The lyrical text and warm illustrations show how a single food can represent a shape, sound, and flavor, but also a shared history and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that every dish has a story and connects us to our community and our past.

Buy the Book 

By sharing these stories, you give your child a new lens through which to see the world—and their food.

What are your go-to picture books about food or gardening? Share your family's favorites in the comments below