As a parent, the time you spend with your child—reading aloud, chatting, and interacting in countless ways—is pivotal in helping them develop and thrive as a reader, writer, and thinker. From teaching your child the alphabet to playing rhyming games, you instill crucial knowledge and skills through fun, playful time together. Best of all, it builds your relationship, too—and can even help you feel happier and more fulfilled.
That’s why each month we share a special list of featured reads and literacy activities. Expect fun seasonal reading recommendations, complemented with activity tutorials and free printables for an all-out story time experience with your little one.
Here are some topics to delve into with your child this month:
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Kids’ Books
Also called the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival, this holiday is traditionally celebrated in many parts of Asia, including China, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The day is based on the Lunar calendar and happens each year sometime between September and October. It’s a celebration of the Autumn harvest and takes place (as you might have guessed) at night! Families gather with lanterns, mooncakes, and starfruit to celebrate together.
September is a great time to read about this long-standing tradition with your kids, so check with your local library for some good books, or read about a couple of lovely picture books about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival recommended by early childhood educator Chrysta Naron—just follow the link and scroll down.
Kids’ Books for Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. Seize the moment to celebrate and learn with our curated list of Hispanic heritage children’s books for all ages, from board books to YA titles for tweens and teens.
You’ll find books with playful adventures, touching family stories, and inspiring journeys, all centering Hispanic and Latinx characters and cultures. Check them out at your local bookstore or library.
Picture Books about Rosh Hashanah
The start of fall also brings Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days—one of the most important times of the year in Judaism. It’s a time for adherents to reflect on their actions of the past year, consider any times they may have harmed others or done wrong, and think about how to improve themselves and the world around them in the coming year.
Your library should have lots of relevant reads on hand, and you can also check Chrysta Naron’s top picks for children’s picture books about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, compiled in the same post about awesome kids’ books for fall holidays that’s linked above. September is a good month to read and prepare for these special days.
Children’s Books about Fall Sports
Does your little one enjoy playing or watching ball sports? If you’ve got a budding fan/athlete in your home, reading books about their favorite sports may be a wonderful way to engage them in books and support their interests.
This fall, browse our lists of great picture books about soccer, soccer picture books featuring female characters, and picture books about football. You’ll find lots of fun and inspiring reads, plus plenty of lessons about teamwork, resilience, perseverance, and chasing your dreams.
Story Time Activity: DIY Pencil Case
Make a personalized, DIY pencil case for your child to take to school or keep on their desk at home to encourage homework or writing practice.
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Welcome! It’s lovely to have you here. I’m Maya, an author, literacy advocate, and mom. On this site, I publish articles, advice, book recommendations, and activities for busy parents. Through it all, my goal is to help parents like you feel equipped and confident to support your children in reading. Let’s start by understanding what you bring to the effort—your unique superpower.
Find your raise-a-reader superpower now.