A Book for Both of Us: Fall Edition

When people ask me how they can instill a strong reading foundation in their children, I always respond: make it fun. In order to raise children who reach for books outside of school work, we have to make it enjoyable. 

Think about why YOU reach for a book as an adult. It brings you joy, right? Or maybe it helps you to relax. Maybe it connects you to a friend through book club. We can share all of those feelings with our young children by finding books that you share together.

That’s exactly why I teamed up with my dear friend Maggie @maggiestraveledbookshelf. I’m a (self-proclaimed) children’s book expert.. But Maggie? She is the adult book GURU. Her bookshelf is full of the best romance, fantasy, non-fiction and literary fiction reads. If I need a new book, I head to Maggie’s page.

So… welcome to A Book for Both of Us: book pairings for grown-up readers and their little readers in training. We picked some of Maggie's favorite fall-centric adult reads and paired each one with a children's book that has a similar theme, feeling, or storyline.

Reading is more fun when it’s shared. But, you can’t exactly read a sultry romance novel to your 4 year old, so we went ahead and found you a kid-friendly alternative that has the same cozy vibes.

So grab your coffee, your kiddo, and let's get reading! 

🔎 MYSTERY

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Maggie’s first pick is an impactful YA mystery/thriller recommended for readers who enjoy stories about close communities, crime investigations, and the complexities of human nature.

And for your little detective… grab Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt

This early chapter book is the perfect way to share your love of mystery and uncovering the truth with your lil’ pumpkin. Perfect for ages 5-8 (but I don’t really love to narrow books down to age ranges!), this Nate the Great book takes you on the hunt for a missing cat!

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum

A riveting story about a missing podcast host, perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of mystery and romance elements.

And THIS story might save your sanity… The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger

Pair the mystery vibes with a picture book that dives into overcoming the fear of the unknown, embracing change (because WHEW, do you know a preschooler who struggles with change?!) and the comfort of friendship. I love a book that tackles tough childhood emotions in a calm and comforting way.

🍂 ROMANCE

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

Maggie’s first romance pick is a cozy one set in 90s small-town Vermont, perfect for Gilmore Girls fans and lovers of the -ber months.

Keep the cozy vibes going with The Adventures of Sophie Mouse: The Maple Festival

This beginner chapter book focused on community and connection is such a great pairing for a romance lover. The stories aren't identical, but they have that same warm, small-town feeling where the people and relationships are really what make the story special. It's the perfect excuse to curl up under a blanket and read together.

🧙‍♀️ FANTASY ROMANCE

A Witch's Guide to Magical Inn Keeping

A romantic, cozy fantasy about magical characters with TOP TIER found family, who support each other and see each other so well, plus a slow-burning romance.

…goes great with the classic Room on a Broom, and here’s why:

If you’re a witch who loves a slow burn and knows the value of found family... there's nothing better than this classic picture book about welcoming others and protecting your community. Caring for your people and creating a place where everyone feels like they belong? Yep, those are values kids and adults both need more of! This is such a sweet way to introduce your youngest readers to the same big themes of community and belonging.

And honestly, this one is proof that a shared reading moment doesn't have to mean reading the exact same type of book. You can both be exploring the same theme at completely different levels.

💕 FRIENDSHIP

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

The MOST charming series set in London in 1883, told entirely in journal format. It's delightfully witty, with friendship at the heart of the story.

Is the perfect pick for a middle grade novel: The Pumpkin War by Cathleen Young

If you love charming stories where friendship is at the heart of everything... your little one will love this sweet story about friendship, growing up, and finding your way through big feelings with the people you love.

🐉 MYTHICAL CREATURES

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

A gripping romantasy series with fierce characters, found family, and loyal Gryverns, formidable mythical creatures similar to dragons.

Because we can’t have spooky season without a little monster mash…

If your genre is romantasy with mythical creatures and fierce characters, you must start this silly beginner reader series about lovable monsters with kind hearts. The entire series is as silly as it is sweet! You get your mythical creatures and fierce characters, and your little reader gets adorable monsters with very big personalities and very kind hearts. 

At the end of the day, it’s about the connection:

You can have your book. They can have their book. And you can still talk about the characters, the themes, the funny parts, the scary parts, and what you both loved.

That's how we make books part of childhood and that’s how reading becomes something they look forward to.

And the result is readers who see books as something fun, comforting, exciting, and connected to the people they love.

So while you’re browsing the shelves this fall, pick a book for yourself, pick one for your little reader, and we’ll see ya in the reading nook for the perfect cozy autumn play date!!

To shop these picks, click HERE!