September is a month that feels full of possibility. We are not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, and yet little signs of autumn begin appearing all around us. The mornings may feel different. School is back in session. Apples begin appearing in the kitchen, and the first hints of fall start finding their way into our homes.
September is still green and golden in many places, still holding on to the last warm afternoons of summer. But it also carries the promise of cooler days, changing leaves, sweaters, warm drinks, and all the wonderful things waiting just around the corner.
And so, in our kitchen, September is a wonderful month for apples.
There are apple slices packed into lunchboxes, apples tucked into the fruit bowl, and perhaps a warm apple dessert waiting for us on a cool evening. These simple baked apples are one of our favorite ways to welcome the beginning of apple season. They make the whole house smell wonderful, and they are simple enough for children to help prepare.
And while the apples are baking, September is also a lovely time to gather a stack of picture books.
There is something so special about choosing books to match the changing seasons. A few books about falling leaves, apples, harvest time, and the gentle beginning of autumn can make an ordinary afternoon feel a little more memorable.
So this month, we are sharing warm baked apples and a few of our favorite books for September.
Simple Cinnamon Baked Apples
This is one of those recipes that feels special without being complicated. It uses simple ingredients, lets the natural sweetness of the apples shine, and fills the kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats, optional
- A splash of water or apple cider
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Wash the apples and cut them in half. Use a small spoon or melon baller to gently remove the core and seeds.
Place the apple halves in a baking dish with the cut sides facing up.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If using the chopped nuts and oats, stir those in as well.
Spoon a little of the mixture into the center of each apple.
Pour a small splash of water or apple cider into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps keep the apples tender while they bake.
Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender. The baking time may vary depending on the variety and size of your apples.
Serve warm on their own, with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt, or with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
These apples are simple, warm, and just sweet enough. They feel like the beginning of autumn without requiring us to rush through September.
Our Favorite Books for September
September’s book basket is full of changing leaves, small woodland creatures, apples, harvests, and gentle reminders that every season has its own kind of beauty.
These are a few of our favorite picture books to gather for the month.
-Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
This is a beautiful book about the quiet transition between seasons. A young girl walks through her town and says goodbye to the sights and sounds of summer while welcoming the small changes that signal autumn’s arrival.
The illustrations are especially lovely, and the book has a peaceful, observant feeling. It is a wonderful choice for September because it reminds us that we do not have to rush from one season to the next. We can notice the changing world little by little.
-Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
In this creative autumn picture book, leaves are transformed into a little person who travels wherever the wind takes him.
The story is simple, but the illustrations are full of imagination. Children will enjoy looking closely at all the different leaves and the creative ways they are arranged into animals and people.
It is also a wonderful book to inspire an afternoon leaf walk. After reading, children can gather leaves of their own and see what creatures or pictures they can create.
-The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
This sweet and gentle story follows a little yellow leaf who is afraid to fall from the tree.
As the other leaves drift away, the little leaf remains until a friend gives him the courage to take the leap.
It is a beautiful story about friendship, change, and facing something new. The illustrations are unique and delicate, giving the whole book a lovely, almost handmade feeling.
-The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
This beautifully illustrated story introduces us to a scarecrow who is strong, steady, and always working in the field. But one day, he discovers a small baby crow who needs his help.
The story is full of warmth and kindness and is a beautiful reminder that tenderness and strength can live together. The illustrations make this book especially wonderful for reading during the autumn months.
-The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson
September would hardly feel complete without at least one apple book.
This cheerful story follows the making of an apple pie, beginning with the tree that grew the apples and traveling through all the steps that eventually lead to a delicious pie.
The rhythmic text makes it especially enjoyable to read aloud, and it is a wonderful choice for younger children. It also makes a lovely companion to a family baking day.
-The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
Squirrel notices that the leaves are disappearing from the trees and becomes very concerned. Where are they going? Who is taking them?
With the help of his friend Bird, Squirrel gradually discovers what happens when autumn arrives.
This is a funny and engaging book that explains the changing seasons in a way that young children can understand. It is perfect for little ones who have lots of questions about the world around them.
-We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
This cheerful autumn adventure follows three friends as they go searching for colorful leaves.
Along the way, they move through forests, climb hills, cross streams, and discover all kinds of beautiful leaves.
The story is active and playful, making it especially fun for preschool and early elementary-aged children. After reading, children may want to head outside for a leaf hunt of their own.
-The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri
In this gentle story, a busy squirrel gathers food and prepares for the coming winter while various woodland animals stop to say hello.
The simple text and beautiful illustrations make it a lovely choice for younger children. It is a quiet book about the changing season, hard work, and the natural world.
-The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown
The Little Scarecrow Boy is smaller than the other scarecrows and wants to prove that he is ready to stand in the field and do an important job.
This story has a wonderfully autumnal setting and a timeless, classic feeling. It is a sweet story about growing up, finding courage, and discovering that we can sometimes surprise ourselves.
A Simple September Tradition
Perhaps one of the nicest things about seasonal books and recipes is that they do not require us to create a big event. We can simply bake the apples, choose a book, and Gather everyone together. The smallest traditions are often the ones that stay with us.
A child may not remember exactly what happened on an ordinary September afternoon. But they could recall the smell of cinnamon coming from the kitchen and turning the pages of a favorite book. Perhaps they will remember that home felt especially lovely on that ordinary day.
September does not have to be packed full of activities or rushed through in anticipation of the holidays ahead. We can let it be its own beautiful month.
A month for warm baked apples.
A month for the first fallen leaves.
A month for books and blankets.
A month for settling gently into new routines.
And a month for noticing the lovely little changes that are happening all around us.
Here’s to a beautiful September, a warm kitchen, a wonderful stack of books, and all the small joys waiting to be found this month!