How to Create a Seasonal Book Display

Tempt Kids with Design 

Just as a well-composed plate enhances a meal, an intentionally designed library makes kids want to dive into reading. Once you’ve dedicated a special shelf or space for your seasonal selections, use wire book stands—or simply lean books against other books—so that some titles face out. Books can be a design feature, says Pagination owner Jen Murvin, and you can use them the way you’d use a painting or photograph. She also recommends grouping books according to color. For peak autumn vibes, choose shades of red, orange, brown and green. Then intersperse them or colorblock them—have fun! 

Build on a Theme 

Instead of offering up books as single-serving selections, create a buffet of options that complement each other. This approach is particularly suited to beginning readers, who may not finish one book before starting another. “Young picture-book readers don’t read one book at a time,” Murvin says. “They want to read at least three.” She recommends starting with a book that’s a little bit challenging and grouping it with something shorter or easier to read—something little ones can move onto as they get sleepy. 

Make it Interactive 

You know how kids are more likely to eat something if they’ve helped prepare it? Murvin says this principle applies to home libraries, too. “If kids are part of arranging, they’ll get excited to read one of the books or get reminded of one they haven’t read in a while,” she says. She also suggests getting crafty with a cool bookmark-making activity. It only takes construction paper and crayons, so you’ve probably got the supplies at home. Or you can amp up fall feelings by pressing colorful leaves in wax paper—the perfect marker to tuck into a favorite book. 

Pagination staff are happy to make customized book recommendations. “We love curating home libraries,” Murvin says. “It’s a free service, and it’s part of who we are as booksellers.” Check out a few of her top picks for fall: 

1. Picture Books 

Room on the Broom 
by Julia Donaldson

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown 
by Charles M. Schulz

The Nightmare Before Christmas 
by Tim Burton

Creepy Carrots! 
by Aaron Reynolds

2. Elementary-aged Readers

Goosebumps 
by R.L. Stine

Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 
by Jeff Kinney

The Haunted House Next Door: Volume 1 
by Andres Miedoso

The School Is Alive!: A Branches Book 
by Jack Chabert 

3. Ages 12 and Over

Sheets 
by Brenna Thummler

Anya’s Ghost 
by Vera Brosgol

Beetle & the Hollowbones 
by Aliza Layne

Coraline 
by Neil Gaiman

Wait Till Helen Comes 
by Mary Downing Hahn