Autumn is the season between summer and winter, when temperatures cool down and daylight grows shorter. In much of North America, autumn begins in late September and lasts until December, when winter begins. It's also called fall, because this is when leaves change color and fall from the trees.

During autumn, deciduous trees put on one of nature's most spectacular shows. Their leaves transform from green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red before dropping to the ground. This happens because the trees are preparing for winter: they stop making the green chlorophyll that helps them create food from sunlight, revealing the other colors that were hidden underneath all along.

Autumn brings harvest time for many crops. Farmers gather corn, pumpkins, apples, and wheat that grew during the warm months. Many cultures celebrate harvest festivals during autumn, giving thanks for the year's bounty. In ancient times, a successful autumn harvest could mean the difference between thriving and going hungry through the winter.

People feel different things about autumn: some love the crisp air and cozy weather, while others feel melancholy as the bright summer days fade away. Either way, autumn reminds us that change is natural and constant.