Synopsis
Illustrations and rhyming text describe different leaves and the trees from which they fall.
Elizabeth Young - Children's Literature
Is it a picture book? Is it a science book? It is both—and very well done meshing text and illustrations. A nice escape into an autumn ritual, as well as providing factual information about identifying leaves and the reasons they turn color. Oak leaves are compared to sturdy fingers, red maple leaves to flames on a match. The allusions are magnificent, and the linoleum-cut illustrations bring clarity and beauty to the text. Two children (brother and sister?) are celebrating the fall foliage—but it is the little brown and white dog that seems to take delight in the leaves the most! As appropriate as this work is for a season-themed unit, this could easily enhance the art room library as well. A lesson on shading moves easily from the fur on the dog to the leaf pile. A terrific example of shapes, shadows and colors. Hopefully there will be more from this duo; the other three seasons need attention now. 2004, Charlesbridge Publishing, Ages 4 to 8.