Leaf Jumpers

August 1, 2004
K-Gr 2-The crisp excitement that fall brings sparkles on each page of this book. Image-packed poetry and watercolor and linoleum-block prints introduce the various trees as they are observed by a boy and girl and their dog. Not only are the children shown as active participants in autumn's fun, raking and jumping in the fallen foliage, but the leaves themselves "-flutter through the air, drifting downward gracefully." The vividly colored illustrations provide interesting perspectives as readers view the children and their dog at ground level, from high among the tree branches, at eye level with the children, and at shoe level. Even with the simple vocabulary, Gerber's words and images convey all the texture, shape, and color of various types of leaves. The last page has an explanation of why they fall, and this text is surrounded by identified pictures of the leaves discussed in the main body of the book. A great introduction to the season either for group or individual reading.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2004
PreS-Gr. 1. Colorful linoleum block prints of autumn leaves flutter across the pages of this attractive picture-book introduction to eight common leaf varieties. Gerber's poetic text describes colors, shapes, and characteristics with an abundance of similes and metaphors. The red maple's leaf is said to be "flame bright and vivid as a match"; the birch leaf is "oval as an egg"; and the ginkgo's yellow leaf is shaped "just like a little fan." Evans' vibrant hand-colored linoleum prints feature scenes of a brother and sister with the family dog enjoying traditional fall activities, such as raking a big pile of leaves and jumping in. They also provide helpful visual aid for youngsters who might want to try some leaf identification of their own. An ending page describes the process by which leaves change from green to their brilliant fall colors, adding to the book's value as a science resource.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)