a book for children about leaves
ages 3-5
friend's library collection

5. An excellent informative picture book contained with exemplary literature. I love the book for many reasons. Although the scripture writing is short, the layout creates a valuable learning experience for readers. I love the way the book is written because it captures readers’ personal perspectives providing speech bubbles above each character, yet informing readers with answers and valuable information in two simple sentences alone. The layout is simple and easy to follow. The information is accurate and uses academic language to explain certain processes for when leaves fall down. Any reader can grasp the big idea which is reasons why leaves fall down. Each character including, the mother and son, discuss back and forth about leaves. The way the son talks, relates to younger children who wonder the same thing. For example, after the mother mentions leaves working hard all summer long, the son questions, “But why do trees lose their leaves?” And, on the next page, the answer to the son’s question is in one sentence. The flow of writing and language is consistent. I loved the smooth illustrations in which they coordinated with the soft font. The way the plot lays out is fairly simple: the mother and son begin their day with a walk to check out the leaves and during their walk, the son finds answers to why leaves fall. Lastly, I loved the activity offered in the back of the book which includes, creating leaves window art. ( )

A story about why leaves change color in the fall.
Source: Puyallup Public Library
Ages: 3-5

Bullard's book is a simplistic book about why the leaves change colors in fall. It has about 2 sentences per page with the characters' dialogue in speech bubbles. It discusses chlorophyll on a very basic level. I was thinking of reading this book to my class for this week's unit about plants, but I think it is too simplistic for a read aloud in third grade. I think this book would work well for a read aloud in K or 1 and could be independently read by a 1st or 2nd graders. ( )

personal, non fiction, full page water color, science, Autumn, seasons,