Review by Booklist Review
Ages 4^-7. Nicely produced, this attractive and instructive book employs full-color photos, most set against stark white backgrounds, to introduce children to a bounty of autumn leaves. Initial pages use a combination of pictures and text to highlight different leaf characteristics. The bulk of the book is devoted to identification of particular leaves, with a photo of one or several of a kind (unfortunately, it's never clear what is being shown actual size), a shot of the leaf as it looks on a single branch or on a tree, and a brief statement about some particular characteristic: for example, the leaves of the fern leaf beech look like question marks when they are dry; the leaves of the yellow poplar are shaped like tulips. A final page lends some insight into fall leaf coloration. This is a sure bet for classroom use and will also be wonderful for parent-child and school outdoor expeditions. --Stephanie Zvirin
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Robbins's (the Elements series) striking photo-essay will prove indispensable for fall nature walks. In effect, it is an album of autumn leaves, shown life-size and in their changing colors; Robbins has veered from his characteristic medium of tinted photographs and instead transmitted these photos as is, making his subjects as recognizable as possible. On most double spreads, silhouette photographs in pristine focus share white space with a photograph of the tree from which the leaves actually come (birch, gingko, linden, sassafras, etc.), sun-dappled and situated in splendid natural landscapes. (It would have been helpful had the author specified general geographic regions.) Some of the leaves are not perfect, e.g., shown with holes gnawed by insects, which adds an endearing touch. The accompanying text is simply worded and informative: "All leaves have veins. The veins of some leaves are quite easy to see." The last page offers a short explanation of photosynthesis, employing correct scientific terms for the chemicals that make the leaves turn colors, i.e., chlorophyll and anthocyanin. Robbins's work demonstrates his careful observation and reverence for nature. The clarity of the format will prove both a joy for young students and a boon for teachers. Ages 2-5. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-Observe "...carefully and see what you see...." advises Robbins in this celebration of the autumnal world. Beginning with an introduction to the wide variety of leaves to be seen, the author then presents a baker's dozen of trees and their fall-colored leaves from the rarer smoke tree, through the sassafras and yellow poplar, to the more common maples. Each variety is accompanied by a life-size, full-color photograph of one or more leaves on one page, with a photograph of the tree or some of its branches facing it. One or two simple sentences give a description or a snippet of information. About sassafras leaves, children are told, "Some even look like mittens," while fern leaf beech leaves, when dry "...look like question marks." A page on photosynthesis, the chemicals that give the leaves their colors, and the processes involved in a leaf's dying complete the attractive package. Eye-catching, crisp, colorful, and sure to be enjoyed-much as the vivid leaves themselves.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In this book, which explores the shape of leaves from thirteen deciduous trees and explains why leaves change color, spare, simple double-page spreads are enhanced by brilliantly colored life-size photographs. This introduction is containing little information but handsomely presented. From HORN BOOK Spring 1999, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Leaf identification books can be baffling to preschoolers collecting autumn leaves; whether the books feature minute silhouettes of trees and leaves, or full-blown full-color photographs of summer greens, they rarely display what a leaf looks like come fall. Robbins (Rodeo, 1996, etc.) offers an artful leaf sampling that is the exact opposite of those frustrating manuals; here the leaves are photographed in actual size and dressed in their autumn hues. The trees shown are representative of the continental US; some, such as the hickory and red oak, grow wild, while others, such as the smoke tree, are ornamental. Each entry includes elegantly displayed leaves along with a scene of those leaves on the tree. Robbins includes a comparison of leaf characteristics (jagged edge, shiny surface, etc.) and a simplified explanation of photosynthesis. The book ends, fittingly, with an uncaptioned picture of a leafless tree; under its bough is a big pile of leaves. (Picture book. 3-8)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
