FALL LEAVES FALL!
by Zoe Hall & illustrated by Shari Halpern
A kaleidoscope of colors dazzle the eye in this exuberant celebration of the autumnal season. Hall and Halpern’s latest collaboration takes a peek at the fall season through the wide-eyed wonder of a young child. A brother and sister anticipate the arrival of fall, eagerly scanning the trees’ leaves for clues. A change in color heralds the onset of brisk days and harvest delights. Hall highlights the hallmarks of the season; vivid colors, windy days, swirling piles of fallen leaves. The siblings marvel over leaves of all shapes and sizes and engage in activities that remain a perennial favorite among children: raking up and leaping into mountainous heaps of leaves. Written in easily comprehensible terms, the text contains a wealth of information, including a detailed two-page spread devoted to identifying common leaves and an informative chart depicting the life cycle of a leaf through the four seasons. Halpern’s vibrant collages capture the splendor of Mother Nature’s finery. Her full-page illustrations contain a colorful array of leaves drifting across the pages. The large shapes and neat lines of the pictures are ideal for preschoolers. A sparkling introduction to the season, which will inspire readers to get out and enjoy nature’s colorful bounty. A best bet for classrooms, too. (Picture book. 2-7)