Leaf Jumpers [Hardcover]

Carole Gerber (Author), Leslie Evans (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 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 © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

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. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570914974
• ISBN-13: 978-1570914973
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,775,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Carole Gerber is a poet and children's author living in Powell, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. She has written 16 picture books, two chapter books, and more than 100 elementary reading and science books for a variety of publishers. Most of her picture books are told in verse. A former teacher and journalist, she holds a B.S. in English Education and an M.A. in journalism from Ohio State.

Winter Trees (Charlesbridge, 2008) received a John Burroughs Nature Writing Award and was selected in 2009 as an Outstanding Trade Book by the CBC and NSTA. Leaf Jumpers (Charlesbridge, 2006) was commended by the NSTA and was selected for Just Read! the Florida Summer Reading List in 2009. Other awards include the Great Lakes Booksellers Pick of the List for Arctic Dreams (Charlesbridge) and a Parent Council Award of Excellence for Hush! A Gaelic Lullaby.

Carole Gerber enjoys visiting schools through the Greater Columbus Arts Council Artists-in-Schools program. To learn more about her books - she has several new ones in the works - please visit her web site: www.carolegerber.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Illustrated - Lovely to Read, December 5, 2004

By 

buonofortuna - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leaf Jumpers (Hardcover)

Once again, Leslie Evans provides stellar illustrations to accompany a writer's text. This book will inspire your little leaf jumper to collect and compare leaves, perhaps write their own story, and may inspire budding artists to try their hand at sketching their finds.

5.0 out of 5 stars Leaf Jumpers, October 5, 2010

By 

Kathleen Gerber - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Leaf Jumpers (Paperback)

Perfect book to buy for this time of year plus it teaches children about fall leaves. The story line and illustrations are wonderful.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice fall book, October 14, 2009

By 

Nonfiction (Boston) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Leaf Jumpers (Paperback)

This book has nice large illustrations of various types of leaves. There is a very cute dog that appears in many of the pictures as well. The text is fairly readable as well. The last page contains some information about why leaves change colors. I think it is appropriate for preschoolers and younger elementary school grades.