Autumn Leaves (Hardcover)

~ Ken Robbins (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 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
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590298798
• ISBN-13: 978-0590298797
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,127,261 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tough read for a beginning reader., November 4, 1999

By A Customer

This is a beautiful and descriptive book. Your preschooler will love having it read to him. If he's reading it on his own, be prepared for the advanced vocabulary on the first and last page...challenging to a beginner to the point of frustration.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll fall for this one!, January 6, 2002

By	Esme R. Codell "planetesme.com" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Absolutely lovely! I found this book great in the classroom for identifying leaves with older children, but also top-notch for sharing with my little boy in kindergarten. I have been collecting books about leaves and autumn for a long time, and this is definitely one of the best ones out there. Beautiful photography, generous information and straightforward format makes this a very pleasing addition to any children's nonfiction shelf, plus a great one to take on a walk through a park on an autumn afternoon! Check out the author's other terrific book, Thunder on the Plains, another winner! Keep up the great work, Mr. Robbins...looking forward to your next release!