Autumn Leaves - Hardcover

Robbins, Ken

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0590298798 ISBN 13: 9780590298797

Publisher: Scholastic, 1998

Synopsis

A concise text and crisp, close-up, color photographs of thirteen different leaves from North American trees teach very young children how to look at and compare the leaves of autumn, and are accompanied by an explanation of why they turn color.

About this title

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Scholastic
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0590298798
• ISBN 13: 9780590298797
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 39