Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Title: Leaf Man

Author and illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Genre: Informational

Grade Level: preK-3

            Have you ever wondered what happens to the leaves when they fall down from the tree? Do you know where they go and what they do? Have you ever went to the park when the leaves change their colors and say good-bye  to their mother tree? Have you ever looked at them and enjoyed their beauty and feel the peace they bring? If you didn't, after reading the Lois Ehlert's book Leaf Man I am sure you will want to do all of that.

            Leaf Man is a young children's book that tell the story of a Leaf Man who travel on the earth from one place to another. It passes the chickens, the marsh, the meadows, the cows... and finally "a Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows". A Leaf Man tells the reader the story of the autumn. On each page of the story the leaves are arranged so that they make different figures: a man, different barn animals, fish and birds. It shows the beauty of nature, and develops its appreciation. After reading that book you just want to go outside and collect different kinds of leaves from different trees, you want to walk on the leaves and watch where they go and how they fall. The reader gets engaged in the book that doesn't even notice that it is informational book, not fiction. The author did a very good job showing the enthusiasm towards the topic.  

            The Leaf Man book is also a great tool for showing art, not just adventure. It can be used for leaf projects. One of its purposes is to inspire children to design something from leaves. It doesn't just give the reader directions how to do this or that. It walks him through the autumn nature and shows him what can be done from leaves. The leaves can be brought to life again. That's what the author wants to tell; and does it - creatively, realistically and in a fantasy story. It's amazing how powerful informational books can be.

            Leaf Man can be read to children different ages. It appeals to all ages. I truly believe elementary school teachers have to have it as a "must" in their classrooms. It also fits in 1st grade standards.

RL.1.7. Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

RL.1.5. Explain major differences between books that tell stories and books that give information, drawing on a wide reading of a range of text types.