Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Leaf Man
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 8
Harcourt, 2005 ISBN: 978-0152053048
In the fall the leaves on the trees turn red, yellow, gold, and brown. They pile up in drifts and are whisked over the ground by the wind. If you look carefully you might just see Leaf Man lying there looking up at you one day. Of course Leaf Man is easily blown away, carried off by the wind to who knows where. He might get carried “toward the marsh over the ducks and geese.” He may fly over fields full of the fall vegetables and over orchards of fall fruits. He may be seen by cows as they eat their grass and by fish as they swim in a lake. One thing is for sure though and that is that “a Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows.”
Using color copies of real leaves Lois Ehlert has created a visually stunning book. Bright and interesting colored papers present a perfect background for her leaf pictures. In addition most of the double page spreads have a cut out decorative element which gives the artwork an interesting layered look.
Young readers may find themselves thinking of ways in which they too can create pictures using leaves off all shapes, sizes and colors. In the front and back covers readers will find a guide to show them what kind of leaves where used in the artwork.
