Since Fall has left us (at least in the Midwest: and what a gorgeous Autumn it was!), I want to sneak in a touching book that features leaves, and a universal theme to which we can all relate. It's not my usual historical fiction offering, but I purchased it as a template text for scientific-themed manuscripts.
Here goes!
Author/Illustrator: Carin Berger
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollinsPublishers)
Date: 2008
Readers: 3-8 (they say) 6 to 66 and beyond! (I say)
Themes: Autumn, Fear of the Unknown
Genre: Fiction
First Page: "It was autumn. In the hush of the forest a lone yellow leaf clung to the branch of a great oak tree."
Jacket Flap: "As all the other leaves float off and fly past, Little Yellow Leaf thinks, I'm not ready yet.
As the seasons change all around, Little Yellow Leaf holds on to the tree. Still not ready. Will Little Yellow Leaf ever be ready?
This is a story for anyone who has ever been afraid of facing the unknown — and a celebration of the friends who help us take the leap."
Why I like this book: It's precious! And the gentle, soothing words flow and fall into our minds and hearts as does the story. The illustrations are unique. It seems Carin uses a cut paper technique that holds a surprise if you look closely! They have a definite "country/colonial" feeling, reminiscent of "The Ox Cart Man."
Extra Goodies:
You can find it on Amazon
More about Carin Berger and her books/art at her WeBSITE
Interview: All about Carin's path to publication and Designs!
Another interview HERE featuring Carin's other books
Youtube visit to her studio . . . wait until you see her artwork!
Here is the Link if you can't see it below: http://youtu.be/NuRxHvNb7Xg
For the Kiddies:
"Why Leaves Change Color": Made Simple for Kids
"Why Leaves Change Color": Science Experiment
