Leaf Man



Last updated Monday, November 4, 2019

Author: Lois Ehlert
Date of Publication: 2005
ISBN: 0152053042
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2019

Synopsis: Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows? No one's quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows.

With illustrations made from actual fall leaves and die-cut pages on every spread that reveal gorgeous landscape vistas, here is a playful, whimsical, and evocative book that celebrates the natural world and the rich imaginative life of children.

Note to readers:
•  Be sure to study each page before time to find many hidden shapes. Go slowly and let kids search for shapes on each page before moving on. Afterwards, you could do a faster re-read.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What happens to trees this time of year? (fall)
•  Do you see pretty leaves on the ground? Do you pick them up? Do you step on them? What noise do they make when you step on them?
•  Discuss north-south-east-west.

Vocabulary

•  marsh -- an area of low-lying land which is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide
•  winter squash -- is an annual fruit representing several squash species
•  orchards -- a planting of fruit trees, nut trees, or sugar maples
•  gliding -- to move smoothly and continuously along, as if without effort or resistance
•  flock -- a number of birds of one kind feeding, resting, or traveling together
•  lonesome -- solitary or lonely
•  rustle -- make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Look for shapes on every page.(Take your time.)
•  Look at some leaves and their origin in front/back of the book. --especially "sweet gum fruit" - you see those spiky balls everywhere

Craft ideas:
•  Use construction paper so kids can create their own shapes.
•  Wrap fabric in a wreath form to make a fall wreath with handprints or leaf shapes.
•  Make a leaf man (use of construction paper, markers, popsicle sticks)
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/november-2019/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!