November’s already on its way out, and before all the trees are completely bare, I needed to actually talk about fall kinds of things–like leaves, maybe.
So before Thanksgiving, I whipped out one of my favorites: Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. I’m always looking to stretch my kids’ imaginations and this book, in conjunction with Look What I Did with a Leaf! by Morteza E. Sohi does just that.
Ehlert begins with a Leaf Man–one meant to travel on the winds. And that he does, flying over rolling mountains, leaf animals, foliage, and crops. Eye-catching colors and interesting design elements (the page tops curve or zigzag here and there) keep the class focused, as do the illustrations made from leaves. For kinders, the ability to see past the actual object and onto another level can be a learned skill, and they take delight in being able to do just that. 
I always remind my class that leaves can be found everywhere. We talk about the different kinds of leaves and acorns that we find on our campus, and that the variety is greater in the community around them. I’ve never followed up with a Leaf Man of our own, although the urge is there. I’ve got too many crafts already with the holidays, but I’m determined to squeeze it in this year after a fall walk to collect leaves. And as an extension into writing, I’m going to have them add the sentence “My Leaf Man went to _________________.” at the bottom of their art. 
Following this book up with the non-fiction book Look What I Did With a Leaf! extends the project even further, for now they can contemplate elephants! Cows! Turtles! Fish!
Then, if you want another book to tie in, why not Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf , also by Lois Ehlert. All three work perfectly together, and your kindergartners will be enthralled and delighted by fall and the leaves around them.
