The beauty and variety of leaves are the central showpiece of this highly visual book for young children. A very brief text introduces the idea of a “Leaf Man,” shown as an artful arrangement of fall leaves, with acorns for eyes and a sweet gum fruit mouth. Leaf Man is always on the move, as the wind blows him first toward the marsh and then over the farm fields, past orchards and through meadows. As Leaf Man travels at the wind’s whim, each new setting shows leaves arranged in collages recognizable as birds, butterflies, fish, turtles, and even a turkey and a cow. Lois Ehlert’s design for this oversize book includes pages of varying trim sizes, with the top edge of each page cut in a different pattern. These range from shallow scallops to gentle swoops, small zigzags to sharp points, each one suggesting the edge of one or more leaves in nature. The end result is a wonderful layering effect that reveals a dynamic blend of color and texture on every page spread, while hinting at the landscape to come. Ehlert relates her lifelong fascination with leaves in an author’s note. Her appreciation for her subject is evident throughout this tribute to the natural world, presented in a manner destined to capture young imaginations. (Ages 2–5)

Ride the wind and drift east with Leaf Man in this autumnal classic by Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Lois Ehlert, perfect for young readers returning to school in the fall.

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.

Ehlert crafts each illustration out of actual fall leaves on every spread to reveal gorgeous landscapes. This playful and whimsical book celebrates the natural world and the rich imaginative life of children.