FICTION

A Leaf Can Be

by Laura Purdie SALAS
... illus. by Violeta Dabija. unpaged. further reading. glossary. CIP. Millbrook. Mar. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6203-6; ebook $13.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8847-0. LC 2011022227.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—In a simple rhyming text, Salas examines the ways that leaves play a part in our world's ecosystem. They can softly cradle moths, act as a water ladle for animals, shade people and creatures, shelter from the rainfall, provide meals, clean the air, warm the ground, etc. The rhyme is a bit forced at times, but the acrylic-and-ink folk-art-like illustrations are charming and help to balance out that shortcoming. Dabija uses greens and oranges with a smattering of other colors that complement her palette. With a spare text and full-page illustrations, the book has a layout that can be successfully used in storytime presentations. A lovely observation about nature, suitable for a variety of science units or individual sharing.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA
"A leaf can be a... Soft cradle / Water ladle / Sun taker / Food maker." This simple rhyming text shows how leaves perform different functions, by accident or design, often with cleverly surprising contrasts: "Skin welter / Bat shelter." The green-infused illustrations match the text’s playful tone; more information about leaves is included at the back. Reading list. Glos.
Reviewed by Roxanne Burg , Mar 01, 2012

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