Are you looking for some leaves themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Leaves can be a great theme to engage your students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Leaves books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of Leaves by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehler
In this innovative and colorful work of early nonfiction, children are introduced to facts about trees. Ehlert blends bold graphics, vibrant colors, and precise details in her watercolor collage alongside found objects like seeds, fabric, wire, and roots.
A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, how to make a bird treat, and other facts about trees. Children and adults will feel inspired to take a closer look at nature in their own backyards.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Leaves”
- Leaves Counting Student Book Booklet
- Leaf Poem Art Project
- Leaves Numbers & Number Word Counting Game
2. Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsy Maestro
As children jump into piles of leaves and help their parents rake the yard, they also wonder, Why do leaves change color? With bright illustrations and clear, simple text this book explains what happens to leaves in autumn.
This informative concept book includes detailed pictures of leaves in different sizes, shapes, and colors and a list of activities that kids can do with leaves. This Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Leaf Fun” Classroom Book
- Leaves Retelling Story Graphic Organizer
- Fall Trees Art Project
- Leaves Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins
This book addresses the curious minds of young learners who may be wondering, “Why do leaves change colors?” The reader will be introduced to photosynthesis and learn why the leaves change colors in the fall. This book builds on home and school connections by delivering facts readers can share with others.
A concise text and crisp, close-up, color photographs of thirteen different leaves from North American trees teach very young children how to look at and compare the leaves of autumn and are accompanied by an explanation of why they turn color.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Leaf Fun”
- Leaves Nonfiction Graphic Organizer
- Leaves Make a Word Family
- Leaves Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. When the Leaf Blew In by Steve Metzger
A wonderfully zany story about what happens on a farm when a leaf blows into the barn!
When the leaf blows into the barn,
The cow sneezes “Ah choo!”
And when the cow sneezes “Ah choo!”
The spider falls on top of the owl.
With simple, repetitive text and silly, expressive illustrations, children will fall for this hilarious autumn story about the way one leaf turns an entire barnyard upside down!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Leaves”
- “Leaves Senses” Student Booklet
- “Leaves” Student Story
- Leaves Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Lucky Leaf by Kevin O’Malley
A boy’s mom makes him stop playing his video games so that he can go outside and play. Luckily his friends are also stuck playing outside.
Eventually the group comes across the last leaf hanging on a tree which is said to be lucky if you catch it as it falls. Slowly each of the boys’ friends leave but he stays to catch it. Lucky!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Leaves”
- Story Retelling Worksheet
- Leaves Build a Word
- Leaves Add & Subtract Match Game
6. Leaf Man by Lois Ehler
Ride the wind and drift east with Leaf Man in this autumnal classic that is 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 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.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “My Favorite Leaves”
- Story Sequence Worksheet: Sequence events of the story
- Leaves Retelling Graphic Organizer
- Leaves Numbers & Ten Frames
7. The Little Yellow Leaf by Carla Berger
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.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Leaves” Classroom Book
- Leaves Poem Art Project
- Leaves Letter & Sound Match
- Leaves Math Dice Games
8. Leaves in the Fall by Martha Rustad
Look at all the brightly colored trees! Fall weather causes leaves to change colors. Follow a leaf as it grows, changes color, and falls to the ground.
Let’s grab a rake! What happens in fall? This nonfiction picture book feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!
Literacy Extensions:
- Leaves Writing Station Words
- Leaves Sight Word Match
- Leaves Art Project
- Leaves Roll & Bump Math Game
Finally, there are so many leaves children’s books you can choose from. From Leaves fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
