Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. ISBN 0-15-266197-2. Lois Ehlert. 1991. Ages 4-8. Child and father could represent any number of cultural and socio-economic groups.

A child tells the story of his/her favorite tree, from seedling in the forest to the garden center and finally to the yard. The child also shows us the sugar maple during all four seasons as it continues to grow in the yard. Following the story is a fairly detailed description of the parts of sugar maple trees as well as how to select, plant, and care for a tree. The illustrations combine watercolor art with photographs and pen and ink drawings in collages. The images add to the information that can be gained from this book by showing us that birds, animals, and even worms use the space around trees.

This book could easily prompt many hands-on activities, including making a bird seed treat as is suggested on the hardcover book jacket. In addition, though, younger children could perform leaf-rubbings or plant a tree in the school yard. This book could be used to teach simplified plant biology to young children. Teachers could also lead conversations about taking care of the environment and what trees contribute to the earth, including homes and food for animals as well as maple syrup. This book also has the potential to inspire many types of art projects, including painting or pressing leaves, using leaves as texture, and creating collages with leaves. Many of these projects could be used any time of year, but fall would be the best season for using Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf in the classroom.

Lois Ehlert received the Caldecott Honor for Color Zoo in 1989.