Saturday, October 16, 2010

Weekly Trip to the Library

Children's Books About Leaves Changing Color and Leaf Project

It is Autumn and leaves are changing color for a large portion of North America. Colorful leaves are beautiful and children love to collect leaves and make crafts with them. Below are some children's books to share with your charges and a project to do with them after reading the books to them.

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf By Lois Ehlert
This children's book classic has watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire, and roots in this innovative and rich introduction to the life of a tree. A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, and other facts about trees. It's a favorite of children everywhere.



Why Do Leaves Change Color? By Betsy Maestro
This book is written so that children ages 5 to 8 can read the book to you. But we can certainly read it to younger children who cannot read. It offers children a clear, concisely written, impeccably illustrated story about the life cycle of leaves. Why are leaves green in the first place? How do changes in light and temperature affect them? Why do leaves fall from the trees? Maestro gives detailed yet easy-to-follow explanations. Several pages feature large leaf identification pictures-one reason why this book is a great family companion to bring along while in search of the actual specimens. At the back of the book are activities and places to visit to see leaves in all their glory.



Leaf Sun Catcher
You will need:
Wax Paper
Fall Leaves
Crayon Shavings
Iron (do not allow children to iron)
Newspaper

Instructions:
Cover work surface with newspapers. Sprinkle a small amount of crayon shavings on a piece of wax paper. Arrange leaves on top. Sprinkle more crayon shavings and cover with another piece of wax paper. Place a piece of newspaper on top and iron with a warm iron until crayon shavings melt. Trim and hang in the window.
If you have a favorite book you would like to share with nannies and au pairs let us know.
Don't forget to stop by next Saturday for another Weekly Trip to the Library.

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