A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 166

Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf                                 

Author & Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Summary: This story is from the point of view of a young child who tells of her sugar maple tree. From seed, to purchase at the store, to planting, then new seeds, and of course, beautiful red and yellow leaves in autumn, each step is presented with Ehlert’s signature instructive collages. Supplemental materials in the back explain some of the scientific concepts and the biology of a tree. She also includes details on bird varieties and gardening tools.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first in a PBT Terrific Trio about leaves and trees. Because of the instructive nature of this story, consider using it in a homeschool or private school setting with young children where you can talk about God’s varied and well-designed creation. Mention too how we, like the narrator, can get attached to trees because of their beauty, ever presence, shelter, and strength. For these reasons, trees can be an intriguing symbol for God. Also, mention how their stature and movement can be like praise during worship. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harcourt, Brace & Company, 1991

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio cassette

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, awe, babies/children, beauty, beginnings/morning, blessings, bonds/connections, caring/tending, care of creation, creation, eggs/seeds, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, God’s nature, growing up/growth, life, nurturing, prayer, reverence, steadfastness, strength/strength in God, time/timing/over time, transformation, treasure, water, weather, worship

Scripture Connections: Trees of the Lord shall sing for joy (1 Chronicles 16:33); Daniel’s vision of a tree (Daniel 4:10-12); every healthy tree bears good fruit (Matthew 7:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Use trees as a learning tool for demonstrating praise in worship, strength in God, and reliance on God. Read this book and make connections with the care of the tree and the nurturing of our relationship with God.