A young bear in his first year is joyful until the leaves begin to turn and fall. “Are you okay?” he asks the first leaf he sees on the ground. Overwhelmed by changes, the young bear finally slumbers while the world around him continues to transform. When the bear eventually awakens, it is to the sight of small buds “on the bare arms of the trees” and small leaves unfurling. “Welcome!” he cries. David Ezra Stein’s tender, lovely picture book celebrates nature’s wonder and a gentle, open heart. The author/artist’s text and captivating illustrations are a sophisticated, graceful pairing imbued with childlike innocence. (Ages 2–5)

This simple, charming story of a young bear's first autumn is perfectly suited to board book format. Bear is surprised when the leaves start falling off the trees, but when he tries to reattach them, it doesn't work. Eventually, he gets sleepy, and burrows into the fallen leaves for a long nap. When he wakes up, it's spring-and there are suddenly brand-new leaves all around, seeming to welcome him.

With its childlike main character and graceful illustrations, Leaves is a great way to teach the youngest children about the changing seasons.