There are several great preschool picture books on leaves and trees, and the idea that leaves change color. For a craft that even toddlers can do, make leaf rubbings. Gather a variety of leaves, and then have plenty of paper and crayons with the paper peeled off. The child puts a piece of paper on top of the leaf and rubs it with the side of the crayon. They love to do this over and over!
Ehlert, Lois. RED LEAF, YELLOW LEAF. Watch a maple tree grow from seed to sapling and watch the leaves change color.
Gove, Doris. MY MOTHER TALKS TO TREES. A girl joins her mother on a walk where she learns not to be embarrassed when her mother talks to trees.
Hall, Zoe. FALL LEAVES FALL. Clear illustrations that carry make this story of two brothers playing in the leaves perfect for toddler storytime.
Houghton, Eric. THE CROOKED APPLE TREE. A favorite tree will be missed when the family moves.
Lionni, Leo. A BUSY YEAR. Mouse watches his friend the tree grow and lose its leaves throughout the year.
Maestro, Betsy. WHY DO LEAVES CHANGE COLOR? This easy nonfiction book describes how and why leaves change color.
Stein, David. LEAVES. A curious bear wonders why the leaves are changing colors.
Udry, Janice. A TREE IS NICE. In this Caldecott winner, there are many reasons to appreciate trees!
Wells, Rosemary. RUBY’S FALLING LEAVES. Max helps his big sister Ruby collect leaves for a school project.
Also see the previous Leaves and Trees storytime ideas page from August 2000.