A Leaf Can Be...

Salas explores the many functions a leaf can serve with simple grace. “A leaf is a leaf—/ a bit of a tree./ But when cool days come chasing,/ it can also be a... Lake glider/ Wind rider/ Pile grower/ Hill glow-er/ Frost catcher/ Moth matcher.” Dabija bathes her mixed-media scenes in a fuzzy glow, creating a welcoming environment in every spread. Leaves serve as a “Bat shelter” in a rainforest enclave, and as a “Ground warmer” in a snowy, mint green clearing. Appended notes elaborate upon the poetic descriptions, providing more insight into the integral roles that leaves play in life cycles. Ages 5–8. (Mar.)