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Can Be . . . Books
A Leaf Can Be . . .
A leaf can be a . . .
Shade spiller
Mouth filler
Tree topper
Rain stopper
Find out about the many roles leaves play in this poetic exploration of leaves throughout the year.
Shade spiller
Mouth filler
Tree topper
Rain stopper
Find out about the many roles leaves play in this poetic exploration of leaves throughout the year.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
26 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Laura Purdie Salas
124 books165 followersLaura Purdie Salas is the author of more than 130 books for kids and teens, including WATER CAN BE... (Millbrook, 2014), A LEAF CAN BE... (Millbrook, 2012), and BOOKSPEAK! POEMS ABOUT BOOKS (Clarion, 2011). She loves to introduce kids to poetry and help them find poems they can relate to, no matter what their age, mood, and personality.
Laura is a thinker, a cupcake and brownie addict, and an adventurer (as long as it doesn't involve skydiving).
Laura is a thinker, a cupcake and brownie addict, and an adventurer (as long as it doesn't involve skydiving).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
August 6, 2024
بازم تو اوج سادگی داره به چیزی به سادگی برگ متفاوت نگاه میکنه و آدم از اینکه برگ چه چیزهایی میتونه باشه تعجب میکنه. من تصاویر این مجموعه رو هم عجیب دوست دارم. اینکه آخرش هم برای جملهها توضیح نوشته عالیه
کتاب رو میتونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books
۱۴۰۳/۵/۱۶
کتاب رو میتونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books
۱۴۰۳/۵/۱۶
July 10, 2018
Very few words + beautiful illustrations = big impact!
Every time i read the word of what a leaf could be it sparked a mini discussion from my 5yr old about the purpose the leaves were serving on each page. An excellent book! This is one we definitely enjoyed reading together! Highly recommend!
Every time i read the word of what a leaf could be it sparked a mini discussion from my 5yr old about the purpose the leaves were serving on each page. An excellent book! This is one we definitely enjoyed reading together! Highly recommend!
August 7, 2024
A leaf can be a Snake concealer.
اینم ناز بود ولی کتاب آب میتونه چی باشه رو بیشتر دوست داشتم.
January 2, 2022
Simply pure and imaginative. This exquisitely illustrated book was such a delight to read.
I adore this "Can Be..." series. These books will certainly become classics.
I adore this "Can Be..." series. These books will certainly become classics.
February 5, 2012
Leaves are "sun takers" and "food makers", "air cleaners" and "Earth greeners". Laura Purdie Salas' delightful word choices and Violeta Dabija's round, joyful illustrations celebrate the many roles that leaves play in Nature. In the back, Saldas explains each phrase with additional information about leaves and includes a short glossary of scientific terms.
December 15, 2024
زیباست
October 14, 2014
If you want to explore the nature, the book by Laura Purdie Salas is a must have starter. You will not only learn about the leaf, you will also learn about different animals while observing the leaf during different times of the year. And even though “a leaf is a leaf – a bit of a tree” might seem quite uninteresting focal point, it really is a great tool to introduce life and physical science topics.
Personally I love the digitally inspired illustrations that add to the magic to what “a leaf can be”. The smooth and rounded shapes, overlapping images of trees, birds, animals and flowers complement the story about the leaf and make it more appealing to the reader.
I would definitely use this book to K-2 students as a great and relaxing way to talk about science.
Personally I love the digitally inspired illustrations that add to the magic to what “a leaf can be”. The smooth and rounded shapes, overlapping images of trees, birds, animals and flowers complement the story about the leaf and make it more appealing to the reader.
I would definitely use this book to K-2 students as a great and relaxing way to talk about science.
August 29, 2021
Read Around the World: Moldova [Illustrator]
THIS was delightful. What a lovely way to talk about nature with children. Very calming and filled with exquisite illustrations, this is just fantastic and I can see many people having meaningful conversations centered around this, and the author and illustrators other books. I wish I had children to share this with. Just lovely.
THIS was delightful. What a lovely way to talk about nature with children. Very calming and filled with exquisite illustrations, this is just fantastic and I can see many people having meaningful conversations centered around this, and the author and illustrators other books. I wish I had children to share this with. Just lovely.
November 8, 2017
🍃🍁🌱🍂🍁🌿🍃🍁🌱🍂🍁🌿
August 24, 2025
Lovely illustrations. Informative. Love the words---they flow like a song.
October 6, 2017
Beautiful art
November 25, 2019
I read this to my class (kindergarten) before we made art with leaves. Will remember for next year...a great way to spark creative ideas.
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February 12, 2022Imaginative, cute and a starting point to learn.
August 11, 2022
Another enjoyable picture book from Laura Purdie Salas!
We read this to go along with a Science unit about plants, leaves, and photosynthesis. :)
We read this to go along with a Science unit about plants, leaves, and photosynthesis. :)
February 15, 2012
A Leaf Can Be is imaginative nonfiction at its best. By exploring the different jobs a leaf could have from mouth filler to ground warmer, rain stopper to nest warmer this book is a great discussion starter to use with children to see if they can think of other jobs leafs play in nature or as an jumping to board to create fiction based on one of these jobs. This book also lends itself well to studying the seasons as all four seasons are represented in this book as well.
Violetta Dabija has created stunning illustrations for this book. Muted colors are used and layered to create an almost luminescent feel. The expressions on the animals and people throughout the book are charmingly expressive.
At the end of the book is a section called More About Leaves. Each leaf job is more fully explained here. These simple descriptions lend themselves to science connections and inquiry. A small glossary and bibliography of print resources about leaves complete this nonfiction offering that would be a great fit for any elementary school classroom or library.
Violetta Dabija has created stunning illustrations for this book. Muted colors are used and layered to create an almost luminescent feel. The expressions on the animals and people throughout the book are charmingly expressive.
At the end of the book is a section called More About Leaves. Each leaf job is more fully explained here. These simple descriptions lend themselves to science connections and inquiry. A small glossary and bibliography of print resources about leaves complete this nonfiction offering that would be a great fit for any elementary school classroom or library.
February 28, 2012
In poetic language and simple rhyming text, the author extolls the many uses of a leaf. The words she chooses are delightful, imaginative, and downright fun to say; for instance, she describes a leaf as a "soft cradle" (unpaginated) paired with a "water ladle" (unpaginated), and a "frost catcher" paired with a "moth matcher" (unpaginated). While some of these creations are fairly obvious, others are quite original and will aid readers in seeing leaves differently. Backmatter includes explanations of each of the phrases used to describe leaves in the shorthand version in the text. There is also a glossary and suggestions for further reading. The illustrations pulse with life on every page, giving off an almost ethereal glow. One of my favorite illustrations accompanies the phrase "hill glow-er" (unpaginated) and shows the many colors of trees during the fall. This book is satisfying on every level, and should certainly find its way on many science teachers' book lists. It's one of my favorites so far this year.
January 15, 2012
Salas presents some of the things a leaf can be with delightful, whimsical illustrations by Violeta Dabija that present the "can be" elements on facing pages.
One of my favorite spreads depicts a child under a tree with the words, "shade spiller". The facing page shows a giraffe at twilight with the words, "mouth filler."
The back of the book offers non-fiction approaches to explanations of how a life can be that particular "thing."
Pair this one up with classic picture books like Lois Ehlert's LEAF MAN. The book would also work well as an introduction to THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.
A mentor text for "listing" strategies. A LEAF CAN BE would work well with Kelly Gallagher's 1 Topic into 18 Topics (WRITE LIKE THIS) if students were invited to consider what _______ could be using a listing strategy like the one offered by Salas here.
A LEAF CAN BE gets Mr. Hankins One Book /Four Hands thumbs up!
One of my favorite spreads depicts a child under a tree with the words, "shade spiller". The facing page shows a giraffe at twilight with the words, "mouth filler."
The back of the book offers non-fiction approaches to explanations of how a life can be that particular "thing."
Pair this one up with classic picture books like Lois Ehlert's LEAF MAN. The book would also work well as an introduction to THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.
A mentor text for "listing" strategies. A LEAF CAN BE would work well with Kelly Gallagher's 1 Topic into 18 Topics (WRITE LIKE THIS) if students were invited to consider what _______ could be using a listing strategy like the one offered by Salas here.
A LEAF CAN BE gets Mr. Hankins One Book /Four Hands thumbs up!
March 4, 2012
This is a beautifully illustrated poem book. The pictures are dreamlike. It is intended for preschoolers and school age children. It describes the roles of leaves, from “sun takers” to “ food makers.” The words are filled with fun rhymes. The text is simple enough for a beginning reader and the back includes a glossary of unknown words. This is a very informative poem book which could be used to teach a lesson on nature. Even with it's two worded rhymes, it can be used for older children as well. They will be able to enjoy the metaphors and the different meanings. “A Leaf Can Be...” meets all the criteria for quality poetry. The content is beyond interesting. Who knew a leave could be so many things? The author chose words that would enhance the meaning. The book was far from predictable. As I turned each page, I never knew what would be next. I would strongly encourage this book to be a part of story time in all preschool and elementary classrooms.
October 8, 2013
Grades K-3
A Leaf Can Be....by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Violeta Dabija is a delightful book explaining, in simple rhymes, all the different roles a leaf takes on. The rhythmic choice of words are catchy and make the reader say them in an almost a sing-songy voice. The words, although simple, are imaginative and creative with beautiful illustrations that go along with them. This book offers a couple of added bonuses. In the back there is a glossary of terms containing words that students will definitely see in science class, such as photosynthesis and chlorophyl. The author also treats us by taking her playful text, such as "sun taker" and "food maker" and makes a list of them, in the back, along with a further explanation of each. The book is a real treat and would be a great addition to any classroom library.
A Leaf Can Be....by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Violeta Dabija is a delightful book explaining, in simple rhymes, all the different roles a leaf takes on. The rhythmic choice of words are catchy and make the reader say them in an almost a sing-songy voice. The words, although simple, are imaginative and creative with beautiful illustrations that go along with them. This book offers a couple of added bonuses. In the back there is a glossary of terms containing words that students will definitely see in science class, such as photosynthesis and chlorophyl. The author also treats us by taking her playful text, such as "sun taker" and "food maker" and makes a list of them, in the back, along with a further explanation of each. The book is a real treat and would be a great addition to any classroom library.
April 16, 2015
So I was walking through the NCTE exhibition hall and someone from Millbrook publishing handed me this book (FREE!!) and said the author was signing. Okay--I don't pass up free books. What teacher does? I opened it and couldn't believe it. They were giving this book away??? How had I not heard of it?(I did get it signed, by the way, and Laura--the author--loves for her books to be used as mentors for student writers). Then, last session of NCTE when language arts awards were given out for nonfiction books, this one was on the list. And I totally see why. I love the language. I love the structure. I love the concept. And I really WANT a class to teach right now because this has such great potential as a nonfiction mentor text. Maybe next semester's pre-service teachers will have a different experience. . . :)
July 5, 2017
This book is attractive with its bright colors, its charming trees and its cartoonish people and/or animals. Just the title is a promise to explore something that most people don't consider as they pass by a tree. Just what is a leaf?
The book is most definitely a quick read and one that is full of prose as the page along with its opposite rhyme with each other. The reading gives one to a few words that describes a leaf in a way that logical adults don't think of but the illustrations help to emphasize how the leaf is used.
For those who like to explore or to know more the back of the book goes into further details into what it means for the leaf to mean on a page then how it is used in real life. Definitely charming and one that makes for a charming read to a child any period of year, especially if you choose on doing a leaf project.
The book is most definitely a quick read and one that is full of prose as the page along with its opposite rhyme with each other. The reading gives one to a few words that describes a leaf in a way that logical adults don't think of but the illustrations help to emphasize how the leaf is used.
For those who like to explore or to know more the back of the book goes into further details into what it means for the leaf to mean on a page then how it is used in real life. Definitely charming and one that makes for a charming read to a child any period of year, especially if you choose on doing a leaf project.
July 8, 2012
Completely beautiful book that felt informative and lyrical at the same time. The peaceful illustrations pulled you through the book and the information provided at the end of the book was the cherry topping!
January 3, 2012
Who knew how versatile a simple leaf could be? With beautiful illustrations and captivating language, Salas creates a story that children will enjoy while learning the science of leaves.
March 7, 2014
One of my students wanted me to read this as a read aloud. So glad I did! Great nonfiction picture book! I loved the pictures and word choice.
January 31, 2012
See all those shelves I put this book on? First and foremost, it is poetic. But within the poetry is science. The illustrations are gorgeous and add to the total package. Great book!
February 15, 2012
Lovely verse and illustrations.
April 12, 2013
Such lovely images. Pokes the imagination fully awake.
October 14, 2013
Beautiful pictures to accompany a great teaching tool about the seasons. Another happy rhyming book that leaves you humming tunes to yourself. My daughter enjoyed this one immensely.
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June 14, 2017Really enjoyed the rhymes.
August 6, 2025
A Leaf Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas is a beautifully crafted picture book that blends lyrical poetry with scientific insight, offering young readers an imaginative and educational exploration of the natural world. Through simple yet evocative verse, Salas reveals the hidden roles leaves play in our environment—from “shade spiller” and “rain stopper” to “bat shelter” and “snake concealer.” Each line invites children to see familiar things in new ways, encouraging both wonder and critical thinking.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its seamless fusion of poetic rhythm and factual depth. The text is spare but purposeful, making it accessible to early readers while maintaining a lyrical flow that’s enjoyable to read aloud. Salas masterfully chooses words that spark curiosity, and each turn of phrase is paired with Violeta Dabija’s ethereal illustrations. Her artwork, rendered in soft, layered textures, captures the mood of changing seasons and natural rhythms with quiet grace.
What elevates this book from charming to indispensable is the inclusion of a detailed factual section at the end. This section expands on each poetic metaphor with scientific explanations, providing parents and educators with a natural bridge to further discussion and inquiry. It transforms the book from a moment of poetic musing into a rich learning experience.
A Leaf Can Be... succeeds as both a gentle introduction to environmental science and a celebration of the poetry found in everyday life. It is ideal for children aged 5 to 8, whether in a classroom, on a nature walk, or during a quiet bedtime read. This book not only fosters early literacy and a love for language but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for nature.
Salas delivers a timeless message with grace: even the smallest part of the natural world can hold endless possibilities—if we just take the time to look.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its seamless fusion of poetic rhythm and factual depth. The text is spare but purposeful, making it accessible to early readers while maintaining a lyrical flow that’s enjoyable to read aloud. Salas masterfully chooses words that spark curiosity, and each turn of phrase is paired with Violeta Dabija’s ethereal illustrations. Her artwork, rendered in soft, layered textures, captures the mood of changing seasons and natural rhythms with quiet grace.
What elevates this book from charming to indispensable is the inclusion of a detailed factual section at the end. This section expands on each poetic metaphor with scientific explanations, providing parents and educators with a natural bridge to further discussion and inquiry. It transforms the book from a moment of poetic musing into a rich learning experience.
A Leaf Can Be... succeeds as both a gentle introduction to environmental science and a celebration of the poetry found in everyday life. It is ideal for children aged 5 to 8, whether in a classroom, on a nature walk, or during a quiet bedtime read. This book not only fosters early literacy and a love for language but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for nature.
Salas delivers a timeless message with grace: even the smallest part of the natural world can hold endless possibilities—if we just take the time to look.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews