Leaves: An Autumn Pop-Up Book

Dramatic pop-ups engineered by newcomer Yoojin Kim guide readers through autumnal changes in this cozily illustrated book. Pulling a tab causes a cluster of leaves to transform into rich oranges and yellows in the opening spread; later pages feature torrents of falling leaves, a birch tree that comes to three-dimensional life, and mushrooms that spring from the forest floor. Tiny white arrows direct children to small flaps, under which they can read about why leaves change color, the habits of various animals, and related topics. The understated text doesn't always do much to bolster the book's overall sense of wonder ("Leaves change," it concludes. "They are so amazing"), but the variety of pop-up effects and animals tucked into the scenes--an adorable baby hedgehog, a frog that leaps--create an enticing vision of seasonal change. Ages 3-8. (Sept.)