Fall is Not Easy

Fall is Not Easy

Written and Illustrated by Marty Kelley

Summary: This picture book is about a tree that finds changing the colors of its leaves to be a tough job! The simple, but delightful illustrations tell the real story and provide some giggles for the reader.

Mini-Lesson: Making Inferences

This is a wonderful book to introduce inferencing to students. Start out brainstorming what students know about fall. Then introduce the cover and title of the book. Discuss why fall would not be easy. As you read the book, you will find the text and the pictures could operate separately, but are connected through the meaning the reader creates. The tree goes through various stages trying to get its leaves to change to the correct color. Students will notice some pretty funny patterns. The discussion following the reading of the book can revolve around why the book is titled “Fall is Not Easy.” Students will need to combine their knowledge of tress in the fall, the illustrations that do not match their understanding, and the title of the book to explain the meaning behind the title. This discussion leads the students to understand that authors leave some ideas to the readers’ imagination. Readers use their prior knowledge, the illustrations, and the author’s words to make meaning from the text.

Enjoy this delightful book!