Jamie A. Swenson’s We Want Leaves! A Fall Chant (9781534113350, $18.99) receives playful, colorful illustrations by Emilie Boon as it explores, via rhyme, the delights of kids who eagerly anticipate autumn’s arrival. From pumpkins to hayrides, falling leaves portend seasonal pleasures that are outlined in a happy, action-packed story perfect for read-aloud because of its many vivid descriptions.

A seasonal tale for children who love all things fall. Three mopey friends bemoan the lack of leaves, rake at the ready: “Leaves! Leaves! We want leaves! / Up to our knees / Up to our hips / Up to our bellies / Up to our lips!” As the pages turn, the kids enjoy the delights of the season: apple pie, pumpkin patches, friendly scarecrows, hayrides, and a bonfire with scary stories, hot cider, and caramel apples. Like the catchy refrain—sure to get kids to chime in—the verses are bouncy and convey delight. “We want a corn maze fit to explore— / With twists and turns and surprises galore.” And who could resist this corn maze, with adorable farm animals around every curve depicted in the cartoon illustrations, overflowing with fall colors? But in a tongue-in-cheek final be-careful-what-you-wish-for punch, the kids’ request is granted, and they find that raking isn’t as much fun as they thought it would be. Naturally, they now want snow, and fortunately, Swenson’s already published that book. Boon’s trio is diverse: a brown-skinned child with short dark hair, a child with tan skin and black braids, and a light-skinned child with medium-length reddish hair. Autumnal fun, sure to be a hit with storytime audiences and during classroom read-alouds. (Picture book. 3-6)