The Falling Leaves and the Scarecrow

by Steve Metzger, Jill Dubin (Illustrator)

Scholastic. It's the falling leaves to the rescue!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

I grew up in Queens, NY in the 1950s with my “baby” sister, Lois. She is now a wonderful writer of young adult novels and nonfiction. My mother was born in Vienna, Austria, and my father came from Brooklyn – an interesting match! My best friends were Neil, Robbie, Krebs, and Paul. I’m still good friends with most of these guys. It was less hectic in those days – no computers, no emails, fewer TV channels (MANY fewer!) We had lots of fun playing ball and listening to records. I’ll never forget when the Beatles came to America – Beatlemania!
After graduating from Baruch College in NYC, I didn’t know what to do with my life. I bounced around doing odd jobs, including taxi driver, dishwasher, and hotel desk clerk. One day, while relaxing in Central Park (OK, I was unemployed), I saw a group of children from a local daycare center. It struck me that I always liked children -- perhaps I could make a career out of something I liked. Eureka! Ever since then, I’ve been involved, in one way or another, with the lives of young children.

I received my Masters in Education from Bank Street College and taught preschool kids for a bunch of years. I loved the childrens' innocence and vivid imaginations. After moving into school administration for a few years, I began working at Scholastic, where I have been ever since.

At Scholastic, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to write children’s books. The first book that I wrote was "The Dinofours: I’m Super Dino!" Twenty-seven other Dinofours’ books followed. I hope my respect and appreciation for young children shines through in my stories.

Nowadays, I’m lucky to be married to my beautiful and talented wife, Nancy (she’s also a writer). In 1998, we were blessed with a terrific daughter, Julia, who helps criticize my story ideas and lets me play with her once in a while.

And furthermore…any recollections of my life would not be complete without mentioning my grandmother, Mutti. She was an ever present source of love, appreciation, and wisdom.

Reviews

[Emlen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. I should admit that this book was frequently - I might say incessantly - requested by kids (until we took it off the shelf), but I can't stand it. The writing is awkwardly wordy, the art is ugly, and the story is dull.

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scarecrow Storytime

When scarecrow can't frighten the crows away his leaf friends come of the rescue.

[Brooke Birchler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it had a good story line and could be used in my classroom to talk to my students about bullying and how your friends can help you through difficult times just like how the leaves help the scarecrow to scare away the crows who make fun of the scarecrow.

[Emily Kinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

11/28
Fiction
K-3rd
My all time favorite book growing up! I read it at least 3 times a week and I searched all over my book shelves at home to try and find it again! Still just as good with cute pictures and a pure message of treating others right.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindergarteners in my son's class are practically fighting over whose turn it is to have this book.