You guys! Fall officially starts this Wednesday, September 23, at approximately 3:22 AM Central Daylight Time. Not that I am keeping track or anything.

Does anybody else out there love fall as much as I do? If so, you might want to share this activity—adapted from Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy (published by Millbrook Press, one of Lerner Publications’ sister imprints)—with the children in your life. Make sure an adult is present to help with using the hammer.

What You Need:
colorful fall leaves
watercolor paper (available at art stores)
paper towels
small hammer

What You Do:
1) Choose a leaf with a bright or bold color.
2) Put the leaf on the watercolor paper. Cover it with a paper towel.
3) Gently tap the leaf all over with the hammer.
4) Peel away the paper towel and the leaf. Enjoy your leaf print!

You can make several of these prints and children can hang them in a classroom or on their fridge at home to help welcome fall. What better way to celebrate the season than to take time to appreciate the beauty of fall leaves?