Fall Is Not Easy

Fall Is Not Easy by Marty Kelley is a clever and humorous picture book that uses simple rhymes and quirky illustrations to explore the challenges of the changing seasons, particularly autumn. While most of us think of fall as a time when trees gracefully change their leaves into beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, Kelley’s tree has a much harder time keeping up with the season’s demands—and the result is pure, laugh-out-loud fun.

The story is told from the perspective of a tree that finds the process of changing colors in fall anything but easy. While spring, summer, and winter pass by without much fuss, autumn proves to be a challenge. The tree tries its best to display those classic fall colors, but instead its leaves come out in all kinds of wild and unexpected patterns. From polka dots to plaid, smiley faces to rainbows, the tree’s leaves take on designs that leave both the tree—and the reader—wondering what could possibly come next. The tree’s struggle is illustrated with bright, zany images that keep young readers giggling with every page turn.

What makes Fall Is Not Easy stand out is its simplicity paired with a wonderfully playful sense of humor. The rhyme scheme is short and catchy, making it perfect for reading aloud, and each line is accompanied by an unexpected visual twist. While the tree may be frustrated with its inability to match the “normal” autumn colors, kids will be delighted by the colorful surprises it produces instead. The absurdity of the patterns—whether it’s a tree covered in cow spots or turning into a jack-o’-lantern—adds to the fun and makes the book endlessly entertaining for young readers.

At its heart, Fall Is Not Easy offers more than just laughs—it subtly touches on the idea of struggling to meet expectations, something even the youngest children can relate to in their own way. The tree is trying its best, and though its results are far from conventional, it keeps going. There’s a wonderful underlying message here about embracing mistakes, accepting the unexpected, and finding humor in things not going according to plan. The tree may not get everything “right,” but that’s what makes the story so much fun.

Marty Kelley’s illustrations are simple but effective, with bold lines and bright colors that emphasize the tree’s transformation from season to season. The clean, uncluttered drawings make the tree’s unpredictable changes all the more striking. The contrast between the orderly world of nature and the tree’s whimsical attempts at fall leaves adds to the comedic effect. Kids will especially enjoy spotting each new “mistake” the tree makes as it attempts to follow the natural course of the seasons.

One of the joys of Fall Is Not Easy is how well it lends itself to repeated readings. Children will love coming back to it again and again, eager to see what crazy pattern or color the tree will come up with next. And while they’re laughing at the tree’s wild attempts to change its leaves, they’re also learning about the cycle of seasons, making the book both educational and entertaining.

In the end, when the tree finally gets it right and the leaves turn to the expected fall colors, there’s a sense of triumph—not just for the tree, but for the reader, who has been rooting for it through all its misadventures. The story ends on a note of humor and satisfaction, wrapping up the tree’s journey with a smile.

Fall Is Not Easy is a delightful and imaginative book that turns the simple process of changing leaves into a hilarious adventure. Marty Kelley’s lighthearted writing and playful illustrations make this a perfect book for young readers, particularly those who enjoy stories full of visual surprises and gentle humor. Whether you’re reading it in the fall or any other time of year, this book is sure to bring smiles and giggles to kids and adults alike.

Questions to ask while reading:

• What is your favorite leaf pattern that the tree makes?
• How do you think the tree feels when its leaves don’t turn the right colors?
• Why do you think the tree keeps trying to change its leaves?

Fall Is Not Easy on Amazon