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The Little Yellow Leaf (by Carin Berger)

common sense media says

Great lesson for kids who are afraid to try something new.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is the perfect book to read to a young child trying to find the courage to do something a little new or scary.

Positive messages: The main character, a leaf, is not forced to drop until he finds the courage. Friendship helps him cope.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Little Yellow Leaf

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the little leaf felt, perhaps talking first about whether or not leaves really can feel. Why do you think this little yellow leaf was afraid to let go? Do you know how it feels to just not be ready to do something that everyone else is doing? The afternoon sun beckoned and teased the leaf. Why? How do you think that made the leaf feel? What made the difference in the end? Do you think having a friend, especially one who feels like you do, would help you do something hard?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When autumn comes, the little yellow leaf is the last leaf on the tree. He is just not ready to let go even though the other leaves swirl around him, the sun beckons and teases, fruit ages, and birds wing their way southward. Finally, when he feels all alone in the snowy winter, he finds a friend, a clinging leaf almost like himself, and together they gain the courage to take flight.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Most kids have moments of panic, especially when they're being pushed to do something they're not ready to do. They can take heart with this lovely little book, with its encouraging message, poetic language, and unique artwork. The lesson here is that with time, and a little friendly support, we all can soar to heights we never imagined.

The story reads like a whimsical poem, and looks like one, too. Words are artistically arranged amid subtle fall-like colors of the collage illustrations that are laid out on graph paper pages. It truly is a "celebration of the friends who help us take the leap."

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Carin Berger
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication date: August 26, 2008
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 3
Read Alone: 7
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members


kid, 12 years old
3
 
A beautiful story, beautifully illustrated
I get a few tears in my eyes every time I read this little story! The story is sweet and simple - its Fall and a little leaf clings to its tree, long after it should have dropped to the ground. I read this book to my 3.5 year old several times and then, after he grasped the story basics, used it as a spring board to talk about how it can be scary to do things alone, and how finding a friend can make things easier. Its also a great story to illustrate the concept of the seasons, how leaves drop from trees and then grow back in the spring.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

teen, 14 years old
3
 
A beautiful story, beautifully illustrated
I get a few tears in my eyes every time I read this little story! The story is sweet and simple - its Fall and a little leaf clings to its tree, long after it should have dropped to the ground. I read this book to my 3.5 year old several times and then, after he grasped the story basics, used it as a spring board to talk about how it can be scary to do things alone, and how finding a friend can make things easier. Its also a great story to illustrate the concept of the seasons, how leaves drop from trees and then grow back in the spring.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

kid, 11 years old
3
 
A beautiful story, beautifully illustrated
I get a few tears in my eyes every time I read this little story! The story is sweet and simple - its Fall and a little leaf clings to its tree, long after it should have dropped to the ground. I read this book to my 3.5 year old several times and then, after he grasped the story basics, used it as a spring board to talk about how it can be scary to do things alone, and how finding a friend can make things easier. Its also a great story to illustrate the concept of the seasons, how leaves drop from trees and then grow back in the spring.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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