Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Laugh-out-loud story has lessons on autumn, compassion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Squirrel wakes up to a missing leaf and declares that THE LEAF THIEF has stolen it. Wise neighbor Bird gently tells Squirrel that "it's perfectly normal to lose a leaf or two this time of year." This calms Squirrel down—until more leaves are missing the next day! Bird reminds Squirrel that this happened last year and suggests they go back home and try to relax. But even more leaves are gone the next morning, and Bird's lessons continue. Will Squirrel get the hang of fall before the season's over?
Is It Any Good?
This book offers a funny story about the fall season—and change in general. Bird's gentle, compassionate counsel demonstrates that listening to wise friends is a great way to learn and grow. The lively, cartoonish art in fall's saturated colors will keep little eyes entertained, and the caring cross-species duo is likely to remind readers of their own supportive adult-child relationships. The Leaf Thief's pacing is quick but packed with fun and information about fall. It's a great book for cozy season, with the bonus of social-emotional lessons about relaxing and reducing worry that can help all year long.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about compassion in The Leaf Thief. How does Bird show compassion toward Squirrel? When have you showed compassion to a friend in need?
In what ways does Squirrel learn to self-soothe and control their worrying? What do you do when you're anxious about a big (or small) change?
What's something you look forward to every fall? How does fall change the way things look and feel where you live?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Nicola Slater
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship , STEM
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
- Publication date : August 27, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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