Fall is right around the corner (yay!). Today's read nods at the upcoming season with a very cute bear. I'm getting lovely story vibes from this one...but maybe, I'm wrong?
Let's open it up and see!
THE WISHING LEAF
by Kallie George
Illustrated Paola Zakimi
Abrams Books
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING...
AUGUST 12th!!!
As the seasons change from fall to winter, Bear eagerly waits for the last leaf to fall so that he can make a wish in this charming and cozy picture book from author Kallie George and illustrator Paola Zakimi
Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends.
But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?
A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending.
Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends.
But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?
A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending.
MY TIDBITS
Autumn goodness radiates from every page as an adorable bear hangs on to his hope to make a final wish before heading off to hibernation.
Every tree is bear in the forest, except for one, last leaf. It's said that whoever sees the last leaf fall from the tree will be granted a wish. Although Bear should be preparing for winter hibernation, he really wants to wait and make that wish. Mama Bear allows him to head out with many other forest friends to sit and wait for the big event. But it never seems to come. Bear sits and sits and sits. The other animals grow weary and cold as time goes on. As sleepiness begins to take control, Bear begins to wonder if he should just give up and go home, too.
This is a gentle, warming tale, which makes a wonderful read for Autumn. Little bear is an adorable character, and it's no problem to root for him as he gives his all to wait for that leaf to fall. The other forest animals are just as kind and sweet, each one waiting patiently for the moment to come. There's a sense of wholesome community, which adds snuggly warmth. Of course, there's a message about perseverance and holding on to dreams as well. And the mother adds family goodness and a sense of security. So, there's pure positivity in these pages.
The Autumn scenes are well done and invite to jumping in leaf piles and enjoying the crisp air. It's enjoyable to watch the animals and the slight changes in the weather as the tale goes on. The colors hang in the Fall direction and everything echoes goodness. The text flows very smoothly and adds a little tension to the more calm scenes to make the tale grab. While the leaf doesn't want to fall and the animals wait and wait, there's never a sense of boredom. Instead, the anticipation builds right along with the possible disappointment to make it interesting the entire way through.
It's a lovely read for this time of year and makes a nice story-time book.
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