Fletcher and the Falling Leaves: A Fall Book for Kids

As the leaves fall from his favorite tree, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out. . . .Children's LiteratureAs summer ends, Fletcher, a young fox, begins to worry that his favorite tree is sick. Leaves turn brown and fall. Fletcher tries to catch and reattach them but is distressed as he is unable to save any. He takes the last leaf to bed with him, sad that his tree is left all on its own. The next morning, however, he discovers the tree covered with shining icicles, "more beautiful than ever." The tree seems to reassure him that it is all right, so he is ready to give it a hug and go back for his warm breakfast. The simple tale of caring is lyrically told, hinting at some philosophical base. Beeke's pastel illustrations, full double-page scenes, and some intimate vignettes, are gentle evocations of Fletcher's empathy and innocence. There is a greater concern for esthetic impact than for rendering natural history. The endpapers show the tree in the autumn at the start and in the winter landscape at the end, while the double page of it covered with icicles glitters in three dimensions.