Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
Illustrator: Tiphanie Beeke
Picture Book
For ages 3 to 6
HarperCollins, 2006 ISBN: 978-0061134012
Something strange is happening to the forest outside Fletcher's den. The greens and soft sounds of summer are changing to "crinkly" golds and browns. Fletcher is so worried by what he is seeing in fact that he tells his mother about his concerns. Luckily she understands all about what is happening in the forest. She explains to her little fox cub that it is autumn. Everything that is happening is perfectly normal.
Still, when Fletcher's favorite tree starts to lose its leaves Fletcher cannot help feeling very concerned. He tries to tie the leaves back onto the tree. This turns out to be very difficult indeed for the wind wants to blow the leaves away. Fletcher does his best to catch the leaves that his tree is losing but he cannot seem to win the battle with the wind. To make matters worse what the wind does not carry off the other forest animals take away to make beds with.
Finally there is only one leaf left on the tree and though Fletcher does his best stop the wind from blowing it away, eventually even this leaf lets go. Now what will happen to Fletcher's beloved tree?
In this truly delightful seasonal celebration, the author shows her readers how a young fox learns about the changing seasons. The fox realizes that his friend, a lovely old tree, though changed by the arrival of fall and winter, is still there and is still well. With its soft pastel illustrations and its lovable main character, this picture book is sure to become a firm favorite with young children who have an appreciation for nature and wild things.
