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Leaves ISBN: 9781526606877
Hogtun, Stephan
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2021
This lyrical and beautiful picture book has only two characters, both trees, one of them older and bigger and the other a little girl. The older one is male and could be either father or grandfather. From the beginning he shows her how to grow, teaches her kindness, shows her the natural world (they both fly where they wish), and he gives her shelter and flexibility, and when their leaves fall, he explains there will be 'moments when you must let go, but remember to keep the good ones near - for good memories will shelter you from the storm. And the great ones will keep you warm.' When he begins to lose his leaves, she notices and is concerned, and he explains that he has no more leaves that can grow; he must rest. They fly together for the last time, and when they find the beauty they love, he gives her one of his heart-shaped leaves, telling her that she will always find him in her own leaves of the same shape. When he leaves her, she is sad and fearful in the winter storm, but when the spring returns, she finds her way home by following a trail of red heart-shaped leaves he has provided - great memories of all they have shared. Written and illustrated by a Norwegian author/illustrator, who uses the loveliness surrounding him in this remarkable picture book - an outstanding allegory about love and loss and how to cope.
Age: 7+