The wishing leaf

PreS-Gr 2--It's nearly time for a baby bear to go to bed for the winter, but there's one thing left to do: watch the last leaf of autumn fall. It's said that whoever sees it fall gets a wish granted. But what should the small bear wish for? And will he be able to persevere as his adorable woodland friends give up and go to their own cozy beds? The illustrations lend a vintage charm while maintaining a modern style. tHowever, the main plot is waiting for the one leaf to fall, and it's not that compelling. A warm, muted palette adds to the fall theme of the book. There is also an excellent use of space, with foreground, midground, and background all working together to convey the story without feeling cluttered or overwhelming the intimate atmosphere. The theme of the story is patience and friendship, although it is written in a simplistic, moralizing way. Like the serif typeface used, the story is likely to appear either nostalgic or outdated, depending on the audience. VERDICT A somewhat saccharine, fall-themed bedtime story with lovely watercolor and pencil illustrations.--Shelby Hogle

A bear cub stays up late to make a wish. High in the treetops, a golden leaf still clings to a branch. It's the last leaf in the forest, and Bear knows that if you glimpse the last leaf of the season falling, your wish will come true. It's nearly bedtime, but Mama agrees to let Bear wait for the leaf to fall. He and his woodland friends gather round the tree, gazing up in anticipation. The weather grows blustery, and some animals leave. Then it starts to snow, and more friends head home. When it begins to get dark, Bear's the only one left. As his mouth stretches into a big yawn, suddenly the leaf falls! What will his wish be? Cozy, autumnal tones of burnt oranges and earthy browns bundle this sweet tale in extra warmth, just like the wooly scarves and knitted hats worn by the forest animals. The tale also serves as a gentle lesson in patience, with Bear persevering even after the others have gone home. Bear's wish shows that he has a generous heart, and George flips the script at the end by leaving readers with a question: "What would YOU wish for?" Snug and attractive, with an invitation to believe in a little magic.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.