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Fletcher the Fox #1
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves: A Fall Book for Kids – A Charming Picture Story About Understanding Winter for Children
Celebrate fall with the sweet and charming Fletcher the fox!
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. . . . Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons. Young readers will share the feelings of wonder and empathy as they curl up with a parent or gather in circle time to enjoy this beautiful picture book.
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. . . . Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons. Young readers will share the feelings of wonder and empathy as they curl up with a parent or gather in circle time to enjoy this beautiful picture book.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2006
13 people are currently reading
1255 people want to read
About the author
Julia Rawlinson
67 books30 followersI grew up in London, close to Richmond Park - a beautiful deer park big enough to get lost in, where I got to know lots of the animals who have since popped up in my stories.
I have always loved writing poetry - I enjoy the sound and rhythm of words and the first things I published were poems. When I had my children I started writing stories for picture books, and my first book, Fred and the Little Egg, was published in 2005. Since then I have written lots of stories about rabbits, bears, mules, dragons, hedgehogs, squirrels, mice, a kind-hearted but easily confused fox... and a girl called Molly.
I have been lucky enough to work with some wonderful illustrators, and my books have been published in many languages.
I have always loved writing poetry - I enjoy the sound and rhythm of words and the first things I published were poems. When I had my children I started writing stories for picture books, and my first book, Fred and the Little Egg, was published in 2005. Since then I have written lots of stories about rabbits, bears, mules, dragons, hedgehogs, squirrels, mice, a kind-hearted but easily confused fox... and a girl called Molly.
I have been lucky enough to work with some wonderful illustrators, and my books have been published in many languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
October 15, 2009
I LOVE this book!!! It is absolutely beautiful in style as well as sentiment. Fletcher loves his tree, but when autumn comes he begins to fear that something terrible is happening--for the leaves begin to turn color and fall off. Is his tree ill? Mother assures him that it is just the change of the seasons, but Fletcher is still worried for he loves his tree as it is and it's hard to imagine it any other way. Fletcher's sensitivity is commendable, his curiosity and misunderstanding easy to relate to as it is all to easy to want something (or someone!) to stay the same, through life's changes--when you haven't yet seen it, it's hard to imagine that what comes next could possibly be more beautiful than what has come before, or what exists at present.
The illustrations perfectly capture the sweetness and gentleness of the story and the final illustration held a beautiful surprise for me just as the tree holds a surprise for Fletcher!
Highly recommended.
The illustrations perfectly capture the sweetness and gentleness of the story and the final illustration held a beautiful surprise for me just as the tree holds a surprise for Fletcher!
Highly recommended.
October 26, 2009
I was oohing and ahhing all through this book.
I adore the pastel created illustrations; they’re the kind I can see in my mind and would love to be able to create, but can’t get down on paper the way I’d like. They’re beautiful and worth 5 stars all by themselves. The last picture is visually stunning but all the pictures are just as beautiful in their own way.
The story is very sweet. I love Fletcher. What a great character! Fletcher’s attempt to help his tree as it loses its leaves is touching and funny and just so sweet. I sort of like how the story covers late autumn and early winter only; a part of me wanted more but I think the author made the correct choice of what time period to cover.
I love the messages kids will take from this book. It’s about friendship and about accepting and coming to understand change.
This is a wonderful book and it’s gift worthy as well.
I adore the pastel created illustrations; they’re the kind I can see in my mind and would love to be able to create, but can’t get down on paper the way I’d like. They’re beautiful and worth 5 stars all by themselves. The last picture is visually stunning but all the pictures are just as beautiful in their own way.
The story is very sweet. I love Fletcher. What a great character! Fletcher’s attempt to help his tree as it loses its leaves is touching and funny and just so sweet. I sort of like how the story covers late autumn and early winter only; a part of me wanted more but I think the author made the correct choice of what time period to cover.
I love the messages kids will take from this book. It’s about friendship and about accepting and coming to understand change.
This is a wonderful book and it’s gift worthy as well.
November 4, 2010
What happens to the leaves on a tree when autumn and winter comes around the corner? Well, that is what we are about to find out! “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” is a children’s book by Julia Rawlinson along with illustrations by Tiphanie Beek and it is about a young fox named Fletcher who tries to save a tree’s leaves from falling off during autumn and winter. “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” is a cute story about the beauty of changes in weather that I am sure that many children who are interested in knowing what happens to the trees during winter and autumn will easily enjoy for many years!
Each morning, Fletcher would come out of the den and explore the world, but then he realizes that the tree’s leaves were turning gold and beginning to fall off the tree. Fletcher than goes to the tree every day to keep the leaves on the tree; however, when winter came, Fletcher noticed that all the leaves were starting to fall off more rapidly than before.
Wow! I never thought that I would be so amazed in this book about what autumn is like to children who love trees, but innocently do not really understand about the life cycle of a tree. Julia Rawlinson has certainly done an awesome job at writing this story about a young fox’s attempts to save the tree he loves! I love the way that Julia Rawlinson makes Fletcher into such a cute and determined character and what I really loved about Fletcher was how he did not understand about how it is natural for leaves to fall off the trees during winter and autumn but it made him into a caring and determined character which many children will definitely relate to Fletcher’s predicament as I am pretty sure that some small children wondered about what happens to the leaves on the trees during winter and autumn just like little Fletcher here! Tiphanie Beeke’s illustrations are cute and beautiful, especially of the image of Fletcher himself as he has black dotted eyes, a short bushy tail, large ears and reddish-orange fur. The image I really loved the most was the final image where the tree is covered in icicles during winter and the icicles are covered with glitter which truly makes the image look beautiful and mesmerizing.
All in all, “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” is a cute little story about the beauty of changes in the weather that I think many children who also love trees will enjoy for many years to come! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Each morning, Fletcher would come out of the den and explore the world, but then he realizes that the tree’s leaves were turning gold and beginning to fall off the tree. Fletcher than goes to the tree every day to keep the leaves on the tree; however, when winter came, Fletcher noticed that all the leaves were starting to fall off more rapidly than before.
Wow! I never thought that I would be so amazed in this book about what autumn is like to children who love trees, but innocently do not really understand about the life cycle of a tree. Julia Rawlinson has certainly done an awesome job at writing this story about a young fox’s attempts to save the tree he loves! I love the way that Julia Rawlinson makes Fletcher into such a cute and determined character and what I really loved about Fletcher was how he did not understand about how it is natural for leaves to fall off the trees during winter and autumn but it made him into a caring and determined character which many children will definitely relate to Fletcher’s predicament as I am pretty sure that some small children wondered about what happens to the leaves on the trees during winter and autumn just like little Fletcher here! Tiphanie Beeke’s illustrations are cute and beautiful, especially of the image of Fletcher himself as he has black dotted eyes, a short bushy tail, large ears and reddish-orange fur. The image I really loved the most was the final image where the tree is covered in icicles during winter and the icicles are covered with glitter which truly makes the image look beautiful and mesmerizing.
All in all, “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” is a cute little story about the beauty of changes in the weather that I think many children who also love trees will enjoy for many years to come! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
November 8, 2018
Originally published in Britain as Ferdie and the Falling Leaves (and subsequently published by Scholastic, for the American school-market, as The Fox and the Falling Leaves), this delightful autumn picture-book follows the story of a young fox, and his somewhat less-than-graceful adjustment to the changing of the seasons. Deeply attached to his favorite tree, Fletcher was terribly worried, as autumn proceeded, to notice it losing leaves. Determined to do something about it, he soon discovered that it was impossible, either to prevent the tree from shedding its leaves, or to reattach them, once they had fallen. Would Fletcher's tree ever be the same?
This gentle tale really is an absolute delight! The narrative itself captures a young child's uncertainty and fear, when confronted with change, while the beautiful pastel illustrations evoke all the magic of the season. As someone who loves the melancholy beauty of the autumn - my favorite time of the year! - I thought Rawlinson and Beeke did an excellent job evoking those qualities which make it memorable. The final page, in which Fletcher finally sees his tree in a new light, was particularly beautiful, offering a satisfying reassurance that, while change has come, it hasn't destroyed the tree's beauty.
This gentle tale really is an absolute delight! The narrative itself captures a young child's uncertainty and fear, when confronted with change, while the beautiful pastel illustrations evoke all the magic of the season. As someone who loves the melancholy beauty of the autumn - my favorite time of the year! - I thought Rawlinson and Beeke did an excellent job evoking those qualities which make it memorable. The final page, in which Fletcher finally sees his tree in a new light, was particularly beautiful, offering a satisfying reassurance that, while change has come, it hasn't destroyed the tree's beauty.
April 19, 2019
Fletcher is very worried. The leaves on his favorite tree are turning gold and falling off. Fletcher tries to catch the leaves and place them back on the tree. The wind blows them back off again. When the last leaf falls off of the tree, Fletcher feels like he's let his favorite tree down. He takes the golden leaf into his den and tucks it into a cozy bed. The next morning his tree is transformed into glittering ice icicles. "A tiny breeze shivered the branches, making a sound like laughter, and in the light of the rising sun, the sparkling branches nodded." Fletcher hugs his favorite tree and returns to his nice, warm den.
The pastel illustrations capture the changing seasons from autumn to winter. The last page uses glitter for the icicles on the tree. Fletcher's adorable character shows the effects that change can have on a child. Though it can be misunderstood and scary, change can also be transforming and beautiful. I recommend this book for kindergarten and up.
The pastel illustrations capture the changing seasons from autumn to winter. The last page uses glitter for the icicles on the tree. Fletcher's adorable character shows the effects that change can have on a child. Though it can be misunderstood and scary, change can also be transforming and beautiful. I recommend this book for kindergarten and up.
September 22, 2018
Fletcher si rubah kecil yang amat menyukai sebuah pohon harus berurusan dengan angin dan tupai dan landak karena mencuri semua dedaunan. Tinggal tersisa sehelai daun saat Fletcher benar-benar putus asa atas kehilangan si pohon.
Ceritanya sederhana dan lugu banget, tapi malah jadi dalam dan memilukan.
Ceritanya sederhana dan lugu banget, tapi malah jadi dalam dan memilukan.
August 20, 2025
Totally full of heart and jam-packed with expressive illustrations. The sparkles on the last page really pack a punch. I wish Fletcher every happiness.
August 6, 2021
― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
Fletcher And The Falling Leaves features cozy artwork, introducing readers to a curious fox named Fletcher whose looking to protect his favorite tree as the seasons change and the leaves begin to fall.
This picture book beautifully introduces the concept of the changing seasons and the minimal, lyrical text illustrates the atmosphere of the transition from fall to winter. There's a melancholy to the story as Fletcher is confused and sad as to why the leaves continue to fall, so he protects the leaves day after day, but as the season changes the reader understands his grief. But once fall turns to winter, the changing breeze comforts him as the new season arrives.
The oil pastel art not only incorporates the colors of fall/autumn and winter, but also is very nice to look at, going well with the heartfelt tale.
The picture book was introducing a lot of themes here from the melancholy of Fletcher's feelings to the grief of his favorite tree changing to only being able to hold onto just a few leaves, seeing animals take the falling leaves leaving him with a sense of worry and much more...but of course being an older reader, it felt like these really impactful themes just weren't explored too much in the sparse text.
But I do like that the book focuses on a very emotional character who cares deeply about his favorite tree, it makes for such a poetic way to carry the story.
Definitely want to read more from this series at some point because its a comforting kind of story and Fletcher is the perfect kind of character to explore the concept of seasons: a curious fox! Overall, this book has gorgeous artwork that illustrates the changing seasons and tells a very heartfelt story.
― [Read for research in trying to build a little library for a family member feat. picture books]
Fletcher And The Falling Leaves features cozy artwork, introducing readers to a curious fox named Fletcher whose looking to protect his favorite tree as the seasons change and the leaves begin to fall.
This picture book beautifully introduces the concept of the changing seasons and the minimal, lyrical text illustrates the atmosphere of the transition from fall to winter. There's a melancholy to the story as Fletcher is confused and sad as to why the leaves continue to fall, so he protects the leaves day after day, but as the season changes the reader understands his grief. But once fall turns to winter, the changing breeze comforts him as the new season arrives.
The oil pastel art not only incorporates the colors of fall/autumn and winter, but also is very nice to look at, going well with the heartfelt tale.
The picture book was introducing a lot of themes here from the melancholy of Fletcher's feelings to the grief of his favorite tree changing to only being able to hold onto just a few leaves, seeing animals take the falling leaves leaving him with a sense of worry and much more...but of course being an older reader, it felt like these really impactful themes just weren't explored too much in the sparse text.
But I do like that the book focuses on a very emotional character who cares deeply about his favorite tree, it makes for such a poetic way to carry the story.
Definitely want to read more from this series at some point because its a comforting kind of story and Fletcher is the perfect kind of character to explore the concept of seasons: a curious fox! Overall, this book has gorgeous artwork that illustrates the changing seasons and tells a very heartfelt story.
― [Read for research in trying to build a little library for a family member feat. picture books]
September 23, 2019
This is a sweet story and while our girls aren't as naive as Fletcher, this is their first Fall and it will be their first Winter season (in a location that gets cold and snowy, that is!)
Having spent the last 8+ years on a tropical island, I can understand how someone who has never seen the fall might be confused.
The pastel illustrations are cute and somewhat mottled and in an impressionist kind of style. Our girls loved the last page with the glittery tree and the tactile feel to the page. It's an entertaining story and we really enjoyed reading it together.
This book was selected as one of the October 2011 - Autumn and Halloween reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
September 2019 update: I listened to a school librarian read this book aloud with first-grade students and they really got into the story. It was a joy to watch them discover the final scene.
Having spent the last 8+ years on a tropical island, I can understand how someone who has never seen the fall might be confused.
The pastel illustrations are cute and somewhat mottled and in an impressionist kind of style. Our girls loved the last page with the glittery tree and the tactile feel to the page. It's an entertaining story and we really enjoyed reading it together.
This book was selected as one of the October 2011 - Autumn and Halloween reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
September 2019 update: I listened to a school librarian read this book aloud with first-grade students and they really got into the story. It was a joy to watch them discover the final scene.
July 13, 2015
Super cute story with a lot of emotional and visual interest, and I always like it when the fox isn't the villain!
June 29, 2019
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read aloud.
October 6, 2024
Stunning fall read. Fletcher doesn’t understand why the leaves are falling from the tree and why the other animals are taking fallen leaves for their own usage.
I adore his sensitivity and empathy.
The artwork is gorgeous.
Such a lovely read
I adore his sensitivity and empathy.
The artwork is gorgeous.
Such a lovely read
September 21, 2024
The little fox is precious as he tries to save the tree, from Autumn! Not realizing it's just something that happens.
December 1, 2024
Yes, I picked this up because the author and I have similar names. I stayed for the super cute illustrations. Oil pastels are hard; big respect.
January 14, 2010
So quiet, so sweet, so perfect. Love the language, love the imagery. Simply lovely, and just a little bit magical.
Just listen to these lines: "...the soft, swishing sound of summer was fading to a crinkly whisper." "Crinkly whisper." Love that.
"The leaves...tossed and turned and twitched and twirled and tumbled to the ground." That is a most awesome use of alliteration.
The tone reminds me very much of Jim Averbeck's In a Blue Room, which I love with all my heart.
I read this aloud to 4-year-olds today, and I have never, ever heard such audible gasps of "ohhhh"s as I did when I revealed the final page. I was glad to be in that moment, and was thankful to Julia Rawlinson for enabling it.
Just listen to these lines: "...the soft, swishing sound of summer was fading to a crinkly whisper." "Crinkly whisper." Love that.
"The leaves...tossed and turned and twitched and twirled and tumbled to the ground." That is a most awesome use of alliteration.
The tone reminds me very much of Jim Averbeck's In a Blue Room, which I love with all my heart.
I read this aloud to 4-year-olds today, and I have never, ever heard such audible gasps of "ohhhh"s as I did when I revealed the final page. I was glad to be in that moment, and was thankful to Julia Rawlinson for enabling it.
October 1, 2019
This week I picked up an older title that was new-to-me and it was simply delightful. It's the story of a young fox who is experiencing autumn for the very first time. As the leaves begin falling off the tree, he attempts to save them and keep them tethered to the tree. Knowing nothing about this season, he can hardly imagine the surprise right around the corner. This book shares the precious innocence that children will easily relate to and the gorgeous artwork is such a treat. The pages are full of subdued browns, deep reds, yellows, and oranges -- truly providing the feeling of fall.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
September 21, 2023
2022 review:
I have loved this picture book ever since I first read it, and I asked for a copy for Christmas when I was sixteen. This week, I got to read it for three fall-themed storytimes. All of the copies in the library system were checked out or requested, so I used my own, and it was really special.
My Thursday storytime had a lot of younger kids, and some of them lost interest partway through, although the adults seemed to enjoy it. This went over very well on Saturday, when there were more preschoolers and kindergartners, and I enjoyed sharing it. Fletcher is such a sweet character, and the book's gentle exploration of accepting change is perfect.
I have loved this picture book ever since I first read it, and I asked for a copy for Christmas when I was sixteen. This week, I got to read it for three fall-themed storytimes. All of the copies in the library system were checked out or requested, so I used my own, and it was really special.
My Thursday storytime had a lot of younger kids, and some of them lost interest partway through, although the adults seemed to enjoy it. This went over very well on Saturday, when there were more preschoolers and kindergartners, and I enjoyed sharing it. Fletcher is such a sweet character, and the book's gentle exploration of accepting change is perfect.
April 9, 2010
My three-year-old son didn't mind this story (especially since he's into foxes at the moment) and he loved the picture of the sparkly tree. I didn't really like the story at all, I don't know what it was but the little fox going around trying to put the leaves back on the tree just wasn't cute for me. The pictures, however, are completely lovely.
November 2, 2017
When I saw that the title character shared a name with my best furry friend, I knew I had to own this book. It didn't disappoint. The artwork is so perfect for fall, and Fletcher's love for his "tree" will warm your heart!
November 17, 2022
edit: I just read Leaf Trouble and I like it much more, and not only because the mom actually explains what is happening, and what will happen in the spring. It's more fun, imo.
I can't get over the mom just saying 'it's Autumn' and leaving it at that. She had a great opportunity to help him learn about seasons, but instead left him feeling, well, confused and sad and worried. I know some cultures have a more hands-off parenting style, but this doesn't seem intentional in that way to me; it seems neglectful.
It just left a bad taste in my mouth, and the rest of the book therefore vibed 'sentimental dreck' to me. Sorry.
I can't get over the mom just saying 'it's Autumn' and leaving it at that. She had a great opportunity to help him learn about seasons, but instead left him feeling, well, confused and sad and worried. I know some cultures have a more hands-off parenting style, but this doesn't seem intentional in that way to me; it seems neglectful.
It just left a bad taste in my mouth, and the rest of the book therefore vibed 'sentimental dreck' to me. Sorry.
October 10, 2023
Charming story of a little fox’s first autumn. When Fletcher sees his favorite tree losing its leaves, he gets worried that his tree is sick. Fletcher tells his tree friend that he’ll do everything he can to help and is soon scurrying around after falling leaves. He tries reattaching them and defending the leaves from squirrels who want the leaves for their nests. But soon Fletcher discovers that nature cannot be stopped and his favorite tree is completely bare. He feels like he has let his friend down, but then winter arrives and adorns his tree in dazzling new decorations.
December 9, 2017
This book was my first introduction to the "Fletcher" series, and now I am a huge "Fletcher" fan! I enjoyed reading this book aloud to my older kids, and I am so thankful to have another little one to read this to this year!
March 18, 2019
This is a really charming read. I could definitely relate to this fox; telling a tree it will get better seems like something I would have done as a kid. Anyway, it has great illustrations and really captures the atmosphere of fall.
January 8, 2020
I can't read this book without tearing up. I feel a deep sense of loss followed by a peaceful beauty. It reminds me of Tolkien. Maybe it's just because it's about a tree.
We also have Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms which is cute, but doesn't have as much depth.
We also have Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms which is cute, but doesn't have as much depth.
October 5, 2023
The days are getting colder, and Fletcher notices that his tree is losing its leaves. Fletcher does everything he can to save his precious tree, but everyone keeps carting away the leaves.
This is such a sweet, gentle story. I love Fletcher, and I'm so glad that he loves so deeply.
This is such a sweet, gentle story. I love Fletcher, and I'm so glad that he loves so deeply.
October 28, 2019
Such a cute story about the changing of the trees and my kids loved the beautiful art added to the tree at the end!
November 15, 2020
Sweet story of a little fox who doesn't understand why a tree's leaves start to change color in the fall. Artwork is done in beautiful pastels that fit the story.
October 27, 2022
Pretty art!
November 25, 2022
Read as an audiobook
A cute fantasy picture book with talking animals
A cute fantasy picture book with talking animals
July 5, 2023
So adorable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews