Bud

by Ann Fleming, Daria Vinokurova (Illustrator)

A tiny leaf, with a towering story... Perched high in the branches of an old maple tree, Bud sprouts to life and delights in his first encounters with the world around him. Far down below, a boy named Max loves to play and Bud enjoys watching him most of all. But when Bud's green coloring starts to fade, his curiosity about what lies beyond his tree branch grows. As autumn arrives, Bud wonders if his many questions about the world will be answered, or lost to the winter winds... This children's picture book is a simple story that reveals some of life's deepest truths. In rhyming verse, Bud's adventure unfolds with curiosity, gratitude, and faith in the cycles that connect us all. Recommended for ages 4+.

36 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

Ann Fleming is an award winning children's book author known for her impactful stories. Originally from upstate New York, she now resides in sunny San Diego with her family.
Inspired by the books she enjoyed reading with her son, Ann felt a calling to create stories that would capture the same sense of fun, reflection, and adventure that they experienced together.
Ann's books are not just entertaining; they carry powerful themes of appreciation, joy, friendship, acceptance, and the importance of choosing one's thoughts. She believes in the remarkable ability of children to shape their own minds and create a peaceful environment within themselves.
Her passion for empowering children through her enchanting stories is evident in every word she writes. With her books, she aspires to leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of young readers, guiding them towards a future filled with positivity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the magic of storytelling.

Reviews

[Marin . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children indeed love books in rhymes.
Interestingly, literary agents and traditional publishers avoid picture books in couplets for many reasons including this one: Writing in verses is incredibly difficult.
BUD is just another proof that creating a children's book in cadence is but a literary puzzle.
The idea behind the book, the action in the publication, the main characters, and the moral of the story are fine.
The visuals are also a good fit for the story.
Even the words set up in all capital letters are acceptable.
The rhymes are forced in some places, in others filler words are introduced, and rhythm and pacing on some pages are lost.
Please, do not get me wrong.
The publication is satisfactory.
It teaches young readers a lesson about the cycles of our natural world because our planet needs more tree huggers...

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book about how the natural world around us cultivates and shapes who we are and can become. Parents will love the universal theme and message of friendship and childhood imagination. Children and adults alike will adore the brightly colored illustrations contained on every page. As the story unfolds, readers will discover Bud, the main character, who develops a fondness for the boy who lives in the house connected to the yard where he grows on a tree. Bud watches this young boy play and grow and develops all sorts of questions about who he is and what he does when Bud can no longer see him. Towards the end of the book, we find a strong scientific influence which will be appreciated by parents, children, and teachers.

[Zara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bud. A tiny leaf, with a towering story…" is a gem of a children's book that combines poetic storytelling with stunning illustrations. Bud's journey is both touching and educational, offering young readers a gentle introduction to the cycles of nature and the concept of change. My 4-year-old is completely in love with Bud and his adventures, and we both enjoy the beautiful artwork on every page. This book is perfect for curious little minds and makes a wonderful gift. It's a story that resonates with both children and adults, reminding us all of the beauty in every stage of life.

[Eszence Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bud" really gets you thinking about how life is all about change. It's kind of sad; but also makes you reflect on how we all go through transformations. The story, told from the perspective of a lively leaf, is beautiful and thought-provoking. It talks about the constant flow of energy in life and how even though things change, life's essence never really goes away. It's deep stuff, but it's told in a way that makes you stop and consider the big picture.

[Beverley Reichman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bud is an endearing story about the life of a budding little leaf. Bud shares with young readers the life cycle of a leaf, and how he views nature and the simple pleasure of a little boy, named Max, from his point of view. The text is written in rhyming verse and uses colorful illustrations to help children gain understanding of the text. I especially enjoyed the part of the story where Max plays a pirate. Cute!

[Molly Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow Bud on his journey through the changing seasons as a friendly and curious leaf on a tree! A sweet story of friendship, transformation and discovery. Children will love getting to know Bud and will enjoy the anticipation of what will happen to this lovable and colorful protagonist. Molly Burt

[Wade Bergner · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC CHILDREN'S BOOK!
This is such a beautifully written and illustrated children's book! It's message of connection and cycle of life was so elegant and simple to digest! By bringing connection, gratitude, imagination, and curiosity into the story, readers take away something very special! This is truly a WONDERFUL book!

[Bonnie Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is perfect for 4-5-year-old children. Some 6—and 7-year-olds who understand rhyme can read it with assistance. At their developmental age, children will learn quite a bit more about nature than they knew. The rhymes are natural, and the story is beautiful, as are the illustrations. I got this book free from the author and I loved it!

[Danielle LaRosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows the journey of a cute little leaf as it drifts through the seasons. The rhyming text adds a gentle rhythm, making it a soothing read for young children. With vivid imagery and a sweet take on nature’s cycles, this book captures the beauty of change in a way that little readers will enjoy.

[Chelsea Kong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice rhyming book about "Bud" from the beginning to end. This leaf grows and changes as the season comes. It also travels as the wind blows it and thinks of all the good memories. It is grateful and knows that it will help somebody else.

[S.B. Goncarova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar to the beloved classic storybook "Alfie's Long Winter," by Greg McEvoy, about the seasons as a metaphor for life/death, written from a leaf's point of view.

In this book, though, the writing seemed pretty forced, although I do appreciate the attempt to rhyme.

[Lily L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very heartwarming story about a leaf who clings tightly to a branch wishing not to fall because he wants to witness how seasons change and to see the boys playing under the tree. In this story, readers will learn about friendship. It is a good rhyming book for kids.

[Janet Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rhyming picture book for children charmingly combines entertainment and education, presenting the life cycle through the tale of a maple leaf. The illustrations aid comprehension, while the text introduces words and concepts that will engage parents during reading time with their kids.

[Natalie Horseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bud is a beautifully written, heartfelt story about change, curiosity, and the cycles of life. With gentle rhymes and a touching perspective, this charming tale follows a tiny leaf’s journey of discovery. A perfect read for young minds and a meaningful addition to any bookshelf!

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bud's little leaf adventure is surprisingly touching! It's a simple, sweet story about growing, changing, and wondering about the world, all told through the eyes of a tiny leaf. The rhyming makes it lovely to read aloud, and it's got a gentle, thoughtful vibe. A nice, quiet book with a big heart.

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the art in this book. A little leaf grows on a tree near a small boy named Max's house. The story is sweet and told in verse. I think this would be a great bedtime book.

[Harry Fabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vibrant illustrations and heartwarming messages make this a delightful read for all ages. Bud's story reminds us that life's a beautiful journey!

[Danna Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bdd is a great book for young readers, it will teach them not just how beautiful the life cycle of the leaf is but also about life itself. Great book and great illustrations too.

[Joari Orsini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read with a heartfelt message and beautiful art. The fun rhymes ensure the whole family will have a great time!

[Craftofolio Craftofolio · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a simple yet captivating story. It has rhymes that the kids will like, making it easy to read.

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well illustrated book that really tells a good lesson about the life of a leaf. The rhymes are a great touch and kept my daughter and I engaged as it was fun to read out loud!

[Dakota Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one!

[Brandon Detwiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bud” had me hooked right from the first lines of verse! We settle in on the beginnings of a leaf’s life. He grows, has friends, gets older, and finally leaves his tree home. What an excellent, endearing, and emotional allegory for our own lives! Amazing illustrations and rhythmic patterns to boot! Don’t pass this book by!!!

[What To · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meaningful story line that includes fun rhyming verses and amazing illustrations. Bud’s story does a great job showing children that new encounters and the curiosities they will have are just a normal part of their journey growing up and how it can reveal the most simple joys of life.
I give this book 5 stars because of the meaningful story line that includes fun rhyming verses and amazing illustrations that will keep your child engaged from start to finish. All boys and girls who are anywhere between the ages of 3 to 7 years old will really enjoy this book! “that’s a review.”