A Leaf Called Greaf

by Kelly Canby

Bear is all alone and lonely until he finds the greenest, most beguiling leaf. A leaf called Greaf. Bear holds Greaf tight throughout the days and nights that follow. Bear can barely remember a time before Greaf. It is as if things have always been this way. Until one day, they aren’t. Greaf changes with the seasons, and so does Bear. As Greaf leaves him, Bear feels a lightness and warmth that he had almost forgotten. Greaf has gone, but Bear knows its memory will hold a special place in his heart forever.

Genres: Picture Books, Grief, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Kelly Canby is an internationally published illustrator and author. Kelly was born in London, but has lived in Australia since the age of three, which is probably around the same age she started playing with pencils and crayons, and it was probably only a few years after that that she decided playing with pencils and crayons was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Leaf Called Greaf is an invaluable resource for parents and educators which explains, in gentle terms, the changing nature of grief and sadness after loss.

We do love Kelly Canby's books with her lyrical prose and whimsical pictures and A Leaf Called Greaf is another heartwarming book to add to our favourites shelf here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf.

Bear is grieving, his brothers and sisters have left him, and he is all alone. Bear becomes attached to a soft green leaf and takes it everywhere with him. He names it Greaf and finds comfort in its company.
As time goes by Greaf starts to wither and crumble and no longer gives Bear comfort so Bear starts to let it go. One morning Bear wakes and Greaf is whisked away on the breeze and Bear is ready to face a bright new day. Bear's journey will give children a helping hand to understand big emotions in a child friendly setting.

Kelly Canby's expressive illustrations pair with meaningful and lyrical text to deliver a heartwarming story of the phases of grief.

I think, with a little guided explanation, A Leaf Called Greaf can help children understand their feelings of sorrow when a beloved grandparent dies or moves away, or the passing of a much loved pet.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about grief and the illustrations are just stunning.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a beautiful story about grief. It made me have a little cry...
The illustrations are sad yet sweet.

[Grace Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the pictures and how the white/shadow bears were like his family. The ending was heart warming.

[Rina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bear can barely remember a time before Greaf. It is as if things have always been this way. Until one day, they aren’t. Greaf changes with the seasons, and so does Bear.”

I really loved the idea of this book. Grief is a hard concept to explain to children, so any visual or story that can help kids understand and process this feeling better is really valuable. Plus the illustrations and colour palette used are just beautiful!

This was another picture book I happily added to my long term collection.

(Thanks to Fremantle Press for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)

See my bookstagram review.

[SBC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this powerful picture book about grief. The metaphor is a helpful way of viewing grief - as a fallen leaf that the bear carries around with him everywhere until eventually it becomes brown and brittle and uncomfortable. He lets it go and for a little while it surrounds him completely (all broken up) but then it is gone, and he carries only the memory of grief. The illustrations help the story to make sense, as there are three bear shadows (while outlines) that are with the bear while he grieves - a lost family. A beautiful book. I have no idea how a child reading this book might interpret it though - will they understand the metaphor?

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An affecting story about living with grief combining eloquent and elegant prose (I love the use of the word 'beguiling') and deeply meaningful illustrations. Particularly noteworthy is the way in which the illustrations add a layer of meaning that's entirely absent from the text - the perfectly crafted picture book.
As a Teacher/Librarian I was asked many times to source a picture book to help a child understand grief and this book is one I would add to my list.

[Jess Checkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess, this book brought tears to my eyes. This exquisite picture book offers invaluable support to educators and parents in discussing grief and the overwhelming emotions that accompany loss with children. Canby's gorgeous illustrations and inventive storytelling make her books true treasures, perfect for both keeping and gifting.

[CeCe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated book. So much to discuss with students after sharing this book. It prompts deep conversations about grief, a time for mourning and a time for letting go, love and holding onto precious memories.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture book about living with grief, presented through a calming, beautiful story. Deftly handled, never mentioned outright. Very clever. I suspect children handling grief will understand, and those who aren't will simply enjoy the peaceful story.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about the changing emotions of grief.

Illustrations are in subtle colours combining structure and abstract strokes.

[Krandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful, heart breaking picture books I've ever read

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner WA Premier’s Book
Awards 2025 - children’s

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle story about dealing with loss and the grieving process. Bear is lonely and when a beguiling (love the way Canby is not frightened to use challenging language) green leaf falls from a tree it reminds bear of the good times with his family (possibly companions) who are represented as shadowy outlines. Bear hangs onto the leaf as it slowly disintegrates and bear continues to recall past times until finally he is ready to let go of the leaf and move on knowing that he will hold onto the good memories forever.
The book is conceptually challenging for the targeted audience and parental guidance may be needed.
The descriptive and emotive text is emphasises through expressive layout and the full page spreads have muted pastel background with bear simply represented along with the outline of his lost family. No explanation of what has happened to his family is provided and young readers may look for an adult explanation.

CBCA 2025 Picture Book Notable title.
CBCA 2025 Picture Book Shortlist title.