Morning Leaves: Cultivating a Life of Beauty, Meaning, and Joy

by Laing F Rikkers, Kelly Leahy Radding (Illustrator)

120 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Metaphors for grief, resilience, and growth written during the pandemic and in mourning of the author's sister, interspersed with GORGEOUS pages of artwork from the artsit Kelly Leah Radding. The visuals complemented the poems, and there were some cases where they overshadowed them. This version is updated after its initial release.

A cute addition to your coffeetable. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What lovely pieces describing nature which alluded to loss and growth. The author’s personal messages in the beginning and end of this poetry book were very heartfelt and helped me to connect even more to the pieces she wrote, especially as a healthcare worker. Each poem was accompanied by a beautiful illustration and it all helps to paint a very beautiful picture in the reader’s head. The poems were refreshing and thoughtful. Thank you very much NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author reminds us to live our lives now. She shows us that by connecting with nature we can also connect with ourselves.

The descriptions of nature make you feel like you can see yourself in nature. In the positives and also the imperfections.

You can connect to the emotion in the poems. I really liked Ancient Pines. “Yes, I am deeply grounded. And yes, when it is too much, I must seek solace in the stars.”

I also really enjoyed the artwork scattered throughout the book.

[Hayley✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air.. The pictures, the words.. Like magic and whimsy in a bottle. I can't wait to gift copies to my loved ones and future children someday. This collection is just so delicate and delightful. Like faeries describing nature to curious animals. I look forward to Laings future works. What a privilege it was to read this.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

An updated version of the 2023 release, with poignant and elegant poetry describing the author's grief after losing her sister to undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, and exquisite art revealing nature's healing beauty. A moving must-read!