Little Yellow Leaf, The

by Carin Berger

As all the other leaves float off and fly past, Little Yellow Leaf thinks, I'm not ready yet . As the seasons change all around, Little Yellow Leaf holds on to the tree. Still not ready . Will Little Yellow Leaf ever be ready? This is a story for anyone who has ever been afraid of facing the unknown—and a celebration of the friends who help us take the leap.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nature, Fiction, Storytime, Friendship, Poetry

40 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Carin Berger is an award-winning designer and illustrator. She is the creator of Not So True Stories & Unreasonable Rhymes and All Mixed Up, and the illustrator of Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, by Jack Prelutsky. She won the Society of Illustrators Founder's Award in 2006, and Publishers Weekly called her "one to watch." Carin Berger lives with her family in New York City.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visually beautiful book with a touching story. Little Yellow Leaf is not ready to fall from the tree--even though he watches other leaves swirling around through the autumn activities a fallen leaf might experience or see. He thinks he is all alone in his reluctance. But, then, he sees another leaf clinging far up the tree and they decide to "let go" together. The collage art is intriguing adds the finishing touches to this cozy and thoughtful autumn read.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

With winter approaching, one single leaf clings to a branch of a tree desperate to hold on.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. I checked and this book was first published in 2008, but it feels like one of those touchy feely books that was so popular 40 years prior to that.

I loved the illustrations. They make this a beautiful book. Even the slightly unusual shape of the book makes it a stunner.

I think I was in too vile a mood to enjoy the story very much. I suppose this would make an appropriate gift for any child or adult about to embark on a new phase of life: new school, etc. While I’m sure the story means to convey embracing change, and choosing to move with others rather than being stagnant by oneself, I admit all I could think of was letting go equaling accepting death. I hope and suspect this will not be how young children view this story.

I think I would have enjoyed this more either several decades ago or at least during childhood. I do think today’s children might find some comfort in this book, but I found it slightly annoying. However, when I look at other ratings on Goodreads I see that I’m in the minority, which leads me to think it might be that mood of mine that has influenced my opinion. If the text had risen to the level of the illustrations I’d have upped my rating up to 5 or at least 4 stars.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little yellow leaf clings tightly to the great oak tree. When all the other leaves have gone, he spies another on the opposite side of the tree. Will they let go, and share the adventure together?

Five stars for the stunning artwork by the author.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading through the reviews of this book online, I'm struck by the fact that no one else has drawn the comparison I think fairly leaps to mind. Namely, that between Carin Berger's recent The Little Yellow Leaf, and Leo Buscaglia's classic picture-book explanation of death, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf . The two narratives are so very similar, in fact - a leaf clings to its tree as the autumn deepens into winter, afraid to let go, and face whatever comes next - that I was tempted to believe that this similarity in them was deliberate - perhaps a homage to one of the beloved books of my childhood?

In any case, Berger's collage illustrations here are so breathtakingly gorgeous, that I would still be recommending her book, regardless of the story, which is (unlike the Buscaglia) not so much about death, as about change in general. But back to the artwork! I love the different papers - lined notebook paper, graphing paper, handmade-looking greenish paper with white flecks - that Berger uses for her backgrounds. I love that many of the leaves and other objects were created with papers that had bits of writing on them. I simply adore the colors used, which perfectly evoke the wistful feeling of fall, and of impending winter. Every page is so gorgeous - something to be savored! - that I have difficulty picking a favorite. If I had to though, it would be the spread on which two vividly red leaves float across a golden "woven-mat" mandala. Just lovely!

In short: fans of beautifully illustrated picture-books will definitely want to peruse The Little Yellow Leaf. Whatever they think of the story, they will love the art!

[Kate Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caldecott contender 09. A little yellow leaf isn't ready to leave-- and holds on until winter, all alone. When he discovers a red leaf at the top of the tree, they decide to let go... together. Beautiful.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations and imagery.

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a graphically gorgeous and quiet fall story. It is autumn and a little yellow leaf is hanging from a tree in the forest. Other leaves start falling and flying away from their tree, but the little yellow leaf isn't ready yet. All through the autumn the leaf is not ready to leave the tree. Will the little leaf every fly away?

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and text. I loved this simple story about fall.

[Carla Keitlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the description of the story , “ This is a story for anyone who has ever been afraid of facing the unknown and a celebration of the friends who help us take the leap.”

The illustrations vividly support the story. The illustrator uses lines to represent movement. At times the illustrations are drawn on graph or lined paper. The illustrator draws scenes that represent the passage of time underscoring the leaf’s inability to face his future. Finally, he is joined by a friend who gives him courage.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our library’s children’s room has a section for books featuring specific holidays or times of year. I found The Little Yellow Leaf in the autumn section and grabbed it because it had the least amount of text (meaning that my son could probably sit through it). We read it a couple of nights ago before bed, and he seemed interested but not enrapt. I, on the other hand, quite liked it. It’s the story of a single leaf that watches its fellow leaves falling but just isn’t ready to take the plunge yet. The language is simple and poetic, the collage-style artwork is beautiful and frame-worthy, and it’s a cute little story, too. This is one I’d like to add to our collection of seasonal/holiday books.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture books beautifully depicts a lone leaf's struggle to not let go - it doesn't want to embrace change (i.e. the changing of the seasons; it's fall from the tree). But when it discovers a like-minded leaf, or a friend, it feels able to take the leap into the unknown. The illustrations are stunning - rich yellows, reds and browns, set on a background of a variety of papers re: textures and styles. A must read for the topic of seasons and changing seasons, as well as the issue of facing the unknown.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture books don't get any more beautiful than this. A new fall favorite!!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art and soothing, rythmic language will make this a fall favorite! Definite Caldecott contender.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a little book with a great big message about the power of friendship.

[Chris Callaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful picture-book, with unique artwork. The story is simple, and it deals with facing change despite one's fears. A great bedtime book for young children.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book for fall/winter. I just loved it!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

How beautiful!

Favorite Quote:

I'm not ready yet, thought the Little Yellow Lead as a riot of fiery leaves chased and swirled round the tree.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect, quiet fall story. Fine for a fall story time. Beautiful art.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These pictures are beautiful and calming and the story is sweet.

[Kayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could have picked this for the Caldecott Winner! What creative, excellent Art! It is very exciting.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book!

[Cosette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a beautiful book.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would have this book on my wall.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story about letting go and flying free. :)

[Sierra Siminuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set during autumn, following the story of a little yellow leaf that clings to the branches of its tree, not wanting to fall to the ground, even when the other leaves have already fallen. The story continues into wintertime, where the leaf meets another little leaf that also refuses to fall. He does not know what will happen when he does eventually fall, and is thus terrified of the idea. My central concept for this project surrounds the natural world. Carin Berger, the author of this picture book, utilizes a leaf to discuss a topic that many children struggle with, a fear of the unknown. Nature, and the action of children learning about the natural world, are concepts that can greatly alleviate this fear. The natural world is full of unknowns, as scientists are still learning about why certain aspects of nature still occur. As a result, children can arrive at the conclusion that even though there are many unknowns in life, whether that be in their own personal lives or the larger world around them, those unknowns are not to be feared. Even though children are often perceived as carefree and curious, this is not always the case for all children, as many experience fear, worry, and stress. This was particularly common during the era of early Evangelical children’s literature. In A Token for Children, written by James Janeway and published between 1671 and 1672, a young girl, Sarah, believes that she is a sinner, and is terrified of being banished to Hell when she dies, as she desired “with all her soul to escape from everlasting flames,” (Janeway, 8). While this piece of literature seeks to frighten, The Little Yellow Leaf seeks to do the opposite: to comfort.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall is a beautiful time of year with rich colors, smokey smells, and wonderful harvest foods. One lingering leaf holds on to its branch, not ready to let go quite yet. This little leaf holds on as other leaves let go, as the sun shines hotly down, as pumpkins ripen in the fields and children play. As snow shimmers on the branches, another leaf is holding out too. A lovely red one. The leaves count down to three and each releases is grip to whirl and twirl on the wind!

This picture book is a beautiful homage to Fall with words and collages that interweave across each page to create a subtle dance of sound, texture, and emotion. The placement of the words is done to enhance their message and their connection to the image that belongs to them. For instance, as the yellow leaf and red leaf exchange words the leaves are placed alternately to show who is speaking as the words drift down the page. Different perspectives are used in the artwork that lend a new perspective to the season and intrest to the art. At the point in the story where the leaves meet, the reader is looking down on the tree which is almost circular and resembles a complicated snowflake. The snowflakeness adds to the winter chill that is creeping into the book and puts the leaves on an equal standing that increases the feeling of friendship between them. This is a book that will increase a readers appreciation of the Fall season and of art and words in general. Enthusiastic, almost euphoric five star rating on this one.

See more reviews on http://byucbmr.com/

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidently author Carin Berger has given this well intended poem of a book to picture book readers, and those who read to them. But was it really written more for the grownups than for the children?

As noted in the blurb here on Goodreads, "This is a story for anyone who has ever been afraid of facing the unknown—and a celebration of the friends who help us take the leap."

Will children be able to connect the dots between:
* Facing the unknown
* Acknowledging friends as helpful for taking a leap into the unknown
* And an autumn leaf that can't seem to fall off the darned tree???

ALTHOUGH YOUNG CHILDREN WORRY ABOUT CHANGE,
ARE THEY REALLY THAT INTELLECTUALLY SOPHISTICATED?

Maybe not. It strikes me that this book may have mostly been written for the adults, parents and caregivers that read aloud picture books to kids.

With that in mind, I'll give this encouraging book FIVE STARS.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: Kindergarten

Summary: This is a book about Fall and the falling of leaves. It goes through the journey a leaf takes.

Review: This is a cute story and definitely will help children visualize seasons. The personification of the leaves is a great touch, especially for children.

I would read this book in the Fall, while the leaves are changing colors. So I would ask my students to bring in a leaf and draw or write a story about the leaf they have chosen.
Another activity I would do with my class would be a nature walk outside to actually see the leaves that are still holding on to their trees. Children love the outdoors and fresh air, and this book ties into nature really well.

[Olivia Thames · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carin Berger's "The Little Yellow Leaf" is lovely whether you are in the beginning, middle, or tail end of the autumn season. If you would like to start off fall on a crunchy, visual, and hopeful note you should give this picture book a look!

Some might find the illustrations busy, and the collages a bit much for certain ages and stages to focus on. Nevertheless, much like our little yellow hero, when the time is right the reader (young, middle-aged, or old) will want to go exploring for leaves to march through and admire.