Official Review: The Last Leaf to Fall by Amy M. Watson

[Christina Rose]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Last Leaf to Fall" by Amy M. Watson.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Analee is a young leaf who lives among the branches of a large maple tree. She is cheerful and optimistic, and she likes to see the beauty in the world around her. One morning, she is greeted by a wise, but cynical, owl who seems to have quite a pessimistic outlook on life. Hooty recounts to Analee the years he has spent watching as leaves would fall from the old tree and into a nearby gutter, never to be seen again. This leaves poor Analee feeling a bit confused, and even fearful, at the prospect of leaving her home and her friends.

Inevitably, though, change does happen. The air begins to grow colder, the colors of the leaves become brighter, and the wind gets stronger and stronger. What will happen to Analee when all other leaves have let go, and she becomes the only one left clinging to the tree’s branches? And, what will she find after becoming the last leaf to fall?

The Last Leaf To Fall is an illustrated children’s book that carefully approaches such issues as inevitable life changes, loss, and the fear of death and what’s to come. Author Amy M. Watson has beautifully crafted a story that can be shared between adults and the children in their lives. The characters are memorable and full of personality. The story itself is full of hope, beauty, as well as a touch of sadness. The illustrations are very well done and add to the overall appeal of the book.

I would have to say that my favorite aspects within The Last Leaf To Fall are the author’s timely use of well thought out metaphors and the vivid descriptions she uses throughout the story. There is truly nothing that I do not like about this book. It is a touching and therapeutic story with a timeless life lesson. I found no errors while reading this book, and whole-heartedly give the rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

I recommend this emotional, yet inspirational, story to parents, teachers, and other adults who are trying to help a child deal with loss, as well as to children who are beginning to ask questions about death and the feelings associated with it, such as fear. This is a great book to add to your toolbox. When emotional situations arise, sometimes we do not have all the answers. Sometimes we cannot quite find the right words. This book can help start that all important conversation at the moment the talk is needed.

Although there are no specific audiences for which I would recommend against reading this book, I do suggest reading the book yourself first, before sharing it with your child. I personally find the conclusion to be hopeful and moving, but I do understand how personal a subject this is. You should always be comfortable with the information and messages you are sharing with those you care about.

******
The Last Leaf to Fall
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Christina Rose's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Rose Harebate]

I like the fact that the story is full of hope and beauty. The themes, such as life changes, loss, and the fear of death will also enable children to find a way to overcome their fears. Great review!

[kandscreeley]

Wow! I can't say that I've heard of a children's story quite like this one. It sounds like it would help them to cope with the inevitable changes that happen to us all. Great idea for a book. Thanks!

[Mbrooks2518]

This does like a beautiful story that would be great for adults to use when talking to kids about these issues. Great review!

[Christina Rose]

I like the fact that the story is full of hope and beauty. The themes, such as life changes, loss, and the fear of death will also enable children to find a way to overcome their fears. Great review!

Thank you. These are unfortunately topics that may have to be dealt with from time to time, and this is a book that can help start the right conversations.

[Christina Rose]

Wow! I can't say that I've heard of a children's story quite like this one. It sounds like it would help them to cope with the inevitable changes that happen to us all. Great idea for a book. Thanks!

I agree. We don’t always think about the questions a child might have, and a story that they can understand is really helpful. Thank you!

[Christina Rose]

This does like a beautiful story that would be great for adults to use when talking to kids about these issues. Great review!

Thank you! It really should help ease into those conversations, and help children understand these sensitive issues.

[Kibet Hillary]

Thanks for the amazing and very detailed review. I cannot imagine how life became for Analee after Hooty told her such nasty things. The book is really thought-provoking. Approaching such heavy themes in an easy-to-understand manner is never that simple. I would love to read it.

[Christina Rose]

Thanks for the amazing and very detailed review. I cannot imagine how life became for Analee after Hooty told her such nasty things. The book is really thought-provoking. Approaching such heavy themes in an easy-to-understand manner is never that simple. I would love to read it.

I hope you’ll read it! Thanks so much for your feedback. Such topics are very difficult, and I think the author did a great job with her approach.

[Espie]

Autumn may be synonymous with decay and similar other images, but it's a season as important as the others not just because of the colours. It's good for children to read educational as well as entertaining materials; it's good that you've found such value from this piece. Thank you for your insightful review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Wow! We often don't like to think about it but many children go through great losses and life-altering changes and I'm so glad there are resources like this one to help them cope and open the conversation with their caregivers. It seems like a beautiful and helpful narration. Thank you!

[Mr Benji]

It is great to learn from your review, that the book is a "therapeutic story and lifetime lessons".

Another attractive point is the good "use of metaphors" which must have made it an interesting read.

Thank you for the detailed review.

[Daniel_]

This is a wonderful review. I'm sure the book will be as good as it sounds. Thanks.

[Nisha Ward]

Reading this, I got really sad for Analee. It makes me wonder how kids would handle it, though I don't think that should deter them from reading.

[Kelyn]

This sounds like it would be a truly powerful book, not only for children but for those who help them read it. Much of the time, I would lay odds that this would be a parent who has also experienced loss and has no idea how to approach it constructively with their child. Thank you for a truly insightful review.