Title: The Very Last Leaf

Author: Stef Wade

Release Date: 1 August 2020

Number of Pages: 32

Review: Thank you, Capstone and Net Galley, for providing me with an advanced copy of this picture book in exchange for an honest review.

Lance Cottonwood is the best leaf in his class. All of the other leaves admire him, and he aces all of his tests. However, when the final test of the season comes around, Lance has a secret; he’s scared of falling. He comes up with excuses for why he hasn’t fallen yet, but deep down, he’s determined to stay on the tree forever. After being encouraged to talk about his fears and reassured that there’s nothing wrong with being scared, Lance gains the courage to take the leap and fall to the ground with the rest of his graduating class.

My favourite thing about this book was all of the autumn colours. This picture book is perfect for this time of year, and I think that it sets the mood for the changing seasons. I also love that this book teaches kids the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees and the lifecycle of a leaf.

I like that this book teaches kids that it’s okay to be scared and that they’re allowed to talk about their fears. I loved that Mrs. Timber takes the time to listen to Lance’s concerns and helps him talk through his worries. I think that the message of it’s okay to be scared is an important one, and I enjoyed seeing it in this picture book.

I thought that the illustrations in this book were very cute, and I liked the details like the veins and expressions on each leaf. I also appreciated the puns and wordplay in this book, especially near the beginning.

Overall, I thought this book was very cute. The artwork put me in a seasonal mood, and I thought the lessons in this book were important.

Rating: 4.5 Stars!