Leaves by David Ezra Stein
Where I grew up, the leaves fell from all the trees in autumn and we had to watch for bears as we wandered through the woods. For me this book speaks volumes about the changing seasons.
The story is about a young bear in his first year. After playing all summer, he notices that one day the leaves are turning strange colours and falling. He tries to put the leaves back on the tree, but eventually gathers them up to pack into a cave. And so begins this beautiful tale about the changing seasons.
I have been asked to approve this for Australian children though. And I wonder how relevant this story could possibly be. It is designed for very small children, but in this country concepts like hibernation and even falling leaves can mean something quite different.
But from what I can discover this is a first book from Stein. I adored it, and I hope he continues writing. Possibly next time a book for a more international audience.
