Margo's Musings: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
Our recent trip to see our grandparents on Nantucket led us to Margo's new favorite book. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated Tiphanie Beeke is sure to be one we revisit every fall. With the leaves that have been putting on a show for the last month, it's the perfect read. Margo insists on walking around the backyard to look at the trees and she points out the colors she sees. Then we head back inside and cuddle up on the couch with a mug of my father's famous hot chocolate. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and they help make this sweet story even more magical. Fans of autumn will be delighted with the colors that float off the pages. You will adore Fletcher and his caring nature.
Have you ever been worried that someone you love wasn't feeling well? If so, you will be able to relate to Fletcher the fox's concern when his favorite tree starts turning brown. His mother assures him that it's only fall, and Fletcher tries to comfort the tree letting it know it will feel better soon. When more leaves start to swirl off the branches Fletcher sets to trying to gather them all up so he can give them back to his friend. Unfortunately, other animals are thrilled with the fallen leaves and start taking them to use as they want. Poor Fletcher is so upset and he tries very hard to make his tree get better. Is there any way that Fletcher can see that his tree will be okay? What do we do when the fate of someone we love is in our hands?
Margo is especially delighted with the end scene of the book. It really sparkles and she claps and cheers. I don't want to give it away, but I am sure you can guess what comes next. This books makes you realize that change isn't always a bad thing and sometimes even more wonderful things are in store. I like how kind Fletcher is and he truly has a heart of gold. I would recommend this book to kids, book lovers, and fans of fall of all ages.
Happy reading! ~ F
I guess brown leaves falling would look like illness to a child who didn't know.
ReplyDeleteAlex- It does make you think! Unless you know what happens, seeing the trees lose their leaves would be scary. :) ~F
DeleteSure sounds like it captures the wonder of a kid
ReplyDeletePat- It is a beautiful book! :) ~F
DeleteWe had a calendar in the kitchen that showed an autumn scene of children frollicking in a huge pile of leaves in the front yard of a beautiful Georgian home. When I was little that I would stare at the October pic for hours, if my mother let me. The colours were so vivid, and everything about the picture made me happy. Children frolicking, vivid colours of red, orange with a white picket fence surrounding this manicured lawn. The children dressed warm with their young father close by. The image never left me. Fletcher and The Falling Leaves will be a huge hit. I just know it.
ReplyDeleteJoylene- I love the memory you shared with us. It sounds like an image that definitely left a lasting impression. Fall is such a vibrant time of year when the leaves and trees put on a show for us. The picture you described sounds delightful. :) ~F
DeleteThis sounds truly lovely. And the world needs more caring Fletchers. Of all ages.
ReplyDeleteEC- We definitely need more caring in the world. :) ~F
DeleteI recall liking the illustrations in this one very much. I've always wanted to check out Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, I imagine the illustrations are just as darling.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story, and the illustrations make me want to go and play in the falling leaves. Young readers (older too) should adore this book. Thanks for telling us about it.
ReplyDeleteBrenda- For some reason I couldn't comment below your comment. I didn't even know there were more Fletcher books- but I now have to check out Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas. Based on the end of this book- I can only imagine how beautiful that one will be. :) ~F
DeleteBeverly- The book definitely makes readers appreciate the fall and jumping in leaves is such fun. :) ~F
Deletesounds positively enchanting!
ReplyDeleteDezmond- Totally! :) ~F
DeleteFletcher the Fox sounds adorable! The artwork reminds me of impressionist paintings, and I think it's so artistic and beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLexa- The paintings are so beautiful. They really capture the spirit of the season. Fletcher is just adorable and it is easy to picture him frolicking in the leaves. :) ~F
DeleteThose illustrations are gorgeous! Just wow.
ReplyDeleteKelly- I loved them! :) ~F
DeleteI love the illustrations, this sounds like one my grandkids would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteKimba- It is fun for the whole family! :) ~F
DeleteThis sounds so very sweet! I love illustrations and a lovely story, especially something about autumn!
ReplyDeleteMeradeth- It is an adorable book and the illustrations really draw the reader in. :) ~F
DeleteOh my goodness you really do feature some marvellously sweet sounding books.
ReplyDeleteTracy- Thanks so much! :) ~F
DeleteWhat a wondrous trip to the grandparents, as all trips to the grandparents should be.
ReplyDeleteFletcher and Falling Leaves sounds like the sweetest story ever.
Sandra- Visiting grandparents is the best! They have the most adorable bookstore on Nantucket too (actually two of them). So glad we picked this one up. :) ~F
DeleteI have read this one. It's sweet and cozy. Changes can be good!
ReplyDeleteClaudine- It is sweet and cozy. Changes can be hard- but good. :) ~F
DeleteSounds like such a fun book.
ReplyDeleteDonna- You will love it. :) ~F
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