Alice Hemming

Hilarious, and SO much fun to read aloud: the lettering makes it easy to read for frantic, freaked-out Squirrel ("Someone stole my leaf!") and patient Bird ("No one is taking your leaves, Squirrel"). Warm fall colors are brightened by shiny copper foil on the cover.An extra spread of back matter ("The Real Leaf Thief") reinforces Bird's message to Squirrel about the natural cycle of deciduous trees losing their leaves. A perfect fall book.

Great story about a changing environment. As the leafs fall, the change is something that we need to adapt to and accept that we don't have control over what the weather, seasons, or situations do, but we do have control over how we react and overcome those situations as needed.

Another book put on hold and then read with the littlest Little at the public library today.

This one was fun to read aloud, one of those that are well written and illustrated with that in mind. The littlest Little loves being read to, but is not entirely keen to read herself. (The biggest Little, on the other hand, is a keen reader and often prefers to be the out loud reader herself.)

The littlest Little is always engaged, though, and makes me laugh because she does voice her own opinions as show more the story goes along. In this book her opinion was that the squirrel was silly accusing others of stealing his leaves when they of course had fallen naturally to the ground. We loved the bird's home with its surprisingly lush decor. show less

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nichola Slater, theme is the change in nature. Squirrel is the main character and believes someone is stealing the leaves from his trees. The Squirrel is anxious and dramatic while the Bird is calm. The Bird also explains that the wind causes the leaves to fall. The difference between the characters helps develop the theme and creates a clear understanding. The author uses repetition and humor while the Squirrel accuses others of being the show more “leaf thief.” The illustrations are an important part of the book by showing the leaves changing colors and the Squirrels reactions. This is a good picture book because the illustrations and text work together to help the readers understand seasonal change. show less