The Heart-Shaped Leaf

by Shira Geffen, David Polonsky (Illustrator)

Shira Geffen's beautiful and poetic story follows a little girl, Alona, on her journey home through a windswept park. She rests under a tree and eats an apple and, with each bite, a leaf falls off the tree. One of the leaves is different from the others - it is an enchanted, heart-shaped leaf, and it drops onto Alona's head and clings to her braid. The magical leaf protects her from the lead and she arrives home completely dry. Her father is waiting for her at home. He plucks the leaf out of her braid and serves her a bowl of lentil soup. When Alona gazes into the bowl of soup she sees a tree reflected there. "If you want to drink your soup, give me back my leaf!" says the tree, and tells her that the leaf is its heart, a heart in the shape of a leaf. Alona stands at the window and blows on the leaf, knowing it will find its way back. "Thank you," says the tree, which is still reflected in the soup. Shira Geffen's delicate, vivid and moving fantasy is perfectly illustrated by Polonsky's intricate pictures, full of movement and drawn from many and varied angles. The delicate texture breaks out of each one of them. This is a touching and gentle story, for 4-8 year old readers, with remarkable beauty, gentleness and delicacy.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Jewish

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Shira Geffen (Hebrew: שירה גפן) is an Israeli actress, screenwriter, film director and children's book writer.

Reviews

[Rachel]

*thank you to Netgalley, Pen & Sword and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

5 stars.

Ohh the cuteness of this is overflowing! The illustrations are adorable and beautiful, absolutely stunning, and the story is so sweet! I loved the message this story shared about how your heart will always find its way home. Home is where the heart is afterall which is something I very much believe in. The little girl is precious and this story is just such a feel good one. I'm definitely buying a physical copy once it's released. It's such a delight even though it's rather short. But it feels just right.

[Etienne]

Strange but wonderful story. Not really sure I get the point and what the author is trying to say, but it was a good ride that I enjoy in this strange fantastical world/story. I also really like the art. Original!

[Donna Maguire]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I thought that this was a lovely book to read!

The story was lovely and the illustrations are beautiful, they are so perfect for the story and they really enhance it - they are absolutely stunning.

I loved the message from the story too that your heart will always find its way home. It was a very special book to read and it was done very well.

It is 4 stars from me for this one, I thought it was a wonderful story with some stunning images - highly recommended!!

[Leah Horton]

I loved the low brow illustrations in this story. The Heart Shaped Leaf was a really cute story. I loved the concept and the idea. I just wish that there was a little bit more to it. I feel like it was a bit rushed towards the end.

[leah]

*Thank you so much to the publisher for an Earc in exchange for an honest review.*

The Heart Shaped Leaf is a really beautiful book- both in terms of writing and illustrations.

The illustrations are vibrant, evocatively bringing to life a sentient forest or a cosy house in turn. They're absolutely beautiful and certain to delight young children!

The importance of Jewish representation cannot be emphasized enough, especially in children's literature, as children must see themselves represented when young to properly develop a love of reading.
So to have children's books with visibly Jewish protagonists, and authors is a massive step and a delight to read.

Also, The Heart Shaped Leaf is a wonderful start to teaching children about protecting the environment, it has a clear emphasis on the importance of respecting and protecting nature.

Shira Gefen has written a heartwarming tale,filled to the brim with original illustrations that flower and bloom on every page. Highly recommend!

[Cheryl]

Reverence to a tree via the purity of a child.

[Curatorium .]

A heart-warming modern fairy tale. Polonsky’s illustrations will capture young readers. Hidden faces combine with bright colours and deep landscapes to provide intrigue to all. Geffen’s words are profound and meaningful. Reading the words brings adults back to a simpler time and makes everyone kinder for at least a moment after reading.

Winner - The Hadassah Prize for Children’s Literature 2003
Winner - The Isreael Museum Prize for Illustratin 2004

[Ryan]

This story touches the heart. A leaf follows a little girl home, but the tree needs that leaf back, and will not allow her soup to cool until the leaf is returned. It is a simple story but much deeper than I made it out to be. And the illustrations are master works. The should be a Reading Rainbow book. Someone call Lavar.

[Christina L]

Thank you to #netgalley for providing this book for our review. Victor loved it even though it was slow and didn’t have much action. This would be a great bedtime story. I liked that the girl cared about the tree. Also, the illustrations are lovely!

[Peacegal]

Well, that was certainly unique. The illustrations, while compelling, sometimes get a little "uncanny valley." A message about respecting others and "if you love something, set it free."

[Helena#bookdreamer]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Beautifully illustrated storybook about a girl who eats an apple from a tree and the leaves mysteriously fall off as she eats. One leave follows her home and the adventure continues. Enjoyed the message and the lyrical narration.

[Kimberly Souza]

I liked this book. I found it to be really sweet, and lovely. The illustrations are beautiful. Great to read aloud.

[January Gray]

Beautiful book! You and your children will love it! Actually, all ages will love this beautiful read! Very touching!

[Story Doyle]

This was a really pretty book. It was kind of long, but I sat and listened to the whole thing!