How I Learned to Fall Out of Trees

by Vincent X. Kirsch

Roger and Adelia are the very best of friends. They’ve spent many springtimes collecting birds’ nests, autumns jumping into piles of colorful leaves, and winters building snowmen. When the time comes for Adelia to move away, the two friends must say good-bye. But Adelia has one parting gift for Roger: She will teach him, once and for all, how to climb a tree. Lyrical and colorful, the narrative flips between Adelia’s instructions (“hold on tight,” “move up when you’re ready”) and her packing list (things they loved to play with, things they were supposed to throw away). By the time the moving van pulls up, Roger is ready to start his climb. But now, he’s afraid of “letting go.” In a sweet reveal, we learn that Adelia has left behind a soft landing, making sure that—for Roger—falling is the easiest part. 
 

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Storytime, Emotion

34 pages, Hardcover

Published April 23, 2019

About the author

Vincent X. Kirsch is an award-winning author and illustrator working in California. He graduated from Syracuse University and studied Editorial Design, Filmmaking, and Scenic Design.

Vincent got his lucky break in picture books when a children’s book editor noticed his color illustration style in the pages of The New York Times Book Review and thought it was a perfect match for children’s books.

Vincent’s work is influenced by his fascination with theater, puppetry, poster art, classical painting techniques, and Hollywood films. His whimsical stories and characters range from the fantastically out-of-this-world to inspiringly down-to-earth. In the past, his fanciful work was done with paint, ink, graphite, paper, and glue, but lately, he has been creating spectacular digital images in ProCreate.

He also creates enchanting three-dimensional toy theaters and animations under the venture known as Paperbox Playhouses.

Before writing and illustrating books, Vincent wore many hats, such as designing graphics for Broadway shows and book jackets, editorial illustrator for major newspapers and magazines, and windows and interior installations at Bergdorf Goodman. He was also the Director of Visual Merchandising for all the Dean & Deluca shops worldwide.

He has been a popular guest lecturer in classrooms, colleges, museums, and podcasts, sharing what he has learned about writing, illustrating, life, and everything. He also writes chapter books, screenplays, television scripts, and stage plays and composes music.

Vincent brings a unique and compelling sensibility to books for the young and young-at-heart.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Roger's best friend Adelia announces that she is moving away, she softens the blow by telling him that she will teach him how to climb a tree. As she goes about gathering various materials, she gives instructions about each step of the process. As she is leaving, Roger asks her what will happen if he falls, to which she replies: "Falling will be easy. Letting go will be the hardest part..."

The third picture-book I have read from author/illustrator Vincent X. Kirsch, following upon his The Two Little Boys from Toolittle Toys and The Chandeliers , this sweet little story addresses one of the common challenges of childhood: parting with a good friend, when one of your must move away. I thought the use of the idea of letting go, in Adelia's instructions about tree-climbing, was inspired, as clearly Roger needs to do just that, not only with the tree, but with his friend as well. The illustrations here, created using a variety of media (watercolor, blank ink, glue, graphite, cut tracing paper), are colorful, engaging, and always expressive. I particularly like the four-panel page in which Roger climbs the tree, which is juxtaposed with a full-page illustration of him sitting upon a high branch. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about saying goodbye to a friend, because they are moving away.

[Effie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The illustrations are sweet and funny and the story is moving. This is a great book about saying goodbye.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roger's friend Adelia helps him learn how to let go.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young bear and his houshold wake up and get ready for the day in this toddler and up book. Cute ending

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story on friendship and letting go. Parts may be over kids heads but great for conversation.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Letting go is the hardest part." Kirsch's sweet picture gives readers so much to think about, store away and think about again.

Adelia gives her friend a parting gift before she moves away - a lesson on climbing a tree and falling safely out of it. Colorful comic illustrations are charming and affectionately funny.

A wonderful book for a classroom discussion about the many ways of letting go.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saying good bye is rarely easy, and it can feel painful and miserable when it involves a friend moving away for keeps.
This story takes an unusual approach to the problem. The imbalance between the confident, leaving friend and the timid one left behind is a bit of a switch from the usual approach (Equal anxiety levels, or the moving-character being fearful/sad). In this case the text and illustrations merit rereading and provide increasing comfort with each repetition.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Adelia tells Roger she has to move, she also gives him one last gift -- she teaches him how to climb a tree. She also teaches him how to let go, and that falling isn't always the hardest part.

Lots to talk about with children. There are plenty of explicit messages, but also some implicit messages that take inference and close reading/looking.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This child reminds me of someone I know who doesn't take risks and is awkward in social situations. Roger has a best friend who helps him ease into things. Bad news comes when he finds out his good friend will be leaving. But a friendship with a tomboy is just what he needs because the ending is worth all the preparation and worry he feels. A great friendship book with a lot of heart and love.

[Hannah Ogilvie]

one of my favorite books i read this semester, teaches students about letting something or someone go and it will get better some day. it has a good view and story about friendships, would use in my classroom

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender and beautifully illustrated book about letting go. Loved it!

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend who is moving away gives her friend all the lessons he needs to help him understand how to land softly when life is a bit unexpected.

[Elizabeth]

Awww!

[Lisa Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this one twice to get it. I loved the illustrations.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

One friend is moving away. Before she goes, she teaches her friend how to climb and fall out of trees without getting hurt. Clever analogies to feelings as someone says goodbye to a friend.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet

[Jamie Forrest]

Cute story about having to say goodbye to a friend who is moving away. #cbad

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sad, yet so sweet all at the same time. Perfect for little kids moving away or having a friend that is moving away. *Tear*

[Ann Haefele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story about saying goodbye, using climbing a tree as a metaphor. Loved the illustrations and the message, but most children will need an adult to help explain the message to them.

[Wylaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad, but good.

[Lynne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://literallylynnemarie.blogspot....

[Kirsti Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about friendship and losing a friend while learning a skill.

[Tompkins County Public Library Youth Services]

I loved this book. The illustrations are sweet and funny and the story is moving. This is a great book about saying goodbye.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author/illustrator's illustrations and they illuminate a very sweet story of friendship separation and taking care of each other even as we part. A book to mend a broken heart.

[Dewi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling will be easy,
Letting go will be the hardest part.

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Topics:
* Friendship
* Moving away
* Overcoming fears

Notes
* Different kind of wraparound (seasons)
* Different end pages (seasons)

[Sarah McClure Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Climbing it was easy. Letting go was not. Adelia made certain that falling was the easiest part. “
💔❤️🥰

Themes: making friends, friends moving, fear, courage, letting go

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roger and Adelia are the very best of friends. They've spent many Springs, Summers, Falls, and Winters together collecting things, and enjoying each other's company. But when Adelia has to move away, she decides to teach Roger how to climb her favorite tree. Roger soon discovers after Adelia moves away, that it's not the climbing, but the letting go.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful goodbye book. <3