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'Leaf' is a beautifully illustrated picture book with a simple story but a very powerful message. The simplicity of the story, combined with the complexity and deepness of the message can make this book a really wonderful story to explore across the age ranges, from EYFS to KS2.
A white bear floats to the shore of the wild wood and makes a new home in an old cave. The other animals of the wood are afraid of him and want him to leave, because he is new, different and strange. They observe the bear collecting leaves, creating a strange outfit and jumping off the edge of a cliff into the sea. The animals eventually decide to talk to the bear, listen to his story and discover that he is just trying to go back home.
‘Leaf’ explores themes of environmental issues, prejudice against those who are different or are displaced from their home. The story provides lots of opportunities for children to explore and reflect on their own relationships, the importance of developing empathy for others who may at first appear to be different as well as an opportunity to explore the impact of climate change and our own behaviours on the world around us.
