Complex, Short and Sweet

     Carin Berger’s The Little Yellow Leaf is a beautiful story about a lone leaf that clings to the tree until the very end of fall. Deciding it’s not ready to let go of the tree, the little yellow leaf watches as the changes of fall settle in. Feeling lonely, it watches as the first snow announces the arrival of winter. At last, the little leaf realizes it isn’t alone. On the other side, a little scarlet leaf clings to the tree. What happens next is waiting for you in the book!

     In summary this poetic picture book seems to be a sweet simple story. Though when read, the complexity is revealed as each picture evokes emotions that give the poetic words deeper meaning. To me, the pictures tell the story while the words expand the story. On each page, Berger’s paper collages depict a different phase of the fall season to which readers relate their own memories of fall. Images of harvest moons, leaves piled high, pumpkins, apples, and golden sunsets bring to mind unique memories for each reader. Meanwhile, the poetic language tells a familiar story about fear of change, letting go and perhaps death.
     The complexity of The Little Yellow Leaf offers multiple opportunities for exploration beyond the story. This picture book would be a wonderful introduction to fall and the changing of the seasons for young readers. It might also serve as an excellent sounding board for children coping with significant change and loss. Whether a parent is deployed overseas or a grandmother passes, young readers might relate to the bittersweet experience of the little leaf. They might also realize that they don’t have to go through the change alone. They might just have to look for a friend who is also looking for them.