THE WISHING LEAF

A bear cub stays up late to make a wish.

High in the treetops, a golden leaf still clings to a branch. It’s the last leaf in the forest, and Bear knows that if you glimpse the last leaf of the season falling, your wish will come true. It’s nearly bedtime, but Mama agrees to let Bear wait for the leaf to fall. He and his woodland friends gather round the tree, gazing up in anticipation. The weather grows blustery, and some animals leave. Then it starts to snow, and more friends head home. When it begins to get dark, Bear’s the only one left. As his mouth stretches into a big yawn, suddenly the leaf falls! What will his wish be? Cozy, autumnal tones of burnt oranges and earthy browns bundle this sweet tale in extra warmth, just like the wooly scarves and knitted hats worn by the forest animals. The tale also serves as a gentle lesson in patience, with Bear persevering even after the others have gone home. Bear’s wish shows that he has a generous heart, and George flips the script at the end by leaving readers with a question: “What would YOU wish for?”

Snug and attractive, with an invitation to believe in a little magic.