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Formats
Hardcover Details
  • 12/2016
  • 978-0997697001 0997697008
  • 29 pages
  • $17.95
William Baldwin
Author
The Last Leaf
THE LAST LEAF, is a beautifully illustrated story about a special leaf whose courage and tenacity helps him overcome defeat. This is a story that expresses triumph over adversity and celebrates the underdog. THE LAST LEAF begins on a fine day in early spring as the newly sprouted leaves on The Great Oak Tree laugh when they see a small misshapen leaf blossom on their branch. The bright green leaves tell this odd leaf, named Crinkle, that he will surely blow off the tree with the first strong wind of the season. Crinkle is filled with fear until he is reassured by Gus, the biggest leaf, that when a leaf falls its energy is pulled right back into the tree to then sprout again the following spring. Though he doesn't fit in with the other leaves and is teased due to his strange shape and color, Crinkle discovers he has more strength and more courage than any other leaf on The Great Oak Tree. Through the rainy season, blustery Northeastern winds, and the bitter cold, little Crinkle holds on to his branch and endures a lonely winter to become the winner of the annual Last Leaf Competition. When the next spring arrives Crinkle blossoms again only to learn that something wonderful can happen when you conquer your fears, strive to do your best, and defy all expectations.
Reviews
Amazon Reader Review

This powerful tale of courage will inspire children of all ages! Filled with gorgeous illustrations and thoughtful dialogue, everyone will enjoy this book at story time. I read this book with my third grades and it evoked a long conversation about respecting and celebrating everyone's differences. The message shared by author Billy Baldwin in The Last Leaf is an important one for us to recognize and discuss with our children.

Amazon Reader Review

An inspirational story that is also beautifully illustrated. Billy manages to tell a story that can appeal to young and old, and in this fast-paced world with limited attention spans, the illustrations keep your attention throughout. It may be a book geared primarily toward children but it is not at all "childish". It is simply a story about overcoming adversity, told in a clear and understandable way. You'll probably place this book in your library of personal favorites, and your child will likely ask to read it again and again. I loved it.

East Hampton Library, NY

This beautifully illustrated book tells a story of perseverance. Crinkle is a special and unique leaf, attached to a Great Oak Tree. He is different from all the other leaves due to his shape and color. Throughout the story he faces many obstacles and, in the end, he is able to overcome them because of his positive attitude. This charming story gives hope that if you “try really really hard” than maybe you can succeed, too.

​Alexandra Giambruno

Head of Children's Services

East Hampton Library​

Goodreads, Rosie Malezer

On the first day of spring each year, new buds and leaves sprout on the branches of the Great Oak Tree. As the buds blossom into shiny green leaves, one bud named Crinkle has problems sprouting. With gentle encouragement, Crinkle finally sprouts, but he is small and pink instead of being large and green like the other leaves. The other leaves laugh at Crinkle and make fun of him, except for Old Gus, who is the biggest leaf on the tree. Crinkle fears the upcoming autumn after hearing that all of the leaves will fall to the ground and die. Old Gus explains to Crinkle that the leaves do not die, but are re-absorbed by the tree’s roots in the winter before sprouting once more in the spring. As he watches all of the other leaves fall, Crinkle hangs on tightly, refusing to let go of the branch which supports him. The Great Oak Tree is impressed by Crinkle’s determination. Finally, unable to hold on any longer, Crinkle falls to the ground. The following spring, the leaves who had teased Crinkle were worried when they could not find him. Suddenly, a stunning new branch grows on the Great Oak Tree, as pink and as shiny as can be. Crinkle had evolved and was now a magnificent branch, sprouting leaves of his own. The Great Oak Tree and all of the other leaves are proud and in awe of Crinkle’s amazing transformation, strength and durability.

My mind is blown by the strong and powerful messages contained within this book. Not only does William Baldwin’s tale about a leaf that is different teach empowerment against bullies, but also shows that regardless of your differences to those around you, all of us have inner strengths which can take us to great places. The Last Leaf’s tale comes complete with stunning illustrations which are bright and bold, just like Crinkle, and carry a theme to show that in Nature, nothing ends if it is nurtured. The encouragement given to Crinkle from both the Great Oak Tree and Old Gus were all of the encouragement that Crinkle needed to hold on and find his inner strength. Although aimed at children, I found myself smiling throughout each and every page of The Last Leaf, and recommend this book be stocked in school, home and kindergarten libraries, in order to teach self-empowerment at an early age.

- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite

Formats
Hardcover Details
  • 12/2016
  • 978-0997697001 0997697008
  • 29 pages
  • $17.95
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