Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke, is a gentle, beautifully written story that captures the wonder and confusion of seasonal change through the eyes of a young fox named Fletcher. With lyrical prose and stunning watercolor illustrations, this picture book takes readers on a heartfelt journey as Fletcher struggles to understand why his beloved tree is losing its leaves in autumn.
At the heart of the story is Fletcher’s deep love for a magnificent tree that has always stood tall and green throughout the seasons. When Fletcher begins to notice the leaves turning brown and falling off, he becomes deeply worried. He doesn’t understand why the tree is “sick” and tries his best to help it, believing that something is terribly wrong. His innocent concern and determination to save the tree resonate with young readers, many of whom might relate to the fear of change or not understanding why things around them are different.
As the leaves continue to fall, Fletcher frantically tries to save them, catching them in his paws and bringing them back to the tree. But despite his efforts, the tree continues to lose its leaves, and Fletcher feels increasingly helpless. Julia Rawlinson’s writing is tender and poetic, gently expressing Fletcher’s growing concern without ever feeling too heavy or sad. Instead, the story is imbued with a quiet sense of wonder and curiosity, perfectly capturing the way young children often react to the world around them with a mixture of confusion and fascination.
One of the most captivating aspects of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves is its sensory richness. Rawlinson’s descriptions of the autumn world are vivid and immersive, painting a picture of the changing season through sound, sight, and touch. Readers can almost hear the rustling of leaves, feel the chill in the air, and see the transformation of the landscape as Fletcher does. Tiphanie Beeke’s soft, dreamy watercolor illustrations complement the text beautifully, bringing the seasonal shift to life with warm tones of orange, gold, and brown that perfectly evoke the essence of autumn.
As Fletcher continues to watch the leaves fall, he seeks reassurance from the other animals. The squirrels are busy collecting acorns, the hedgehog prepares for hibernation, and the birds are migrating—each creature busy with its own autumn preparations. Yet Fletcher’s concern for his tree remains, and readers will feel a sense of empathy for the little fox as he navigates this unfamiliar change. Through his journey, the story subtly touches on themes of anxiety about the unknown and the cycle of life, offering comfort that change, though sometimes difficult, is a natural part of the world.
The turning point of the story comes when Fletcher returns to the tree one last time, now completely bare of leaves, and discovers something magical. Overnight, the bare branches have been transformed, sparkling with frost and shimmering in the early morning light. Fletcher is awestruck, realizing that the tree isn’t dying—it’s just changing, preparing for the beauty of winter. This moment of realization is beautifully conveyed, offering readers a gentle but profound message about the beauty of change and the cycles of nature.
The book ends on a hopeful and serene note, with Fletcher snuggled up beneath his sparkling tree, no longer worried but filled with wonder at the winter ahead. Rawlinson’s ability to turn Fletcher’s fear into a celebration of nature’s transformations is what makes this book so special. It’s not just about autumn or falling leaves—it’s about understanding that life is full of changes, and while they may seem scary at first, they can also bring new and unexpected beauty.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves is a tender, reassuring story that offers comfort to children who may feel uneasy about change. Julia Rawlinson’s lyrical text paired with Tiphanie Beeke’s soft, evocative illustrations create a reading experience that feels like a cozy autumn day. The story’s themes of curiosity, wonder, and the passage of time make it a perfect book for reading aloud during the fall, but its timeless message about embracing the beauty in change makes it a story to cherish all year round. This is a perfect choice for young readers who love gentle, nature-inspired tales or who might be looking for a little reassurance in the face of life’s inevitable transitions.
Questions to ask while reading:
- How does Fletcher feel when he sees the leaves falling from the tree?
- Why do you think Fletcher tries to save the leaves?
- What does Fletcher learn about the tree and the changing seasons?
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves on Amazon