The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages
Reviews (214)
Beautiful parable for all ages
I read this to my four year old after my father died. We had already discussed the topic of death in a concrete way, that your heart stops beating and you stop breathing. She loved this book and asked to hear it twice. Like a typical four year old, we talked only briefly about death and more about how she likes fall because the wind whipping her dress around makes her look like a superhero. But I like how this book allowed me to introduce some concepts in a gentle way. The only thing I would warn other parents is to avoid associating sleep with death. On the last page Freddie closed his eyes and fell asleep. I read the book first (cried quietly to myself), and decided to just read it to her as “He closed his eyes”. The story still makes sense.
For "Children of All Ages"...a MUST HAVE BOOK FOR THE GENERATIONS!
If I had to pick one book I could not live without, perhaps the Bible first, but this would come in a close second. A true "children's book for all ages", it explains the circle of life so simply, so beautifully, and with such warmth and tenderness. My own version of this book is very old now, having been read over many, many times. I recently got two others, for my children and hopefully, their children. It touches hearts of both young and old with the story of the inquisitive Freddie, a young leaf observing the other leaves as they grow older and eventually fall from the tree. As he asks about what is happening, the explanations are so touching and easily relate to life in general. The photography is stunning and the story will capture the hearts of all those looking for simple, tender explanations into the intricacies of life and death. A must for anyone with children, especially those who have suffered a loss. For me, personally, I think it is as captivating and healing for adults, as well. A perennial favorite, while I am a huge Leo Buscalia fan, I simply adore this book most of all.
Touching, heartfelt and sensitive
As an ordained minister, I've found this to be one of the most creative, sensitive and heart-felt books on the subject of life and death. I literally wept when reading the final page. I've purchased several copies of this book for others.
Delicate and Thoughg Provoking
We purchased The Fall of Freddie the Leaf when our toddler started asking questions about death. The book gently goes through the stage of life in a way that is vaguely relatable to a toddler but will gain more meaning as she grows. It closes out the life cycle in a way that is not dramatic or scary but instead is peaceful and poetic. A must-have for every book collection.
Beautiful way to capture the loss of a loved one
I received this book first from my grandmother and read it to my children to them when she died just as she did with me when my great grandmothers passed away. Recently I purchased this to give to a friend whose little girl has experienced her sisters, great grandmother, and grandfather all passing away this year . It's something that stayed with me and I think it's something everyone needs to read at least once
Great book! But product arrived... Gross
Amazing book I use with my clients (im a psychotherapist)... Except when I got the book the book jacket appeared to be covered in either lotion or vascaline ... Slippery and gross. When I opened the book it appeared to be new buy the jacket and outside was definitely USED : (
A comforting story about change, and the seasons of our lives.
A comforting story about change, and the seasons of our lives. A secular story that deals with the inevitability of death in a kind and thoughtful way. The images inside are lovely photos of trees and leaves from different seasons. It's more text than images, but it works for this story. It was important to me to find a way to discuss death without it being specifically religious. This book fulfills that need for me. It discusses life, death, and change by using the different seasons while still remaining matter-of-fact in a gentle tone. It doesn't really offer any deep answers, and it doesn't pretend to know the meaning of life the universe and anything. But it does offer a comforting story about how death is a part of life (in as far a story about death can be comforting). Even reading this for the first time as an adult I found it quite worthy.
She found great comfort in this book and says that every time ...
Several years ago, I was introduced to this book by a young woman whose mother had died. Neither her mother nor Donna were members of any particular faith/belief community. Donna's mother was only 41 when she died. Donna had no faith based belief in what happens to a person after death. She found great comfort in this book and says that every time she sees a leaf she thinks of her mother. I gave this book to my great grandsons when their great grandfather died, as my grandson and his wife didn't know what to say to their children about the death of their beloved great grandfather. It truly is beneficial to all ages when a loved one dies. You may find it interesting that I am a coordinator/leader of a bereavement group at my church. My material/approach there is totally faith based, while this book is not. Sheila Bickerton
Nice metaphor
I was looking for a book for a child whose parent has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. This book will be ok for that, but might be better for a child with a terminal illness. A nice metaphor. I would use it in a therapy room. Not sure I'd give it as a gift.
Wonderful
Bought this for my 6 year old, after we lost my mother to cancer in 2020. This was my daughter's first loss and it's been difficult for both of us. We read it together and she got it immediately..."This is just like Grandma!". Death and grief are often not talked about or even stigmatized, I think this book helps talk about something that impacts us all!
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