Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

"As the leaves fall from his favorite tree, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out..."

Initially, I wasn't sure how much of a hit this one would be, but it's grown on us and actually become rather a favorite. The nature of the conflict (concern over a tree losing its leaves) is a little funny, but I think it's actually improved the Small Person's observation skills and it is interesting to step into sweet little Fletcher's shoes (as representative of a child's perspective), thinking through what the very first experience of fall is like. After one has lived through so many of them all the way to adulthood, it can be easy to forget what's really happening with the changing seasons and, by extension, how unique each leaf is -- like a snowflake -- and that our God knows and has delighted in coloring each one; and how, even though He's created them on purpose to ultimately shake loose of the tree (and those leaves will literally be gone forever) all that beauty and each separate little leaf is absolutely worth it. It's part of the cycle of life. 

And *spoilers* as this little story goes on to show, when one season reaches its ending, the next is hovering in the wings, ready to come out and unveil itself in shining, sparkling splendor. Deep thoughts from a little picture book! ;)