Leaf

Stephen Michael King (text/illus)

Scholastic Press, Australia: 2008

ISBN: 9781741691160 3+

Genre: picture book

Issues: differences, environment

Honor Book, CBCA Awards 2009; International Youth Library, White Raven 2009

A small boy who hates to have his hair touched, let alone trimmed, finds a young seedling growing in his hair - hair his mother is determined to cut. Can he save the plant from the dreaded snippers?

A wordless picture book (other than a few sound effects), Leaf entices children to interpret the story in their own way. Gifted readers will enjoy the broader themes, as the book encourages appreciation of the environment, reminding them of the transience of humankind compared to a tree. There is much here to take the reader far beyond the page whilst at the same time providing a humorous moment for them to share with a friend.

Highly recommended.