Leaf

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Talk about the ice covering the Arctic and Antarctic regions, and the icebergs floating in the sea. Collect words to describe ice and snow, and how it feels to be very cold. What animals and other creatures live in these icy regions? Double spread 9 – How has the illustrator shown the movement of the water? What do you think has happened to the bear? Why do you think he has jumped from the cliff? Explain what the crows are thinking and feeling. Can you summarise what has happened in the story up to this point? I love the subtle important lessons expressed in this book such as xenophobia and climate change, issues I as a parent want my children to care about… Leaf is a treat in any collection and one I’m glad to have in our home.” Talk about the book. What did you like best? What surprised you? What will you remember? Did this book remind you of anything else you've read?

Look closely at the plants on the book cover - use magnifiers! – and talk about the shapes and colours you can see This is a beautifully illustrated book, full of vibrant colours and simple, yet emotive language. It would be perfect for initiating discussion relating to global warming, displacement, exclusion, family and journeys. Pool what you know about the Arctic, collecting questions on a large sheet of paper to act as a prompt for later research. How can you find answers to your questions? Introduce a selection of books and online resources that you can explore later to learn more. Eventually, the other animals of the wildwood learn that Leaf just wants to go home. An icy place which is melting, which is how he ended up drifting so far away and ending up in the wild wood.Invite children to explore what happens when ice cubes float in water. How long does it take the icecubes to melt? Why doesn't Leaf's iceberg melt on its way to the forest, do you think? Stories about animals behaving like people can help children explore difficult emotions by creating distance and allowing them to be objective. Carefully-handled drama activities can be an effective way to develop thinking around such issues, as well as helping children improve their speaking, listening and other language skills. This tale of acceptance gently highlighting the plight of polar bears in today's changing climate had me enraptured from start to finish.

One look at the stunning endpaper with the bookplate -- "This book belongs to:" and I'm impressed. Germany has such a tradition of brilliant illustrations, and I've never seen this before in a children's storybook. Seems like my eyes and mind and heart will be in good hands. Look at one of the illustrations. Can you work in a group to create a soundscape for that illustration? What noises might you hear? What mood will you try and create? Can you use your body to create percussion and rhythm? I was looking for something comforting and light to read when I couldn't fall asleep in the middle of the night, and then I see the completely stunning cover of this picture book and was instantly enchanted... Use the globe to show children where the northern forests are. Describe the trees and animals that live there. How did the bear come to be in this forest, do you think? Discuss your ideas and the questions you might want to ask this bear.Double spread 4 – Why do the animals name the bear Leaf? Can you think of another name for the bear? Why might the seagull think the polar bear is a ghost? What sort of voice might the badger have? Write a letter from the polar bear, persuading the other animals to let him stay. Look at the illustration – is there anything amusing or unusual occurring? What a beautiful sequence of story and visuals as the other animals are deciding whether or not to care, whether or not to help.

Explore the impact of global warming on the environment, animals and habitats around the world. Hold a class debate – should we change and mend our ways to reduce the effects of global warming or continue as we are? Write a non-chronological report about a polar bear. Can you include reference to its appearance, habitat, diet and adaptations? Collect words to describe everything in this image: water, sky, feathers; flying, falling, splashing, swimming; how it feels to be a crow or bear. Set up whole-class wordbanks and use to tell stories about the bear falling in the water. Unexpected plot development, character development, a moral that all humans would do well to learn from. And all of this not just beautifully illustrated but told with such delicacy.There's a stranger in the forest and everyone is worried. Can empathy and insight overcome difference and prejudice? Double spread 12 – How are the crows helping Leaf? Imagine you are Leaf, saying goodbye to all the animals – what might you say? Do you think Leaf has forgiven the animals for being so mean to him? What do you think the moral is this story is? Does this story remind you of anything? Is this story a fairytale? Do you think Leaf will be reunited with his family? Why do you think the author created this book? A beautifully illustrated story with several great discussion points: loneliness, misunderstanding and fear, bullying, global warming, and environmental protection.”

Why didn't the animals want to be friends with the bear when he arrived? Do people behave the same way, do you think? How can we make newcomers feel welcome? I genuinely can't stop thinking of the utterly vibrant illustrations in here. Like, I tried to close my eyes after reading and all I could see were the lively colors springing up in my mind over and over. Here's a handful of examples of said occurrence: Her first book as author and illustrator LEAF was published by Flying Eye Books in June 2017. In 2018 it was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal, long listed for the Klaus Flugge Prize and short listed for the Waterstones Children's book prize. Her next picture book is expected to be out in the summer of 2018.Wear your wings. How does it feel? Take plenty of photos! Write descriptions of your wings and instructions on how to make them.