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As her grandmother’s health declines, a young girl begins to lovingly take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions. Poetic prose paired with evocative illustrations by Mexican illustrator Claudia Navarro make for a beautiful celebration of life and a gentle introduction to the death of a loved one.
Written by AJ Irving
Illustrated by Claudia Navarro
Dance like a Leaf (Paperback)
Awards & Honours
- Cybil Award Nominee, 2021
“This beautifully balanced picturebook’s rich colours dance alongside its intricately clear-eyed narrative, sensitive but never sentimental…. Certain to become a classic” – Inis magazine, Children’s Books Ireland
“A paean to autumn, love, and loss.... This evocative pairing of story and art creates a tone poem and lesson, a lovely reflection on the seasons of life, and a gentle lead-in to discussion of death and renewal” – School Library Journal
“I love everything about this book! It would be wonderful to share with a child who has lost a grandparent. It might help them to talk about their grief in a healthy way, maybe cry a little, and hold onto precious memories and family traditions that make us who we are” – Books for MKs
“This is a heart-wrenching read and definitely brings a tear to the eye, but very beautiful. The language is poetic, capturing all the emotions and challenges in carefully chosen words. The illustrations are gorgeous with plenty of colors and celebrating the love between grandmother and grandchild so beautifully” – YA and Kids Books Central
Recommended for
Ages 4-9 years
Special Features
- DEATH AND DYING: Gently addresses the topic of loss in an age-appropriate way, and demonstrates how traditions can be used to carry on the memory of a loved one.
- GRANDPARENT RELATIONSHIP: The love between grandmother and granddaughter is palpable throughout.
- POETIC LANGUAGE: Lyrical text draws parallels between the turning of the seasons and the stages of life.
- EVOCATIVE ILLUSTRATIONS: Claudia Navarro, illustrator of La Frontera, sensitively renders characters whose faces and body language convey a range of emotions.
