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Dance Like a Leaf

Embracing autumn traditions and the cycle of life

AJ Irving author Claudia Navarro illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Barefoot Books, Incorporated

Published:21st Aug '20

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Dance Like a Leaf cover

A young girl embraces autumn traditions with her grandmother, exploring themes of life, love, and loss in Dance Like a Leaf.

In Dance Like a Leaf, a young girl navigates the bittersweet journey of her grandmother's declining health while cherishing their autumn traditions. As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, she takes on the role of caretaker, ensuring that their cozy rituals are honored and preserved. Through tender moments of connection, the girl learns to appreciate the beauty of their time together, even as she faces the reality of loss.

The narrative unfolds with poetic prose that captures the essence of their relationship, highlighting the warmth and love shared between generations. Accompanied by the evocative illustrations of Mexican artist Claudia Navarro, the story creates a visual feast that complements the emotional depth of the text. Each page invites readers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of autumn, where every leaf tells a story of change and remembrance.

Dance Like a Leaf serves as a gentle introduction to the themes of life and death, encouraging young readers to embrace the cycle of nature and the inevitability of change. It celebrates the moments that define our connections with loved ones, reminding us that even in times of sorrow, there is beauty to be found in the memories we create together.

“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

ISBN: 9781646860586

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

32 pages