The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages

I feel like this book is so wonderful because of how necessary the content is for the intended audience. I learned about this book years ago in college in my Death, Dying and Bereavement class. It is brilliantly written. It is eloquent as it touches on the the most poignant and common points of life. And it is simple as it is written for children. I buy this book anytime a friend or loved one with a child suffers a loss. I just purchased one for my friend who's dog passed. She has three elementary age children and they loved this book. They were very grateful for the gesture.

Freddy, a maple leaf, is born in the spring, and grows to know his fellow leaves and his surroundings. Although leaves superficially look the same, he learns and appreciates the subtle differences between himself and each other leaf. He admires a larger leaf, Daniel. Daniel has a deeper understanding of life and death. He helps Freddie understand each of his phases of life. Finally, Daniel explains death and letting go. The book uses the gentle, concrete metaphor of the annual changes in leaves on a tree to help anyone appreciate the different phases of life. Each leaf leaves the tree differently: some drift down quietly, and others fiercely resist the tug of the wind. This shows how each person approaches death differently. Freddy resists until he is withered and brown, the last leaf on the branch. Finally he lets go and experiences a sense of peace. Although the leaves, die each year, they are part of the tree which lives on, although even it has a finite life. the book discusses the interconnecedness of life and death. however, it does not take a stand on the specifics of a life after death. This would help children of a wide range of ages appreciate not only death, but also the different phases of life. Each time Freddy the leaf changes with the seasons, it is puzzling but he learns its value. He sees how the tree and the leaves have purpose. this helps one see that life has purposes that may not be immediately obvious. This book is also moving for adults who may be experiencing a life transition. I recommend that anyone, of any age take this book and read it under a tree.

My go to book to explain the lifestyle from newness til death! Makes me cry everytime I read it even if its only a "leaf"!

This is an excellent story to use with children and even adults to read when dealing with grief and loss of a human or pet!

If I had to pick one book I could not live without, perhaps the Bible first, but this would come in a close second. A true "children's book for all ages", it explains the circle of life so simply, so beautifully, and with such warmth and tenderness. My own version of this book is very old now, having been read over many, many times. I recently got two others, for my children and hopefully, their children. It touches hearts of both young and old with the story of the inquisitive Freddie, a young leaf observing the other leaves as they grow older and eventually fall from the tree. As he asks about what is happening, the explanations are so touching and easily relate to life in general. The photography is stunning and the story will capture the hearts of all those looking for simple, tender explanations into the intricacies of life and death. A must for anyone with children, especially those who have suffered a loss. For me, personally, I think it is as captivating and healing for adults, as well. A perennial favorite, while I am a huge Leo Buscalia fan, I simply adore this book most of all.

My mother is 85 years of age. She has so many medical issues that she now feels that her time here on earth is coming to an end. Like every human being, she is confused about these feelings. I decided that the message in the book might help her and so I gave it to her as a present this last Christmas. I translated each page (from Italian to English) and pasted it above the English version. I used a bigger font to make it easier on her sight. My mother fell in love with the conversations between Freddie and Daniel. She tells me that she re-reads it almost every other day. Now she asks me deeper questions based on the theme of the book. It makes me happy. My only criticism of the book is that not all the photgraphs are really pertient to the written section. I think that hand drawnings or paintings would have the message much more colorfully vivid and meaningful.

Wonderful for children experiencing loss… Adults also

This is an order book I actually purchased for my daughter when someone she loved passed. I am purchasing the same book for my granddaughter now. Message loving and understandable.

Auf dem Kirchentag in Berlin 2017 hörte ich in einem Vortrag auszugsweise aus diesem Buch. Es hat mich sehr berührt und ich wusste, dass ich es gut für meine Arbeit als Lehrer verwenden könnte. Der Versand klappte schnell und reibungslos und das Buch war in einem sehr guten Zustand. Leider hat der Verlag noch keine einfühlsame Übersetzung ins Deutsche veröffentlicht.

The book met my expectations. Though for a slightly older child than I had in mind , it is excellent to "have ready" for the time when it will be useful. It deals with the lifespan of living, the connectedness of each person with another, and the sense of destiny that each of us requires to find meaning. The sense of life and usefulness that is ongoing is well-expressed. The illustrations are colourful and attractive, an advantage for a young child. I look forward to reading it to my grand daughter,now 28 months old, who lost her mother one year ago, and is now looking for her as she meets women on the street, asking,"Mama?"..These concepts are still vague to one so young. I have a copy of the bookfor myself and for her father..We need to be consistent in what we say to her.

This edition has nice photos. The book explains the life cycle of a tree. We all have our seasons. Loosing friends or grandparents are more easily discusses while reading this classic.

this book along with The Invisible Line is great to help kids with idea of death.

日本語翻訳版より先に届いたのでこちらから読みました。 葉っぱの擬人化したもので共感できるだろうか・・・と半信半疑で読みました。 英語も単語理解が曖昧なところもとりあえずそのまま読み進めた状態でしたが、最後まで読んでみるとジーンときました。 いつか必ず死ぬという人生、生きている意味を創造できる良い本だと思いました。