A leaf called Greaf by Kelly Canby

Australian author and illustrator Kelly Canby (The Hole Story, Littlelight) creates picture books that address big themes in approachable ways. The addition of her sublime illustrations make her books a delight to read and share. 

A Leaf Called Greaf is a gentle introduction to what it feels like to grieve a loved one and how eventually we can let go of that grief and move forward with it in a more heart-warming rather than sorrowful way. Grief is visualised in the story as a beguiling green leaf that a lonely bear cannot let go of. His lost brothers and sisters are depicted as white line drawings that follow him on his travels, cuddle in close to him and and shield him almost like a blanket. But over time, cleverly and artistically shown through colours and landscapes of the changing seasons, Greaf changes. It starts to turn orange and feels different to Bear, until eventually it feels crisp and tense and looks orange and black, like a fallen autumn leaf. Bear gently lets go and off go his siblings. In the shade of a green leafy tree on a sunny day Bear smiles as a red heart drifts down to him from his brothers and sisters, symbolising the love and memories that he will always hold in his heart. 

This is a spectacularly conceived book that will be useful for parents and educators needing to address sorrow and grief with young children. While clear in it's focus, it allows adults to add as much extra information or explanation as is necessary, depending on the age of the child.

Themes: Death, Grief.

Nicole Nelson