The Leaf Thief Review: A Funny Fall Picture Book That Explains Why Leaves Disappear

Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree: red ones, gold ones, orange ones. Then one morning a leaf is missing, and Squirrel is certain there's a thief about. The Leaf Thief, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater, is a New York Times bestseller that has become a staple of autumn story time.

This review explains why it works so well and who will enjoy it.

Who it's for

• Children aged about 3 to 7.
• Preschool and early elementary teachers building a fall unit.
• Parents who want a read-aloud that's fun for adults too.
• Children who feel unsettled by change, whether a new school year or a new season.

What we liked

• It's very funny. Squirrel's rising panic and his patient friend Bird make a classic comedy pair, and the dialogue begs to be read in voices.
• A mystery children can solve. Young readers work out the "thief" before Squirrel does, which they love.
• Science in the story. The book explains, simply and naturally, why trees lose their leaves in fall.
• A gentle look at worry. It deals with the anxiety change can bring, and shows a friend offering calm reassurance.
• Glowing artwork. Nicola Slater's illustrations are full of warm autumn color and expressive animals.
• Bonus pages. Extra material at the end explains the changing of the seasons.
• Large format. At roughly 10 by 11 inches, the pictures can be seen across a classroom rug.
• Rereadable. At 32 pages, it's short enough for "again!" at bedtime.

What could be better

• Seasonal by nature. It gets the most use from September to November.
• Squirrel shouts a lot. The humor depends on his outbursts, which makes it a lively read-aloud and not a quiet wind-down book.
• A big book for small shelves. The large trim size doesn't fit every bookcase or backpack.
• Children in places without fall color may need extra explanation.
• Once the mystery is known, the surprise fades, though the jokes hold up.

Key details explained

• New York Times bestseller: the book has appeared on the newspaper's bestseller list.
• Companion books: Squirrel and Bird return in other seasonal titles, including The Sun Thief.
• Bonus material: a short factual section after the story.
• Preschool to Grade 3: a read-aloud for the youngest, a read-alone for early readers.

Tips for getting the most out of it

1. Give Squirrel and Bird different voices. It doubles the laughs.
2. Pause and ask "who do you think took it?" before the reveal.
3. Go outside afterward and look for falling leaves.
4. Collect and count leaves by color, as Squirrel does.
5. Use it to talk about change before a move, a new class or a new sibling.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What age is it best for? The publisher says 4 and up; many 2- and 3-year-olds enjoy it as a read-aloud.

Q: Is it educational? Yes. It introduces the seasons and why leaves fall.

Q: Is there a series? Yes, Squirrel and Bird feature in several follow-up books.

Q: Is it a hardcover? This edition is.

Should you buy it?

If you buy one fall picture book, this is an excellent candidate. It's funny, beautifully illustrated and quietly teaches both science and coping with change. Children ask for it again and again, and adults don't mind obliging.

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