Review – A Leaf Called Greaf

A Leaf Called Greaf by Kelly Canby, Kelly Canby (illustrator)
Published by Fremantle Press on 2024
Genres: Picture Book
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

A Leaf Called Greaf (Fremantle Press, 2024) is a beautifully illustrated, sensitively written story about grief. Author/illustrator Kelly Canby has created a delicate and approachable metaphor for loss through the story of Bear’s interactions and connection with a leaf he finds and holds close.

From the opening line – In the shadow of a tree that felt larger than life itself sat Bear, all alone – Canby captures the way grief can feel overwhelming and isolating. Throughout the book, Bear’s feelings ebb and flow demonstrating the way feelings of grief evolve with time.

The gorgeous illustrations complement the story perfectly. The pale silhouettes of other bears delicately provide a focus for Bear’s feelings of loss and stir emotions in a way that is meaningful but not too confronting for young readers.

It can be difficult to write about big emotions for children in a way that is helpful without being heavy-handed or didactic. A Leaf Called Greaf offers a sensitive way of opening the door to discussions with young children about grief and mourning and other emotions relating to loss. It encourages empathy and compassion – both for others and for oneself – and offers reassurance that with time overwhelming feelings can become more bearable.

I borrowed this book from my local library but will definitely be buying a copy for my own collection.