2020
WISE Score
A neurotic squirrel treats the changing seasons like a crime scene in this hilarious, high-energy lesson on autumn.
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The Leaf Thief is a winner. It manages to take a standard 'educational' topic like the seasons and turn it into a character-driven comedy. It's the kind of book you won't mind reading five nights in a row because the dialogue is snappy and the squirrel is a total riot.
It's safe, smart, and looks great on a shelf. If you're looking for a seasonal book that isn't just a dry list of facts, this is the one to grab.
Perfect for the 3-7 crowd. It's simple enough for preschoolers to follow the visual gag but clever enough for early elementary kids to appreciate the 'mystery' and the science behind it.
It handles the big, messy emotions of a very stressed-out squirrel with humor and kindness. It models a patient friendship between Squirrel and Bird without being preachy.
The 'mystery' framing for a natural process is clever and keeps kids engaged with the environment in a way that feels like an adventure rather than a lecture.
Zero concerns here. It is a gentle, funny picture book about the changing seasons. The only 'danger' is a squirrel losing his cool over a leaf.
Excellent for teaching the science of autumn (deciduous trees, seasonal change) and the social-emotional skill of realizing that not every problem is a personal attack.
Most children's books about autumn are... well, they're a bit sleepy. They're all about 'crisp air' and 'cozy sweaters.' The Leaf Thief decides to take a different route: anxiety-fueled comedy. Squirrel is essentially a homeowner who wakes up to find his property being dismantled, and his frantic search for the culprit is something every kid (and parent who has lost their keys) can relate to.
What makes this work is the dynamic between the lead characters. You have Squirrel—who is high-strung and reactive—and Bird, who is the voice of reason. It’s a classic comedic duo. For parents, it’s a great way to talk about perspective. Squirrel thinks there's a crime being committed; Bird knows it's just biology.
While the book is funny, it doesn't skimp on the 'why.' By the end, kids understand that the leaves aren't being stolen; they're just done for the year. It's a low-stakes way to introduce the concept of change. Things go away, things change colors, and that's okay.
If you're building a home library, this is a top-tier seasonal pick. It stands up well against classics like Fletcher and the Falling Leaves but brings a much-needed dose of modern humor to the genre. It's fast-paced, the art is expressive, and the 'twist' ending (hint: it's not just the leaves that go missing) is the perfect setup for a laugh.
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