TITLE: Dance Like A Leaf
AUTHOR: A J Irving
ILLUSTRATOR: Claudia Navarro
PUBLISHER: Barefoot Books, 2020
SYNOPSIS: “As her grandmother’s health declines, a young girl begins to lovingly take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions. Poetic prose paired with evocative illustrations by Mexican illustrator Claudia Navarro make for a beautiful celebration of life and a gentle introduction to the death of a loved one.”
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : There are many topics that are hard to talk about in a children’s book. The illness and death of a loved one is an especially challenging topic, but author A J Irving manages to broach a difficult subject with gentleness and loving kindness. This journey through the various seasons mirrors one young girl’s journey through her grandmother’s delight in the wonders of nature all the way to the illness and decline which eventually takes the grandmother away from her family. Beautifully soft illustrations compliment the simple, but touching story that would help any family in coping with the loss of a loved one and hopefully find their way to moving beyond the grief to celebrating a life well lived and loved. Definitely a great addition to any library!
RATING: ***** 5 Stars *****
RATING SYSTEM:
1 star…probably not worth your time.
2 stars…there are some things to like, but could elements have been stronger.
3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers but others might find it lacking something.
4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.
5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!
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“Eight-year-old Hailey loved wearing hats! She had a special hat for almost every adventure of the week! But what happens when she runs out of hats? Who will she be then?
HAILEY’S HATS celebrates one child’s imagination, while challenging ALL children to take another look in the mirror to see the fabulous person looking back at them!“
***Ebook on sale now for $2.99! Softcover also available! (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QXV4NVC/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1)***
Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.
Want to connect?
Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com
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LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing
Goodreads: Donna L Martin
Mail: Donna L Martin
c/o Story Catcher Publishing
P O Box 27788
Knoxville, Tn 37927
Story Catcher Publishing 
Adults have been using books to help them explain sensitive subjects for generations. Dance Like a Leaf sounds like a good book to have in your house when loss of loved ones occur.
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I agree. It really was a lovely book covering a very difficult subject.
Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!
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