‘The Very Last Leaf’ is such a delight! Funny, encouraging and full of facts about trees, seasons and how to have courage. This title would make a great addition to a nature lesson plan!

This adorable book takes the reader on a difficult journey of facing their fears. The last leaf is scared to fall off the tree in Autumn. He's scared of the unknown, of failure, and changing. It's a great picture books to help children face their fears with love and support. For slightly older children, it could also be used to help them accept mortality and change. I point this out only because once the leaf falls and joins his friends, it's mentioned that the next group of new leaves will grow and fall as well. Reading into it, our little leaf hero it part of the circle of life. I will be requesting this to be purchased by our library.

I loved the colors and illustrations in this book. The story intrigued me and I enjoyed the way it encouraged children to talk about their fear with a trusted adult. The author wove facts about trees/leaves/seasons throughout the story in a way that was creative and flowed naturally.

It was odd to me that what happened after the leaves fell to the ground wasn't addressed. My daughter is only 5 and yet she was confused as to whether he was afraid to fall to the ground or whether he was afraid to die. This may be problematic for some children since it wasn't made clear. Regardless of the authors intention, this did create a fascinating dialogue in our home.

Other than that I found the book entertaining, informative and sweet. I loved the report card at the end which my daughter pointed out that you didn't have to get all A's and it's ok not to be best at everything. I would likely read this at home with my children and if we can find a way to address the what happens to the leaves when they fall bit, I would add this to a classroom or library.

The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts

You better be-leaf I'll be reading this book to my students! I teach students who are hospitalized for anxiety; this book will allow us to talk about fear in a safe way. The illustrations are adorable. . . I'm looking forward to using it to start off the semester!

This is a delightful book aimed at teaching very young children about leaves falling in the autumn. It also addresses anxiety and lack of confidence when trying something new, in this case, falling from the tree. I like the progress report at the end which explains a little of the science of leaves. Thank you to Stef Wade, Net Galley and the publisher, Capstone for an ARC.

This graphic fable is about a leaf.
Leaves on tree are compared to a classroom where everyone has to do the meaningful work which their training inspires them to do.
It is about a leaf who compares himself to someone who is not like him and tries to unnaturally copy him.
This leads to inevitable failure.
Finally with guidance of techers and friends our leaf comes to face reality.
Artwork is ok, not exceptional.
Writing is good, simple, well-suited for reading by kids. Story is engaging and enjoyable.
I liked the concept and message conveyed.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.

I can't wait to read this book next fall to my class. I love the story and the illustrations. "The Very Last Leaf" is a story of overcoming fear hat we all can relate to. I especially loved the ending where Lance Cottonwood graduates.

What a great way to talk to little ones about fear, anxiety, and bravery! It reminded me so much of stories about jumping from the high dive at the public pool. Everyone is looking and you're terrified, but you jump anyway and everything turns out fine. Love the illustrations as well.

I... really don't know what to make of this.

The text is solid. The illustrations are appealing. The facts about leaves that are woven into the plot and included in Lance's report card at the end are interesting.

But this story is just weird. Basically, it's about a leaf being encouraged to essentially commit suicide by his teacher and peers. I mean, when a leaf falls from a tree, it dies. Lance had every right to be scared! It just seemed very odd that the teacher (who was the tree he was attached to) was encouraging him to end his life, especially since the book completely glosses over that part of a leaf's life cycle.

I guess this would be okay for kids who aren't going to pick up on the morbid aspects of the text. But for older readers, Mrs. Timber's tactics might seem creepy and predatory. Yes, leaves must fall. But I've seen trees with straggling leaves that manage to hang on long past all the others. Why was the teacher so obsessed with all her students getting to the ground to begin the process of decay? (Easy for her to say. She's the one who benefited from all her students' hard work.)

Very cute little book with a great enjoyable lesson. The illustrations were adorable and the writing was so cute. Would recommend for any library or family!

A cute story dealing with fear. The illustrations are gorgeous and the characters are cute. You follow along with a little leaf as he goes through all the seasons and is the best in his class but struggles with his last task of letting go.

I loved this picture book! Readers will love the beautiful art work and ease of text. The author has a wonderful message about text anxiety and overcoming the fear of failure.

This little book was absolutely precious. Not only that, it was perfect for teaching kids it’s ok to be afraid and to just try!

This book works as a quick read with a bit of science. I enjoyed the illustrations, but the story fell a bit flat for me -- not enough substance to make it meaningful and not playful enough to be a great breezy book. That sad, it's definitely not bad -- just didn't really capture my attention.

The Very Last Leaf is an adorable story about facing your fears and trusting yourself. Lance Cottonwood is a great role model for younger children who need to learn the value of believing in themselves. I would highly recommend this book to kindergarten and first grade teachers.

The Very Last Leaf by author Wade Stef is an adorable children’s book great for the entire family!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Very Last Leaf" is a cute and simple children's book. Nothing amazing, but the art and story are nice.

A book about fears and how to overcome them .This book can be helpful in teaching children that it's all right to be afraid but the important thing is how you can overcome it.

This was such a cute book! It tells a story of courage, and hopefully will help children be courageous too!

This book was adorable. Both the illustrations and the storyline were simple, but beautiful. The little leaf who was scared of falling would be a good way to teach children about courage, and to awaken their interest in science.