The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger.  New  York:  Harper Collins, 2008.

ISBN: 9780061452239

Media:  Mixed media with collage and pencil in the illustration

Q5/P5

Fall images are the background to the story of the last leaf that is unwilling and scared to fall, but finds the courage to let go with a red leaf.

SYMBOLISM:  The yellow leaf symbolizes someone who is scared to grow up, let go of something, or to change.

ARTWORK:  This mixed media work uses collage and pencil in the illustrations.  Paper shapes are cut to create the objects.  The pencil is added to provide additional detail.  The warm color palette is used to create the mood of autumn in the story.  The yellow leaf stands out in the story because it is the brightest color used.  A dotted line starts from the inside of the cover and continues through the title page, foreshadowing the final release of the yellow leaf.  The collage also is made from re-used paper and text is found in the background to add texture to tree trunks or the sun.  The on the 7^th and 8^th page the sun takes up the picture frame and its borders go outside the picture frame, dramatizing its power and size.  In the foreground, are two yellow and red amber leaves that glow against the bright yellow sun made of many, many tiny pieces of yellow paper, with bits of print.  The deep colors of the foliage against the softer colors of the day and night featured make this book aesthetically stimulating, but calm and meditative.

FBoggs 07/09