Fun Fall Book Review: The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

Opening The Leaf Thief  by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater, feels a lot like leaping into a giant pile of autumn leaves—the crisp scent of earth rising up, the tickle of brittle edges brushing your cheeks, and the whoosh of colors swirling around you. This New York Times bestselling autumn picture book for children is as fun as it is thoughtful. As I turned the first page, I couldn’t help but think of Remmy from my own book Remmy’s Sticky Situation. Just like Remmy blamed his friends when his cotton candy mysteriously disappeared, Squirrel is quick to point a paw at his forest neighbors when one of his precious leaves goes missing. Both stories carry a playful reminder that sometimes what we fear isn’t really the fault of others—it’s simply change at work.

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Following Squirrel’s Trail (My Thoughts)
As soon as I began to delve into the story, I was knee-deep in Squirrel’s wide-eyed tangle of trouble. Who stole his leaf? Was it the mouse? The other forest friends? Or perhaps someone far sneakier? The dialogue bounces along like falling acorns, keeping young listeners engaged while older ones can dig deeper into the gentle lesson hiding beneath the humor: sometimes change isn’t theft. It’s just part of the seasons of life. And it’s no surprise this story has become a New York Times bestseller.

The Storyteller 
Alice Hemming has a gift for weaving stories that feel both timeless and tender. With The Leaf Thief, she’s created a story that entertains while also gently preparing children for the sometimes-anxious reality of change. What makes this even more exciting is that Squirrel’s adventures don’t end here. The Leaf Thief is just one of several books in Hemming’s series of squirrel-and-thief tales, giving families even more opportunities to laugh, learn, and grow together.
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The Artist
Nicola Slater’s artwork brings the story and autumn to life. Each oak leaf seems ready to float into your lap, and Squirrel’s expressive face is bound to draw laughs from little readers. The copper metallic foil treatment on the cover is a treasure in itself, shimmering like sunlight breaking through autumn branches—a true invitation to open the book and step inside.

Fall into STEM
At the end of the story, children are treated to fascinating facts about the changing seasons. They’ll discover why leaves fall, what trees are really up to in autumn, and how cycles in nature make way for new life. It’s science tucked inside storytime. A gentle bridge between curiosity and understanding.

Dealing with Emotions
Beyond the science, The Leaf Thief is also a story about feelings. Squirrel’s panic mirrors the worry children often feel when something changes, whether it’s starting school, moving homes, or even watching summer fade. The story reassures them: it’s okay to feel uncertain, and with a little help from friends, we can see change in a brighter light. Squirrel eventually learns that change doesn’t have to be scary when you face it with a friend.

Wrapping it Up
Whether you’re snuggled under a quilt at bedtime or perched on a picnic blanket beneath a tree, The Leaf Thief is the perfect companion for autumn days. It’s more than a story. It’s an experience that children will want to return to year after year as the leaves begin to fall.

Win a Copy
​And here’s the best part—I want to share this autumn adventure with you! I’m giving away a copy of The Leaf Thief so one lucky reader can join Squirrel and Bird on their quest. Simply post your favorite fall activity (jumping in the leaves, sipping cider, carving pumpkins, etc.) in the comments below, and I’ll add you to the drawing. A winner will be chosen the first week in October.

Buy on Amazon

Step into Story: Activities You Will Fall For

Meet Author Alice Hemming
Alicia's The Leaf Thief Coloring Pack
Meet Illustrator Nicola Slater
Creating a Fall Leaf Collection For All Ages
Easy Leaf Craft that Teaches Symmetry (ages 5 and up)
Leaf Symmetry Activity (for toddlers)
Seasons Activities (PreK to K)
How to Bring the Magic of the Seasons into Your Classroom (or home)

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