Review by Alicia L’Archeveque
Tundra Books, 2024
64 pages, Hardcover, $24.95 CAD, 9781774880708
Picture book, ages 3-7
Science/Nature
“I’m afraid,” said the leaf.
“You’re not alone,” said the tree.
I leafed through this book before bed and fell asleep tucked in by a gentle reminder that the world’s bits and pieces owe kindness to one another. Created by the award-winning children’s author Danielle Daniel and the equally decorated illustrator Matt James, I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf is simple and crucial. There’s nothing quite like a thoughtful picture book to point out a universal truth—interconnectedness is as soothing of an idea as it is an ongoing responsibility.
The book’s plot jumps from creature to creature, hearing their troubles and pointing to the helping hand of one another. A bird apprehends a steep trajectory from its nest, and the wind fills its wings. A squirrel grows hungry and a nut offers itself up as fuel. Sadness befalls and company pours from another. The book circles back to the sleepy child that it’s focalized through, quietly bringing them into the cyclical support system of the creatures outside.
Matt James’ illustrations shape this book into the perfect bedtime story. The soft and saturated creatures first bask in the morning sun, are eventually painted onto a pink hued sunset, and finally rest underneath a starry sky. The move from day to night is subtle upon first read. Clever (and gorgeous) subliminal messaging that definitely worked on me!
Danielle Daniel notes that her art has grown alongside her understanding of her own Indigenous ancestry and her relationship to the land, a journey that is carefully woven into this narrative. The author’s note at the end of the book addresses the necessity for all living things to depend on one another. She urges her young readers to take care of our earth by treating this massive ecosystem with near-familial love and care.
A call-to-action is never spelled out within the bounds of this story, but the spotlight that I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf casts on nature’s inherent kindness makes reciprocity seem oh-so-irresistible.
Alicia L’Archevêque loves to write short fiction, literary/music reviews and Substack newsletters (@alicialarchev)! She dabbles in varsity swimming and dives headfirst into dancing to live music & laughing with friends.
YOUNG ADULTING 