Book Sharing Monday (xvi)

A seasonal tale this week for our first visit to Book Sharing Monday for a few weeks. Ferdie and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke.
Ferdie the fox has a favourite tree which he visits every day. As the world changes, becomes a bit colder and has different colours, Ferdie is getting worried about his tree. His mother tries to reassure him, but when the leaves start to fall, Ferdie is very upset.

"Oh tree, I am so sorry" gulped Ferdie
"All your leaves have gone"
But then he saw, high in the branches
one small leaf still holding on.

"I wont let the wind steal that one"
said Ferdie, and he began to climb
He wriggled along
to the last leaf and held
it firmly onto its branch.

All day long the wind
blew, the branch bounced
and Ferdie held tight.
"I'll stay with you leaf" he gasped.

Of course, no matter how hard he tries to save the leaf, nature's forces are more powerful. Sometimes, though, there are compensations - and there is always hope. When he goes to see the tree the next morning he finds a glittering sight.

The tree was hung with a thousand icicles, shining silver in the early light.

"You are more beautiful than ever" whispered Ferdie

Visit Alex's blog for lots more beautiful book sharing.