Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

In this iconographic-animated adaptation of the 2006 children's book written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke, Fletcher the fox worries about the leaves dropping from his favorite tree, although his mother assures him that it's just part of what happens in autumn. Fletcher tries to put the leaves back, freaks out when a squirrel and a porcupine take them for their own purposes, and rejoices when a flock of birds carries the leaves back. After a wintry gale, the tree is left bare, and Fletcher takes the last leaf home and tucks it gently in bed. In the morning, he sees the tree glistening with icicles and tinkling its laughter. Beeke's beautiful, impressionistic images are nicely suited to Rawlinson's almost-too-sweet words (the DVD also features a read-along option). Narrated by Katherine Kellgren, with gentle music by John Jennings, this appealing story about nature, seasons, feelings, change, and compassion is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (G.A. DeCandido)