LeafLeaf, written and illustrated by Sandra Dieckmann

Picture books like this one are what give picture books a good name. Lushly illustrated, with magical details in nearly every square inch, children will just want to look at every page again and again. Luckily, there’s also a story of incredible beauty and power as well, as a strange creature is feared and then accepted by other animals.

Joy Carr, Youth Librarian at the Schusterman-Benson Library, raves: “Dieckmann’s extraordinary illustrations are reason enough to pick up Leaf, but it’s also a heart-warming story about bravery, friendship, loneliness, and family that is lovely for children and adults alike.”