Description:
This children's book with 22 colorful, vibrant illustrations is for early readers who play sports for the joy and excitement of the game. Leo the Leaf lives on a tree named Walt the Weeping Willow, just beyond the right field fence of a baseball field. Leo's favorite player is Big Mo, a 10 year old boy who is tall, lanky and slow. His teammates tease him and call him "Slow Mo." He's assigned to play right field, where he occasionally glances over the outfield fence to be cheered up by the happy, dancing leaves on Walt the Willow. Leo has a deep affection for Big Mo and tries to encourage him. When Big Mo comes up to bat in the biggest game of the season, he is inspired by Leo and the other cheerful leaves on Walt the Willow. He's able to overcome his anxiety, loosen his grip on the bat, and let his competitive juices flow! What happens in the very next instant sends Leo on a remarkable, unpredictable journey and changes both Leo's life and Big Mo's life forever!
- The theme is the emotional attachments and interdependence that develop between different forms of life.
- The scenes are set in real locations, spurring curiosity in the young reader's mind about southern New Jersey, the Delaware River and its tributaries, the Delaware Bay, and the town of Cape May, New Jersey.
- The story sheds light on the lives of willow trees and their leaves.
- The beauty and wonder found in every single day is highlighted, as is the everlasting lifespan of love.
Review Quotes:
"An adventure from start to finish, 'The Unlikely Journey of Leo The Leaf' captures love, friendship, and resilience as seen through a child's eyes. With brilliant illustrations bringing imagination to life, it is a must read for any young adventurous spirit!" Aaron Kelly, Head Varsity Basketball Coach, Catholic University, Washington, DC
"With origins in bedtime stories, Barker's tale gives life to a joyous and observant leaf. 'Leo the Leaf' emerges as a first-rate story of safety, caring, and the cycle of life. In a world without violence, the security and meaningfulness of friendship--a universal and ageless theme--is described with ease and flow." Philip C. Kendall, Ph.D., ABPP, Distinguished University Professor, Temple University, Laura H. Carnell Professor of Psychology, Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this heartwarming story of 'Leo the Leaf'. His journey through the circle of life brings hope, beauty and joy to others." Jill D'Agostino, Library/Reading Support Teacher, St. Katharine of Siena Elementary School, Wayne, PA
"This book reminds me of childhood. Our youth goes by with one big swing, but the trip around the bases always brings us back home!" Blaine Neal, Pitcher, 2003 World Series Champion Florida Marlins, 2008 USA Olympic Bronze Medalist, Baseball