The Leaf & The Tree - Written by Bruce Nemovitz

What to Expect: Connection, community, nature

Alone at the top of the tree, the leaf thinks he is unique and special, owing nothing to anyone and surviving all on his own. As the weather turns and he changes from green to gold to red, he resigns himself to leaving the tree. However, when he falls to the earth, he meets one of the tree’s roots, who explains how all parts of the tree and the environment are connected. The leaf realizes that all his strength and beauty depended on the roots, the water, and the forest itself. No longer alone, the leaf realizes he was always part of a bigger team and a bigger picture.

The Leaf & the Tree is a simple, sweet fable that combines an understanding of the cycles of the natural world with an allegory about the importance of seeing the connections that shape and support every one of us. Easy-to-read rhyming text combined with vivid, colorful illustrations of forest life, invite readers to dwell and explore the connections between living things and to fall in love with the beautiful natural world.

Overall, The Leaf & the Tree is enjoyable as well as instructional and is sure to spark interesting discussions with young readers. —The Children's Book Review

See What People Are Saying!

A Note From Cecilia L:

In the children's book, The Leaf & the Tree by Bruce Nemovitz, young readers are introduced to an enchanting forest, a sheltering tree, and the friendly animals that "had love and respect for the tree, who seemed wise." The rhyming verses teach children lessons, such as how the tree's roots and leaves grow with water and sunlight. As the story unfolds, the reader follows the journey of a single leaf through the different seasons.

The author recommends the children's book for ages 7-10. It traverses themes of nature, love, respect, hope, gratitude, faith, peace, and unity. The author effectively utilizes rhyming verses that flow without feeling forced: "The leaf floated down, landed at last. He finally felt the soft, fall grass."

The colorful illustrations by Ani Ghosh will appeal to the target age range and possibly younger children. The illustrator brings the characters to life and captures the innocence of the forest plants and animals comparable to the older Disney cartoons. I particularly like the positive message that the story conveys. For instance, the leaf wisely concludes: "I was part of a team, supported by others. I couldn't have lived if it weren't for my brothers."

There isn't anything I dislike about the book. It has a professionally edited presentation; I noted a single minor error. Also, unlike many children's books I have reviewed, it is correctly formatted for Kindle, which allows the beautiful pages to fill the screen.

For all of the above reasons, I rate The Leaf & the Tree 4 out of 4 stars. Its uplifting message promotes unity that is especially welcome given the stressful circumstances children may be navigating during the pandemic. The book would make a lovely gift for anyone in the previously mentioned audience. I can picture younger children naming various animals in the story while an older sibling reads to them.

A Note From June K:

Oh, Bruce, I LOVED your book! Huge congratulations! I’m now teaching art 2 afternoons a week at the after school program; and I will absolutely read your beautiful book to the (really smart) kiddos who are in the program! Hugs and Love to you and yours!

A Note From Katherine A:

Congratulations! I just bought a copy to give to our grandchildren!

A Note From Kathy R:

Good Morning Bruce,  What a beautiful book!  Love the flow of the story and rhythm of the words. Almost a bit musical. Congratulations!

A Note From Kris C:

WOW Bruce, beautiful message and love the illustrations. I looked for it on Amazon, but see it on Barnes and Noble. I would love to purchase and give a review. Please let me know best course to help you.

A Note From Mindy B:

What a great book with a great message.  Mazel tov!

A Note From Joan C:

Dear Bruce:  What a wonderful book full of messages that we can all take to heart!  Bravo for you and thank you for this lovely book!  As always you and Jeanne are wished the very best of Christmas and a healthy and blessed New Year.

A Note From Jeff B:

Beautifully written and illustrated and what a powerful message for everyone. Well done, Bruce! I will be sharing your book with all my grandkids tomorrow! Love you and all of the parts of the tree I am attached to!

A Note From Anonymous:

Thank you for sharing. The message is moving to tears!

A Note From Colleen P:

Bruce, Congratulations on your 3rd book, it was wonderful to read. The colors and illustrations were spot on. It turned an emotional and tough topic to talk about into easy to understand message.  Thank you for writing this. We wish you all the best this holiday season, and congratulations on a wonderful children’s book.

A Note From Erica P:

Thank you Bruce and thank you for my copy ❤ I read this book to Elias all the time and he loves it. The message is beautiful and at his age, he loves all of the pictures! I think this book is good for all ages and as I continue to read this to him, he will grow to learn the lesson and appreciate the book even more!

A Note From Susan K:

To Bruce and Jeanne, family and your working family, Loved…Loved….Loved…the book.  I will definitely order this for my 8 and 5 year old grandsons.  Great story and beautiful illustrations.  Well done!!! Have a joyous holiday season and a happy healthy New Year 2022!

A Note From Andy N:

Thanks Bruce, this is awesome. I am going to read this to Stella tonight.  She liked how it rhymed 😂. She said the lesson she learned was to make friends and if you have a friend be friends forever. Not precisely the point but we talked about it after and she understood. She was very excited that the book was written by someone with the name Nemovitz.

A Note From Carl M:

Thanks for sharing! 👍 great job, Mr. Bruce Nemovitz. This story of Life, not only for Children but all of us. Simple but very Profound. I Will be proud to share Your 😊 wonderful and Loving ❤ Children book with Family, Freinds and others as  the occasion arise. I must add as You so eloquently stated how Your Grandchildren and other Family Membes inspired this beautiful 😍 story of life and Now Sharing the significance of being all connected in life and with Love. You are and have been an inspiration for Many. As always! All the very best for the Holiday season and beyond.. Thanks again, Mr. and Mrs. BRUCE "JEANNE" Nemovits and 👪  Family.