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The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages Hardcover – June 1, 1982

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,520 ratings

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The beloved classic from New York Times bestselling author Leo Buscaglia that has helped thousands of children and adults come to grips with life and death—a warm, wonderfully wise, and strikingly simple story about a leaf named Freddie.

Appropriate for all ages—from toddlers to adults—and featuring beautiful nature photographs throughout, this poignant, thought-provoking story follows Freddie and his companions as their leaves change with the passing seasons and the coming of winter, finally falling to the ground with winter's snow.  

An inspiring allegory that illustrates the delicate balance between life and death, 
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf has helped a generation of readers navigate death and dying, grief and bereavement, the passage of time, and loss of a loved one.
 
Leo Buscaglia approached life with joy and enthusiasm.  He pursued a path of perpetual learning that took him to places of wonder, excitement, and enlightenment.  His sense of urgency to live life now and explore all that is possible was contagious to all who know him.  His life was dedicated to the single concept of “Love” and all the beautiful and positive elements that it encompasses.
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Leo Buscaglia, Ph.D., was a native of California and an acclaimed professor of education at the University of Southern California. A regular on national television, Dr. Buscaglia's heartfelt talks were a cornerstone of PBS throughout the decade of the 1980s. Beloved by millions for his influential message of the limitless power of human love, Dr. Buscaglia was the author of fifteen books, including the million-copy bestseller Love. By the time of his death in 1998, Dr. Buscaglia's books had sold over 11 million copies combined.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ SLACK, Inc; 0 edition (June 1, 1982)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 28 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0943432898
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0943432892
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 9 years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,520 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,520 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story heartfelt and poignant. They describe it as a gentle and subtle way to discuss life and death with children. The book is relatable for all ages and provides a good explanation of the life cycle. It is easy to understand and can be read on different levels. Overall, customers appreciate the book's helpfulness in helping children understand the meaning of life and death.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

150 customers mention "Story quality"150 positive0 negative

Customers find the story meaningful and beautiful. They appreciate the simple yet profound content. The book is praised as amazing and truly amazing by readers of all ages.

"...This timeless story eases the ache in my heart. It is suitable for all ages." Read more

"...The photography is stunning and the story will capture the hearts of all those looking for simple, tender explanations into the intricacies of life..." Read more

"A gentle, beautiful and reassuring way to understand the passage from life to death...." Read more

"...The story still makes sense." Read more

128 customers mention "Heartfelt story"125 positive3 negative

Customers find the book poignant and well-written. It helps them understand the real meaning of life, illness, and death. Readers say it's a gentle and subtle way to discuss life, dying, and death with young and old alike. The sentiments are easily translated into any loss situation and are a comforting story about how death is a part of life.

"...It is a great book for the subject of death and grief. It has been out for many years and has helped many many people. I highly recommend this book." Read more

"...It touches hearts of both young and old with the story of the inquisitive Freddie, a young leaf observing the other leaves as they grow older and..." Read more

"...He admires a larger leaf, Daniel. Daniel has a deeper understanding of life and death. He helps Freddie understand each of his phases of life...." Read more

"...But I like how this book allowed me to introduce some concepts in a gentle way...." Read more

113 customers mention "Ages"104 positive9 negative

Customers find the book suitable for all ages. They say it's relatable to young children and is a must-read for anyone with children. The book explains the stages of life in a way that kids can understand. It shows everyone has a purpose and is delightfully written.

"...This timeless story eases the ache in my heart. It is suitable for all ages." Read more

"...A must for anyone with children, especially those who have suffered a loss...." Read more

"...Therefore it can be used for anyone. HIghly recommend." Read more

"...I read it cover to cover and found it relatable to young great grandchildren’s situation. I bought 2 books...." Read more

37 customers mention "Visual quality"37 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's visual quality. They find the illustrations and writing to be beautiful. The story explains life, death, and purpose in a natural way without being too morbid. The nature photography helps tell the story of how Freddie the Leaf learns about changes. Overall, readers find the book creative, sensitive, and well-done.

"...The photography is stunning and the story will capture the hearts of all those looking for simple, tender explanations into the intricacies of life..." Read more

"This is a story written by the famous author, Leo Bisciglia...." Read more

"...The images inside are lovely photos of trees and leaves from different seasons. It's more text than images, but it works for this story...." Read more

"Tastefully done and beautifully illustrated. Good for any age. I read it to my 9-year old when my father passed (a first death for both of us)...." Read more

30 customers mention "Life cycle"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book explains life and death cycles in a way young minds can understand. It depicts death as the next stage of life, removing some of the fear surrounding it. The story is based on the life of a leaf, making it kid-friendly.

"...the book discusses the interconnecedness of life and death. however, it does not take a stand on the specifics of a life after death...." Read more

"...This book fulfills that need for me. It discusses life, death, and change by using the different seasons while still remaining matter-of-fact in a..." Read more

"...It depicts death as the next stage of life, removing some of the fear surrounding it...." Read more

"...It is a beautiful way to explain life, death, and our purpose while avoiding the religious lessons that many of us like to handle differently." Read more

25 customers mention "Ease of reading"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and relatable. They say it explains life simply and beautifully. The storyline is clear and relatable for all ages.

"...A true "children's book for all ages", it explains the circle of life so simply, so beautifully, and with such warmth and tenderness...." Read more

"...child (even adults can't understand it), but this book explains it as beautifully as possible...." Read more

"This is a simple, yet complex story about a leaf moving through the stages of life...." Read more

"...I was honestly petrified of telling him and this book made it so. much. easier...." Read more

24 customers mention "Helpfulness"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for all ages. It helps them cope with loss and answers questions. Readers recommend it for its scope of purpose, explaining life and death for people of any age.

"...It has been out for many years and has helped many many people. I highly recommend this book." Read more

"...I bought 2 books. My granddaughters said it helped them explain and the children love reading it!" Read more

"A nice way to help jer cope with the loss of a favorite person" Read more

"...Still, this book is highly recommended for its scope of purpose." Read more

23 customers mention "Comfort"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book comforting and soothing for children and adults. They describe it as gentle, beautifully illustrated, and understanding.

"...The book uses the gentle, concrete metaphor of the annual changes in leaves on a tree to help anyone appreciate the different phases of life...." Read more

"A gentle, beautiful and reassuring way to understand the passage from life to death...." Read more

"...She found great comfort in this book and says that every time she sees a leaf she thinks of her mother...." Read more

"...perfectly explains life from the cradle to the grave, sensitive and calmly." Read more

Beautiful parable for all ages
5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful parable for all ages
I read this to my four year old after my father died. We had already discussed the topic of death in a concrete way, that your heart stops beating and you stop breathing. She loved this book and asked to hear it twice. Like a typical four year old, we talked only briefly about death and more about how she likes fall because the wind whipping her dress around makes her look like a superhero. But I like how this book allowed me to introduce some concepts in a gentle way.The only thing I would warn other parents is to avoid associating sleep with death. On the last page Freddie closed his eyes and fell asleep. I read the book first (cried quietly to myself), and decided to just read it to her as “He closed his eyes”. The story still makes sense.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2024
    If one lives long enough, loss visits more frequently with each passing year. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf helps comfort me as I say goodbye to my beloved family and friends. This timeless story eases the ache in my heart. It is suitable for all ages.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
    I have bought this book many many times because of how much I love it, and I have gifted it often. It is a great book for the subject of death and grief. It has been out for many years and has helped many many people. I highly recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2015
    If I had to pick one book I could not live without, perhaps the Bible first, but this would come in a close second. A true "children's book for all ages", it explains the circle of life so simply, so beautifully, and with such warmth and tenderness. My own version of this book is very old now, having been read over many, many times. I recently got two others, for my children and hopefully, their children. It touches hearts of both young and old with the story of the inquisitive Freddie, a young leaf observing the other leaves as they grow older and eventually fall from the tree. As he asks about what is happening, the explanations are so touching and easily relate to life in general. The photography is stunning and the story will capture the hearts of all those looking for simple, tender explanations into the intricacies of life and death. A must for anyone with children, especially those who have suffered a loss. For me, personally, I think it is as captivating and healing for adults, as well.
    A perennial favorite, while I am a huge Leo Buscalia fan, I simply adore this book most of all.
    43 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
    This is a story written by the famous author, Leo Bisciglia. I read this story to my primary-age students in class every year during the season of fall, or when someone was suffering a sense of loss. I always borrowed this book from our school library, but wanted my own copy. The Amazon copy I got was used, but in great condition!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2005
    Freddy, a maple leaf, is born in the spring, and grows to know his fellow leaves and his surroundings. Although leaves superficially look the same, he learns and appreciates the subtle differences between himself and each other leaf. He admires a larger leaf, Daniel. Daniel has a deeper understanding of life and death. He helps Freddie understand each of his phases of life. Finally, Daniel explains death and letting go.

    The book uses the gentle, concrete metaphor of the annual changes in leaves on a tree to help anyone appreciate the different phases of life. Each leaf leaves the tree differently: some drift down quietly, and others fiercely resist the tug of the wind. This shows how each person approaches death differently. Freddy resists until he is withered and brown, the last leaf on the branch. Finally he lets go and experiences a sense of peace.

    Although the leaves, die each year, they are part of the tree which lives on, although even it has a finite life. the book discusses the interconnecedness of life and death. however, it does not take a stand on the specifics of a life after death.

    This would help children of a wide range of ages appreciate not only death, but also the different phases of life. Each time Freddy the leaf changes with the seasons, it is puzzling but he learns its value. He sees how the tree and the leaves have purpose. this helps one see that life has purposes that may not be immediately obvious. This book is also moving for adults who may be experiencing a life transition. I recommend that anyone, of any age take this book and read it under a tree.
    160 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2024
    Took forever to come in. I love the book though.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
    I'm an End of Life Doula, so dealing with dying people and their loved ones with a variety of spiritual beliefs. This concentrates on birth, life, and then it being over with no comment about afterlife. Therefore it can be used for anyone. HIghly recommend.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2019
    I read this to my four year old after my father died. We had already discussed the topic of death in a concrete way, that your heart stops beating and you stop breathing. She loved this book and asked to hear it twice. Like a typical four year old, we talked only briefly about death and more about how she likes fall because the wind whipping her dress around makes her look like a superhero. But I like how this book allowed me to introduce some concepts in a gentle way.
    The only thing I would warn other parents is to avoid associating sleep with death. On the last page Freddie closed his eyes and fell asleep. I read the book first (cried quietly to myself), and decided to just read it to her as “He closed his eyes”. The story still makes sense.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful parable for all ages
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2019
    I read this to my four year old after my father died. We had already discussed the topic of death in a concrete way, that your heart stops beating and you stop breathing. She loved this book and asked to hear it twice. Like a typical four year old, we talked only briefly about death and more about how she likes fall because the wind whipping her dress around makes her look like a superhero. But I like how this book allowed me to introduce some concepts in a gentle way.
    The only thing I would warn other parents is to avoid associating sleep with death. On the last page Freddie closed his eyes and fell asleep. I read the book first (cried quietly to myself), and decided to just read it to her as “He closed his eyes”. The story still makes sense.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    137 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Steph
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is timeless and very good about death for young children
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2020
    this book along with The Invisible Line is great to help kids with idea of death.
  • Werner Krauß
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein tiefsinniges Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on July 19, 2017
    Auf dem Kirchentag in Berlin 2017 hörte ich in einem Vortrag auszugsweise aus diesem Buch. Es hat mich sehr berührt und ich wusste, dass ich es gut für meine Arbeit als Lehrer verwenden könnte. Der Versand klappte schnell und reibungslos und das Buch war in einem sehr guten Zustand.
    Leider hat der Verlag noch keine einfühlsame Übersetzung ins Deutsche veröffentlicht.
  • 伏原祐次
    5.0 out of 5 stars 期待どおりでした。
    Reviewed in Japan on March 28, 2021
    中の写真が凝っててきれいでした。
  • Carolyn Macdonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Fqll of Freddie the Leaf
    Reviewed in Canada on June 28, 2014
    The book met my expectations. Though for a slightly older child than I had in mind , it is excellent to "have ready" for the time when it will be useful. It deals with the lifespan of living, the connectedness of each person with another, and the sense of destiny that each of us requires to find meaning. The sense of life and usefulness that is ongoing is well-expressed. The illustrations are colourful and attractive, an advantage for a young child. I look forward to reading it to my grand daughter,now 28 months old, who lost her mother one year ago, and is now looking for her as she meets women on the street, asking,"Mama?"..These concepts are still vague to one so young. I have a copy of the bookfor myself and for her father..We need to be consistent in what we say to her.
  • F. Scott Yamane
    5.0 out of 5 stars An important book for discussing death without children
    Reviewed in Japan on December 17, 2024
    This edition has nice photos. The book explains the life cycle of a tree. We all have our seasons. Loosing friends or grandparents are more easily discusses while reading this classic.