Last Leaf of Autumn
Illustrated by Graham Lilley
Ages 3–10
A gently calming picture book with warm, hand-painted illustrations, following a single leaf on its quiet journey from treetop to earth. Perfect for winding down at bedtime.
The Story Behind the Book
Last Leaf of Autumn - What Inspired Shelby the Squirrel?
You may have read on here that I play, and own, lots of guitars. I love music. In fact, I have a playlist on my phone for every book that write, and listen to it while working on the story.
However, this book was inspired by a song. George Harrison has a song called "If Not For You.” The particular lyric that inspired the story goes:
If not for you,
The winter would hold no spring,
Couldn’t hear a robin sing,
I just wouldn’t have a clue,
If not for you.
I had the idea of a squirrel who didn’t want the last leaf of autumn to fall, not wanting the harshness of winter to arrive. It takes her friend, Orsen the Owl, to remind her of all the amazing things that happen after winter: what Spring and Summer hold, and why we need the leaves to fall.
When I read the story to my lovely Viv, who is the confidence and sounding board for all my stories, she said “You know it’s deeper than a leaf falling, don’t you?”
I did but I didn’t!
I genuinely love the sentiment in this story and knew there was only one person I wanted to illustrate it.
Graham was a former school governor of mine. He is one of life’s genuinely lovely people. He had never illustrated a book before, but we worked together. He produced the amazing artwork and helped me bring my second story to life.
Reader Reviews
What Readers Say
Such a beautiful story, so excited to share this with my little ones at nursery. Excellent contact from Phil and arrived really promptly. Looking forward to future books.
This is a wonderful book, beautifully written with gorgeous illustrations. Communication from Phil was really prompt. Arrived well packed and quickly. Happy to recommend without reservation.
A simple wonderful story and pictures, I love the added detail about woodland animals / photos info that the children in my setting could learn about too.
One of the most beautiful, well written stories I have shared with the children in my early years setting in a long time! The book gently takes us on a journey through a variety of emotions in a clear but gentle narrative, the simplicity of the characters meant that 1 year olds were able to engage at the same time as the older 3/4 year old children were capturing the depth of the story about how letting go of the familiar allows us to look forward to, and enjoy the new things which are to come. Definitely a recommended book for anyone with early years or primary aged children to prompt discussion. All our children loved it and were still talking about the story and the characters the next day!
Lovely children's book. Cute illustrations and a nice story. My five year old is very happy!