Fletcher, an inquisitive young fox, learns a valuable lesson in change when the leaves on his favorite tree start falling off, signaling that autumn has arrived. - (Baker & Taylor)

When his favorite tree begins to lose its leaves in the autumn, Fletcher the fox worries that it is sick, but instead a magical sight is in store for him. - (Baker & Taylor)

Celebrate fall with the sweet and charming Fletcher the fox!

As the leaves fall from his favorite tree, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out. . . .

Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons. Young readers will share the feelings of wonder and empathy as they curl up with a parent or gather in circle time to enjoy this beautiful picture book.

It's autumn, and Fletcher's favorite tree is slowly changing colors and losing its leaves.

Fletcher is very worried.

He tells the tree he'll help. But when the very last leaf falls to the ground, Fletcher feels as though he's let down his friend . . .

. . . until the first day of winter, when Fletcher sees that his tree has turned into a shining, glittering surprise.

Booklist Reviews

PreS-Gr. 2. When the leaves on his favorite tree turn brown and begin to drop, Fletcher, a young fox, worries that the tree is sick. Although he tries his best to help the tree, the last leaf finally falls. The next day when Fletcher visits the tree, he sees a magical sight that convinces him that falling leaves don't signify the tree's demise. Rawlinson's carefully worded text is superbly matched by Beeke's impressionistic watercolors. Fletcher's character is clearly evident in his distinct facial features and body language, and the magical change of the season is accentuated as the scenery goes from soft, hazy earth tones to cool white and blue-green. For the scene in which Fletcher beholds the "magical sight" of the tree covered with ice, sparkle has been glued to the pages; the effect will make children gasp with delight. Given such a strong debut, the unforgettable Fletcher is primed for more picture books as he discovers the ways of the world. ((Reviewed August 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

Horn Book Guide Reviews

Fletcher the fox worries when his favorite tree begins to lose its leaves, and he tries to reattach them. The alliterative text is supported by gentle pastel art, whose color palette reflects the changing light of the seasons. Glittery icicles adorn the tree on the last page of the book, showing Fletcher how each season has its own charms. Copyright 2007 Horn Book Guide Reviews.

Kirkus Reviews

Fletcher is a young fox concerned about his favorite tree. "I think my tree is sick," he tells his mother, in reference to its brown leaves. His mother tells him not worry, that it's only autumn. Comforted, Fletcher pats his tree and reassures it. But as leaves begin to fall, Fletcher's worry increases, and he vows to collect all of the leaves and reaffix them. Despite his best efforts-he even tries to keep other animals from removing the leaves-Fletcher awakes one morning to find that the tree is bare, save one leaf that he brings home for safekeeping. When Fletcher next returns to visit the tree, he is met with a glorious sight: Glittering icicles adorn it. Awed, Fletcher asks if the tree is all right, and a breeze softly shakes its branches, causing them to nod and emit soft laughter. Softly glowing illustrations, evocative and full of depth, are perfectly matched with the warm and lyrical text. A poetic tribute to winter and fall, Fletcher's story is sure to resonate with young readers. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus 2006 Kirkus/BPI Communications.All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Reviews

PreS-Gr 3 This potent synthesis of art and prose conveys a child's first awareness of the changing seasons with reverence and wonder. Fletcher, a tiny fox, is concerned when his favorite tree turns brown. His mother tells him, Don't worry, it's only autumn, but the tree hardly seems fine to Fletcher. As its leaves fall and flutter away, the youngster struggles in vain to catch and reattach them. When only one leaf remains, he does his level best to secure it to the limb, but eventually the stem dries up and the leaf pops off. Mournful and confused, he carries it home and takes it to bed with him. Still worried about his tree, he wakes up the next morning to find that it has undergone a sweet and satisfying transformation. Beeke's resplendent watercolors work beautifully with the book's tone, content, layout, and design. Picture books about nature sometimes suffer from cloying, excessively pastoral language or imagery; this rare example succumbs to neither. A first purchase for every collection.Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC