Leaf

When a polar bear arrives unexpectedly in the woods, the other animals fear and avoid him, suspecting him to be dangerous - and his odd habit of collecting leaves only adds to their distrust. Then one day, they watch as he attempts to fly over the water with wings made of colourful leaves... trying to get back home. Perhaps he isn't so different after all?

Leaf draws on themes about the environment, prejudice against those who seem different and learning to communicate, illustrated in a way which combines the naturalistic and the fantastic., The balance of whimsical colors and deep blue ocean sets this book apart., This is a really lovely story with an important message and the illustrations are simply stunning., A lovely story about difference, fear and resilience., The way key environmental messages are entwined with the themes of community and acceptance is masterful.

Sandra Dieckmann is a London-based artist, illustrator and potter. She is best known for her colourful, patterned and intricate drawings of nature and wildlife. In 2011 Sandra was chosen by Oscar-winning animator and illustrator Shaun Tan as the Emerging Talent in Illustration for her image 'Fox Tree'. She runs a hugely succesful Etsy store and also sells her work through her studio, Mama Wolf, in East London.