Have you ever waited for the last leaf to fall before winter?
Kallie George is an author, editor, and creative writing teacher living in Vancouver, British Columbia. She has written acclaimed books for children, including The Lost Gift; Secrets I Know; Duck, Duck, Dinosaur, and The Melancholic Mermaid, as well as The Magical Animal Adoption Agency series and The Heartwood Hotel series. She has also taught writing workshops for children and adults across Canada, as well as in South Korea, and she currently teaches at Emily Carr University. You can learn more about her at her website or follow her on Instagram.
THE WISHING LEAF is a picture book about little bear who wants to wait and see the very last leaf fall. He knows that if he sees it, he can make a wish and whatever wish he makes will come true! Even though it’s almost bedtime, Mama lets him stay up to wait. He waits with a bunch of his other animal friends who eventually have to leave one by one. Will he be able to wait long enough? Will he be able to make a wish and what will it be?
Welcome Kallie!
Me: Can you tell us a little bit about your writing journey? When did you start writing picture books? How has that brought you to writing this picture book?
Kallie: I was always writing from a very young age. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing! I started working on picture books specifically around 20 years ago. I have a particular interest in winter themed stories, as I used to make and print up winter stories as holiday gifts for my family when I was a child.
Me: I love this story of a young bear waiting for the last leaf to fall so he can make a wish. What gave you the idea?
Kallie: I live tucked in the woods, so lots of my ideas are inspired by animals and the forest. I had an idea for a set of short stories about animals that are struggling to fall asleep called “Tales for Reluctant Hibernators”. The Wishing Leaf emerged as a favorite story from that set, and it felt more like a picture book, so I started to work on it and rewrite it as such. Often, for me, a story sees lots of different versions before it becomes a book!
Me: I love the concept of a wishing leaf. I’ve never heard of this before. It’s so magical! I see a repeating theme of magic and make believe in your books. Is that important to you? Why do you love sharing that with young readers?
Kallie: I have always been attracted to magical stories and had a love of make believe when I was little. I used to pretend the stories in my favorite books were real and would often playact the worlds from them. I love that kids do the same with my stories now.
Me: This story takes place on the cusp of winter. While one season is ending, another is beginning. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else capture the border between two seasons in a story before. Was this always an element of your story from the first draft? Or did that come about through multiple revisions?
Kallie: Yes, this was always part of the story, although the theme of patience slowly emerged through different drafts. I love fall and winter—I think they might be my two favorite seasons—although every season has its place in my heart! Paola’s art does a wonderful job of capturing the cozy seasonal element.
Me: The illustrations by Paola Zakimi are so sweet! They are comforting and endearing at the same time. Any illustration surprises for you? Any favorites?
Kallie: The art is absolutely gorgeous! I especially adore some of the ending spreads where we see Bear wishing and also Bear with his mom. Paola Zakimi captured the emotional moments so well. The character designs are perfect, I think.
Me: What is one thing that surprised you in writing this story?
Kallie: I really liked discovering that the book was about patience. Bear has to find new ways to wait, and he actually enjoys the waiting. I often struggle with patience myself, and have been working on embracing waiting.
Me: You are a writer, an editor, and a creative writing teacher. That’s a lot of hats to wear! Any advice for new picture book writers?
Kallie: Patience applies here too! Enjoy the process of writing and editing, and be persistent when it comes to submitting a story. I also like to take a picture book story and see if there is enough visual action over the course of the book. I like to try and have fun with my writing.
That is great advice. Patience and publishing both are a long game. Thank you for stopping by my blog today Kallie.
Dear readers, this book was published just last week. It’s a fun addition to the new fall seasonal books with a touch of magic that you won’t want to miss.