As the seasons change from fall to winter, Bear eagerly waits for the last leaf to fall so that he can make a wish in this charming and cozy picture book from author Kallie George and illustrator Paola Zakimi.

THE WISHING LEAF
by Kallie George
illustrated by Paola Zakimi
Abrams, August 2025

Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends.

But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?

A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending.

Kallie George is an author, speaker and instructor of creative writing workshops. She has a master’s degree in children’s literature from the University of British Columbia. She has written a number of acclaimed books for young readers including the early reader series Tiny Tails, the picture book series Duck, Duck, Dinosaur. Clover’s Luck— the opener of the enchanting Magical Animal Adoption Agency series—features Clover, an unlucky girl who discovers a magical cottage in the woods which is home to fairy horses, unicorns and a fiery dragon. Kallie has always loved writing from the time she was a child, and now loves to bring that same joy to the students she teaches.

Paola Zakimi is the illustrator of Secrets I Know by Kallie George, Teddy & Co. by Cynthia Voigt, The Christmas Tree Who Loved Trains by Annie Silvestro, and Ruby’s Sword by Jacqueline Viessid. She is also a doll maker and fine artist and lives in Argentina. Her favorite part of the early morning is listening to the buzz of the bees while the sun comes out all bright and beautiful. You can learn more about her at www.paolazakimi.com.