Buy a copy >>

Buy a copy >>

Lawrence in the Fall
by Matthew Farina, illustrated by Doug Salati
(Little, Brown and Company) 2019
48 pages, Ages 3-5

FROM THE AUTHOR

Lawrence in the Fall was inspired by one of my most special memories from childhood: taking hikes in the woods and collecting autumn leaves with my dad–an arborist and forester.

The book is about finding one’s way by discovering the beauty of nature, confronting one’s fears, and sharing the things you love with those around you.


Lawrence in the Fall is a 2019 Junior Library Guild Selection

Lawrence in the Fall won a 2020 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award.

REVIEWS

Wall Street Journal / full article here
"A knowledgeable father fox takes his son on a ramble through the woods in "Lawrence in the Fall" (Hyperion, 48 pages), a picture book written by Matthew Farina and illustrated by Doug Salati. The immediate goal is for the child, Lawrence, to find things that he can collect for show-and-tell at school (the other animals have collections already, lucky things). But traversing the dark forest with his dad also allows Lawrence to test himself as he might not dare to do alone. When the two get separated, the young fox's fright gives way to courage and to the discovery of the varied beauty—and collectability—of falling leaves. A muted, autumnal palette and a guide to leaf shapes in the endpapers add appeal to this handsome excursion for readers ages 4-9. " - Meghan Cox Gurdon, excerpt from "Children's Books: Why They Love to Hop on Pop; Picture books that celebrate the tender, playful, capable modern father"

Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW / full review here
“When Lawrence saw the chalkboard, he froze,” writes debut picture book author Farina, a terrific opening line that ushers readers into a subtly powerful story of agency and independence...Salati builds the visual arc and emotional landscape of the story with soft pencil lines, muted browns and blues, and sensitive characterizations, lingering just enough on anxious moments that Lawrence’s newfound confidence feels like a big reward. And the final image is a wonderful parting gift: Lawrence leads his peers on a leaf-finding expedition of their own."

Kirkus / full review here
Readers will want to head out to discover a collection of their own."

School Library Journal
"His spreads wonderfully capture the bond between Lawrence and his dad, the majesty of the autumnal forest, and the charming array of fallen leaves. This delightful seasonal story will inspire its young audience to do some leaf collecting of their own."

Booklist
“An especially well-designed double-spread shows the class arrayed in a circle around Lawrence’s leaves. They, like the reader, are enjoying this visual ode to the beauty of nature.”

Today.com / full article here
20 picture books all about Dad in honor of Father's Day -