Both writing and illustrations in this picture book are outstanding and deserve an important place in our categories. The story is of a grandfather and his small grandaughter, represented by two trees. The lyrical style is beautiful, and is accompanied by equally lyrical pictures depicting the very close relationship they have. 'He had watched over and cared for her from a seedling,' kept her safe during life's storms, taught her about nature and the importance of kindness and sharing her branches with those who needed their protection. He also stressed the need 'to stop and enjoy the view.' When he begins to lose some of his leaves, she is concerned, but he begins to explain to her that she must treasure her 'good memories which will shelter you from the storm'. But the leaves don't stop falling, and when winter is coming, he must explain that he has 'no more leaves to grow'. They travel one last time to their favorite places and as his last leaf falls, he tells her this is his favorite memory of her when he first saw her. As he walks away, she is bereft and very sad. Furthermore, she is lost and doesn't know how to get home. But a whisper tells her to stay still and wait, which she does, and when the storm stops, she sees a trail of her Granddad's red heart shaped leaves showing her the way. A wonderful parable.