The year 2026 is going to be a good year for new titles. The mid-summer months are also looking to be strong with such titles as August’s I Am a Leaf by Angelo Mozzillo and illustrated by Marianna Balducci.
Artistic and poetic, the book conjures a great “creating the feelings” story. For adults as much (if not more so) as kids due to the airy qualities of the child seemingly floating along the pages. If you are a solo reading child, you will be able to do reading by yourself, but some things might be better if read with an adult. This is because the theme is asking questions, learning about the deeper meaning of the themes and it is just a unique experience. 
The cover of this due August 2026 (read via an online reader copy) tells you mostly what you need to know about the illustrations. The leaf plays an important role in the action of things. It moves as needed into the shape that will best show it doing action things like arms outstretched, or curling into itself. Obviously this is not one, but many leaves, yet it is so effortless that it feels as if the leaf is doing this as you watch it.
The combination of photograph and illustration is a fun touch. It makes things light and keeps your eye looking around. There is basically little detail to things, so you are not distracted by a lot of colors or lines, but still there is much to see. It is an experience to view as well as to read. Finished copies will be given to people, my local library and of course to myself.
