Our hero wants to quit—but one stubborn leaf inspires her to hang in there in this funny, empowering picture book about perseverance and self-esteem.
A young soccer player is struggling during the fall season. Balls to the head! Loud parents! Missed shots! Sometimes she can’t wait to go home. But then she sees one last autumn leaf on a tree, just hanging in there. Can she do the same?
Inspired by the leaf, the girl keeps practicing. Come spring, the leaf is still there—and so is she!
Gorgeous illustrations full of action and humor celebrate resilience and growth mindset. Author/illustrator David Biedrzycki coached his children’s soccer teams, so he knows how important it is for kids to hear this message of persistence. Just hang in there!
Author & Illustrator
David Biedrzycki
David Biedrzycki is the author and illustrator of the Breaking News series, the Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective series, and the Me and My Dragon series. He has been creating illustrations for book publishers, advertising agencies, magazines, and design firms since 1980. His art has graced the cover of KidSoft magazine, New England Aquarium billboards and children’s software packaging, such as “The Amazon Trail” and “Odell Down Under.” David has collaborated with children’s author Jerry Pallotta on The Beetle Alphabet Book, The Boat Alphabet Book, and The Freshwater Alphabet Book. He grew up in Pennsylvania and now lives in Massachusetts with his wife and three children.
Learn More about David Biedrzycki