Yellow Leaf

It's autumn, and a single yellow leaf clings tenaciously to the branch of a tree, determined not to let go. The wind persuades, the birds cajole, but nothing will move the leaf. Finally a wise old gardener appears and explains the cycles of life, assuring the leaf of renewal. Drawn from a Persian folktale, the metaphors are obvious and the execution heavy-handed at times, yet the message isn't without value. The broad, confident strokes of Mir's artwork fill the pages with dynamic color, and if readers are willing to wade through the platitudes, they'll find this outing agreeable. Ages 8-up. (Mar.)