Up in the Leaves by Shira Boss May Book of the Month

New York is a city that is on the top of my wish-list to visit and that of course includes walking around Central Park. The latest picture book that I've been sent to review, Up in the Leaves, tells the true story of Bob Redman, a child who got to grow up in New York City.

As a shy boy growing up in New York City, Bob Redman loved nothing more than dashing to Central Park after school and climbing up into the trees. High in the leaves, he felt calm; he had a secret place where he could slip away from the city's rushing crowds.

He began building his treehouses using scavenged materials, careful never to harm the trees themselves. The first treehouse was just a platform, and when it was mysteriously taken down, Bob simply started a second one. For eight years, each time one of his houses was removed, he'd build another, more elaborate than the last.

It's not often that you get true stories in the form of picture books so this was a rather refreshing read for not me as a parent, it's always nice to know that your children are learning new things as they look through a book and by doing it this way they're not even aware they they are consuming all this wonderful information.

As much as I'm desperate to see New York and can fully imagine that for people living there, it doesn't always hold the same sort of magic. A lot of people, tall buildings, it can sometimes be hard to see the beauty beyond all the crowds.

He could see buildings and the people down below, so small. But nobody could see him. This was his own secret spot. He decided to stay.

For Bob, Central Park seemed to offer some sort of calm amongst all of the hustle and bustle, it was inviting without needing to say a word. And as Bob explores he also discovers the wonders of the surrounding trees. A great view point but also a place to hide away, secret spots of his own where he could stay and just be.

This book holds many lessons within it. The idea of never giving up, a show of great determination and the notion that we can do anything that we put of minds to.

There was nothing to do except try again.

Along with the oh so charming illustrations, Central Park is bought to life over the pages of this tale from Shiri Boss. 

When you reach the end there is a little surprise waiting, just one more piece of information that adds a wonderful feeling of happiness to an already beautiful story. 

Up in the Leaves is indeed uplifting and utterly enchanting. For those who already love nature, this book is a must and if you're wanting to get your children enjoying the great outdoors then this is a story that offers some great inspiration.