THE LAST LEAF, is a beautifully illustrated story about a special leaf whose courage and tenacity helps him overcome defeat. This is a story that expresses triumph over adversity and celebrates the underdog. THE LAST LEAF begins on a fine day in early spring as the newly sprouted leaves on The Great Oak Tree laugh when they see a small misshapen leaf blossom on their branch. The bright green leaves tell this odd leaf, named Crinkle, that he will surely blow off the tree with the first strong wind of the season. Crinkle is filled with fear until he is reassured by Gus, the biggest leaf, that when a leaf falls its energy is pulled right back into the tree to then sprout again the following spring. Though he doesn't fit in with the other leaves and is teased due to his strange shape and color, Crinkle discovers he has more strength and more courage than any other leaf on The Great Oak Tree. Through the rainy season, blustery Northeastern winds, and the bitter cold, little Crinkle holds on to his branch and endures a lonely winter to become the winner of the annual Last Leaf Competition. When the next spring arrives Crinkle blossoms again only to learn that something wonderful can happen when you conquer your fears, strive to do your best, and defy all expectations. READERS FAVORITE FIVE STARS Rosie Malazer for Reader's Favorite. On the first day of spring each year, new buds and leaves sprout on the branches of the Great Oak Tree. As the buds blossom into shiny green leaves, one bud named Crinkle has problems sprouting. With gentle encouragement, Crinkle finally sprouts, but he is small and pink instead of being large and green like the other leaves. The other leaves laugh at Crinkle and make fun of him, except for Old Gus, who is the biggest leaf on the tree. Crinkle fears the upcoming autumn after hearing that all of the leaves will fall to the ground and die. Old Gus explains to Crinkle that the leaves do not die, but are re-absorbed by the tree's roots in the winter before sprouting once more in the spring. As he watches all of the other leaves fall, Crinkle hangs on tightly, refusing to let go of the branch which supports him. The Great Oak Tree is impressed by Crinkle's determination. Finally, unable to hold on any longer, Crinkle falls to the ground. The following spring, the leaves who had teased Crinkle were worried when they could not find him. Suddenly, a stunning new branch grows on the Great Oak Tree, as pink and as shiny as can be. Crinkle had evolved and was now a magnificent branch, sprouting leaves of his own. The Great Oak Tree and all of the other leaves are proud and in awe of Crinkle's amazing transformation, strength and durability. My mind is blown by the strong and powerful messages contained within this book. Not only does William Baldwin's tale about a leaf that is different teach empowerment against bullies, but also shows that regardless of your differences to those around you, all of us have inner strengths which can take us to great places. The Last Leaf's tale comes complete with stunning illustrations which are bright and bold, just like Crinkle, and carry a theme to show that in Nature, nothing ends if it is nurtured. The encouragement given to Crinkle from both the Great Oak Tree and Old Gus were all of the encouragement that Crinkle needed to hold on and find his inner strength. Although aimed at children, I found myself smiling throughout each and every page of The Last Leaf, and recommend this book be stocked in school, home and kindergarten libraries, in order to teach self-empowerment at an early age. Creator of numerous stories for children & young adults, the self-confessed daydreamer Billy Baldwin lives in Sag Harbor, NY. Following his passions and gifts, Billy began his career by founding a cookie company called Cookie Island. More than just producing delicious cookies that sold throughout the US, Billy marketed his products through stories, characters and graphics that caught the attention of executives from the Children s entertainment industry. When encouraged to develop his marketing vision into children s books and products Billy founded Decozen Publishing and began a new career as a writer. Diagnosed with Dyslexia at an early age Billy has had to overcome the challenges he faces with reading and writing into has transformed them into a creative advantage. His quick ability to envision characters, situations and unusual storylines that deal with triumph over adversity and that celebrate the underdog define his work. In addition to his creative endeavors Billy is involved with numerous Not For Profit organizations and activities. Billy co-founded the Web International Center for Dyslexia along with Dr. Gertrude Web. Combining his passion for water sports with his love of the environment Billy founded the Great Peconic Race which is a paddle board race around Shelter Island that helps to fund the Cornel University environmental preservation program. For all read