  | Leif's gift Author: Wang, Michael | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Leif lives above his parents' cafe, and his green thumb has turned his bedroom into a jungle. Begonias, ferns, ivy, peperomias--his plants twist and twine around the furniture and creep and crawl across the walls. Leif's parents worry he's gone overboard, but Leif knows he can never have too many houseplants.
| Illustrator: | Wen, Lenny |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (08/01/25)
School Library Journal (10/24/25)
Booklist (06/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 10/24/2025 Gr 2–4—Leif, a young city boy, loves houseplants. He fills his room, located above his family's café, with a lush jungle of hoyas, ivies, spider plants, and palms. His mom and dad have a laissez-faire attitude, letting the greenery take over until Leif, who has black straight hair and light skin, finds he can no longer locate his belongings—or even his pet turtle—in the crowded, verdant space. Leif's solution is to trim his plants, but rather than discarding the cuttings, he gives them away, populating his neighborhood with the homegrown flora. This sweet story, Wang's debut, of an only child's unusual hobby explores what happens when a passion grows out of control and models a positive way to share that passion with the world. The text is smartly placed within the illustrations' negative space, allowing the vibrant artwork to shine. The illustrations, rendered in more shades of green than one could imagine, are exceptional. The people possess great personality, but the plants are the stars, with each unique leaf shape and stem structure lovingly rendered. The artwork has a keen attention to detail, allowing astute readers to spot Leif's camouflaged turtle and other hidden elements throughout the spreads. Back matter includes information on how to propagate plants and a list of pet-safe plants for young green thumbs. VERDICT A gentle and sensitive story for readers to share.—Chance Lee Joyner - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 06/01/2025 Leif really, really, loves plants. He loves them to the point that his apartment bedroom over his parents’ café is completely filled with begonias, button ferns, pothos, hoyas, and more. Varying shades of green depict Leif’s urban foliage, making his room seem like a wild but inviting jungle. Leif’s parents are patient with his passion, but when he loses his watering can, library book, and even his pet turtle among the greenery, they know that something must be done. Along with factual gardening information and tips, the narrative includes depictions of a caring family environment, perseverance with plant care, and problem-solving techniques. Leif enlists his parents to help him propagate. After carefully cutting stems from each plant, he places them in pots or bottles to grow new roots. Gifting them to his family members and friends is a great way to share, but with so many plants, he decides each café customer should get one too! His last plant baby is saved for the café itself. Unique text and humorous, warm illustrations present a fun take on a boy’s special hobby. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
