​Mira reviews How I Learned to Fall Out of Trees by Vincent X. Kirsch

Every now and then, you have the good fortune to meet someone magical and extraordinary. That’s how I feel about Vincent X Kirsch. I first met Vincent through one of his books, Noah Webster and His Words written by a friend, Jerri Chase Ferris, and illustrated by Vincent. It was love at first sight. Then I had more good fortune when Vince became a student and joined our Craft and Business of Writing Picture Books AND our upcoming Craft and Business of Illustrating Children's Books course. He ended up contributing fantastic materials to the illustration course including an unbelievable filmed critique where he critiqued some of my art live. Wow!!! Ever since, we have been beautiful friends and I treasure both his work and his friendship. This book review will give you a glimpse into just how exquisite Vince is to show how he connects heart, humor, whimsy, beauty and important life lessons for kids.

How I Learned to Fall Out of Trees is a heartfelt, tender story about two close friends who must say goodbye. The two friends spend a lot of time outdoors together, discovering and collecting an assortment of things they love, like leaves, feathers, and bird’s nests. But then Adelia has to move. Roger is crushed. As she prepares to leave, she tells Roger the best way to climb a tree, step by step; first as they are playing outside, then while he helps her pack.
 
As the moving truck is ready to take Adelia and her family away, Roger asks her a final, concerning question about climbing a tree. He asks, “What if I fall?”  Adelia answers, “Falling will be easy. Letting go will be the hardest part.”
And she’s not just talking about the tree. What Roger doesn’t realize is that Adelia has left him a special gift… an assortment of the soft things they had collected. A gift intended to make the transition easier - not just the transition of letting go from the tree to land softly and safely, but also in letting her go.
 
This is a clever and beautifully written story that parallels two situations that could result in a hard landing. But with just the right sensitivity, care and support from a friend, Vince shows kids how letting go doesn’t have to be quite so painful.

​Next up is a wee video showing how Vince's art and words connect. If you'd like to buy this books and support Vincent, an independent bookstore, and our scholarships, please visit: https://bookshop.org/books/how-i-learned-to-fall-out-of-trees/9781419734137 
Find out more about Vincent X Kirsch and his work at www.vincentxkirsch.com

​Dr. Mira Reisberg is incredibly excited to be co-teaching the highly interactive and super successful Craft and Business of Illustrating Children's Books with the first live training starting August 31st! Fabulous bonuses are starting right now. Click here to find out more and score the time-sensitive $100 discount!
She is also co-leading a magical FREE webinar with her crew below on Writing, Illustrating, and Selling Your Kidlit Creativity on August 15th at 4PM Pacific/7PM Eastern!!! Just click here to join!