Leaf Town Forever

By Beth Rooney and Kathleen Rooney

The true story of a Midwestern "town" created with leaves, sticks, and children's imaginations

Leaf Town suddenly springs up. One day the clearing outside the school is empty, and the next it's a bustling town complete with a hotel, shop, and mayor. Children gather and find treasures everywhere: feathers, acorns, lost rings, an old medal, and plenty of leaves and pine needles. They even uncover a silver skeleton key in the muddy banks of a nearby creek and proclaim it the heart of Leaf Town. As the town grows, it attracts the attention of the kids up the street, and a colossal fight threatens to destroy everything that was built. But the heart of Leaf Town is saved, and the kids rally to rebuild their city together, expanding to welcome the neighboring kids as well as all sorts of birds and animals. They hang a sign, Leaf Town Forever, and pass the key to the next generation of children who will look after their beloved town.

Based on a true story, Leaf Town Forever is the gentle tale of a town created by children with vivid imaginations. The timeless and universal saga, written in haiku, reminds both kids and adults that some dreams are worth protecting. Unfurling over the cycle of seasons, this is the story of an enchanting place full of tenacity and hope, creativity and fun--a connection to the natural world within reach for us all if we unite to make and maintain it.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1517917379
• ISBN13: 9781517917371
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3