Weathering Change

By Julie Duffin
February 2025 View more Books

Change can be hard for kids, especially when it’s unexpected. In her debut children’s book, Plainfield author Angie Carlson helps children overcome their fears through the story of an oak leaf, who in the midst of a storm, must decide whether to cling to what she knows or trust and let go. When Leaf Let Go follows Leaf’s brave journey and her discovery that new adventures can be beautiful, even when they’re a little scary.

“Like a leaf in a storm, when we hold on too tight to the past, we can be torn apart mentally and emotionally,” Carlson explains. “My book focuses on the importance of releasing what once was and having a healthier mindset—knowing that life has many different chapters.”

While it’s written as a children’s fable, Carlson has found the story resonates with adults as well. “When you dig deep into the metaphor, we all have some things we need to let go of.”

In addition to her book, Carlson promotes holistic wellness through storytelling on her website livetolearnbooks.com. “I want to help kids overcome challenges when they’re young so that they don’t carry them into adulthood,” she says. “I want them to have the tools for lasting healthy mental and emotional wellness.”

Photos: Angie Carlson