Review of Watch Out for Falling Iguanas

Watch Out for Falling Iguanas won't be released until July 1, 2025 but it is available for pre-order now and, since it's unseasonable chilly in spots like Florida right now, I thought this would be the perfect time to write about it.

More About Watch Out for Falling Iguanas

Perfect for readers of all ages, this captivating picture book teaches children about iguanas’ unique behaviors while celebrating the bonds between generations and the wonders of the natural world.

On a rare chilly day in Miami, Florida, young Leila sets off for school bundled up in her bright red jacket. But this isn’t just any cold day—her grandmother, Grandma Issa, gives her an unusual warning: “Watch out for falling iguanas.”

As Leila navigates her morning, she can’t stop thinking about Grandma’s strange words. From remembering dodging coconuts and seeing her parents’ car being held up by chickens crossing the road to admiring roaming peacocks, Leila’s day is full of curious encounters. But nothing prepares her for the moment she sees an iguana drop from a tree.

Join Leila, her close friends, and her teacher Ms. Benoit on an unexpected adventure as they discover why these tropical creatures fall from trees during cold snaps. With charming illustrations by acclaimed Jamaican artist Rachel Moss and a truly heartwarming story, Watch Out for Falling Iguanas is a delightful tale about family, friendship, and the surprises nature can bring.

More About Author Edwidge Danticat

Edwidge Danticat was born in Haiti and moved to the United States when she was twelve. She is the editor of Haiti Noir, Haiti Noir 2: The Classics, and the author of several books, including Breath, Eyes, Memory (an Oprah’s Book Club selection), Krik? Krak! (a National Book Award finalist), The Farming of Bones (an American Book Award winner), and the novel-in-stories The Dew Breaker. She has also written several young adult novels, children's picture books, and a travel narrative, After the Dance: A Walk Through Carnival in Jacmel. Her memoir, Brother, I’m Dying, was a 2007 finalist for the National Book Award and a 2007 winner of a National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography. She is a 2009 recipient of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant.

More About Illustrator Rachel Moss

Rachel Moss is an illustrator in love with the bright colors and vibrant energy of the Caribbean. She was born in Jamaica and studied animation in England at the University for the Creative Arts. Moss now lives in Jamaica where she spends her days illustrating children’s books such as Respect with song lyrics by Otis Redding, These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ with song lyrics by Lee Hazlewood, African with song lyrics by Peter Tosh, Lean on Me with song lyrics by Bill Withers, I Am a Promise by Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, Abigail’s Glorious Hair, and Milo & Myra Learn Manners with Mr. Mongoose.

Thoughts About Watch Out for Falling Iguanas

Before I even began reading, the first thing I noticed about this book was the saturation of color in the illustrations. I really felt like I was falling into a tropical world with this book.

The story is a fun look at iguanas and the scientific reasons behind them falling out of trees with plenty of funny moments involving the adults, children and even the iguanas in the story. It's also a portrayal of the relationship between a grandchild and grandmother. Even though her grandmother says something that no one in granddaughter Leila's life backs up (that iguanas will be falling out of trees), Leila keeps believing in her grandmother until she learns her grandmother was right all along.

This is a great book for animal lovers as well as kids who just like to learn quirky things.

A Little Extra

Edwidge Danticat has 18 books to her name ranging from picture books to YA to adult novels memoirs. Check out the wide range of her writing HERE.