Title: Leo: A Ghost Story
Author: Mac Barnett
First published August 25, 2015
52 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781452131566 (ISBN10: 1452131562)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
Leo is not your ordinary friend. He is an invisible ghost who loves to draw and cook delicious treats.
Unfortunately, his efforts to welcome his new home’s occupants were misunderstood, leading him to embark on an adventure to explore the world. Along the way, he meets Jane, a child with a wild imagination who requires a knight’s protection.
This meeting leads to a beautiful friendship and a series of exciting adventures. This delightful story of friendship, by two of the most brilliant minds in picture books, promises to be a contemporary classic that will captivate readers for generations to come.
About the Author
Mac Barnett grew up in a California farming community, but his parents weren’t farmers. Nowadays, he resides near San Francisco and is actively involved in several philanthropic endeavors.
For instance, he sits on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center that helps students in Los Angeles improve their writing skills. Additionally, he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, an innovative convenience store that caters to time travelers’ needs.
Editoral Review
Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett is a heart-warming and charming book that will enchant readers of all ages. Barnett is a prolific children’s book author, but with Leo, he moves beyond his usual light-hearted fare and creates a touching story with depth and emotional resonance.
The book follows the adventures of Leo, a young ghost who has been haunting the same house for over a hundred years. Lonely and unfulfilled, Leo decides to venture out into the world to find a friend, but his attempts at socializing are met with confusion and fear.
Eventually, he meets a human girl named Jane, who becomes his first real friend. Together, they uncover a long-lost treasure and face new challenges as they try to protect it from a greedy developer.
What sets Leo apart is the way that Barnett seamlessly weaves subtle messages about acceptance, friendship, and inclusion into the story. The book is a poignant reminder that even those who may seem different at first glance are deserving of love and kindness.
Whether you are reading Leo as a bedtime story for your child or reflecting on it as an adult, its themes and the clever use of symbolism provide plenty of fodder for thought. The characters in Leo are well-developed and likeable, especially Leo and Jane, who both possess a strong sense of empathy and kindness.
Barnett’s writing is smooth and engaging, with plenty of humor to balance out the more serious moments of the story. The illustrations by Christian Robinson are simple but effective, conveying the emotions and actions of the characters in a way that is both charming and effective.
Overall, Leo: A Ghost Story is a wonderful book that is sure to delight readers of all ages. It is a masterful blend of humor, heart, and important life lessons, wrapped up in a beautifully designed package.
Whether you are looking for a new bedtime story for your little one or just want to indulge in a heart-warming tale yourself, Leo is an excellent choice. Highly recommended for anyone who loves good books that make them feel happy and inspired!
Rating: Five stars out of five.
This book is an excellent example of how children’s literature can be both entertaining and educational, and it deserves a place on any bookshelf or reading list.
