Leo: A Ghost Story

Product Information

Meeting a young girl named Jane on a sidewalk, Leo finds a companion, one who can see him, but who mistakes him for an imaginary friend. It’s a warm and wise story about acceptance trumping difference—including that between life and death. There are so many subtle, positive messages in this story, creeping into the brain through the eyes.

When a new family moves into his home and Leo's efforts to welcome them are misunderstood, Leo decides it is time to leave and see the world. Of course I appreciate the appearing act orchestrated in the first two spreads, but part of me questions that usage of space for a narrative that ultimately is about two characters. At some point, my wife made a comment about the quality of my driving,and the danger that I was putting our guest in. Christian Robinson can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned, but I do prefer his less monochromatic work.A lifeless story about the ghost of a child who gets evicted from his house and then confused for an imaginary friend.

But luckily, there's Jane, our plucky heroine, who can see Leo when others can't and believes him to be her imaginary friend.Mistaking him for an imaginary friend, he forms a special bond with Jane when she invites him to play. the book emphasizes a certain sweetness with Barnett's stripped down prose and Christian Robinson's adorable illustrations.

I highly recommend this book if you are feeling slightly down in some way, as it will definitley make you feel joyful feelings. And in Jane, they create a brilliant heroine whose powers lie within her wit, her open mind, and her freedom of play. Especially as we start up a new school year, Leo the ghost is a great example of finding friends, both real and imaginary. The lovely message of friendship in all forms is timeless and Barnett’s charm shines through each sentence.The plot lost me when a burglar was tossed in from nowhere to create some artificial action, drama, and resolution. Morbidly amused, but also genuinely curious, I turned to Mac and asked, “If we did all die in a fiery crash tonight, how many books do you have finished that would still be published posthumously? I read it together with two other titles featuring imaginary friends - The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and Imaginary Fred - and was struck by the fact that all three books address the longing for connection, in their diverse ways. The simple story is deeper than it seems at first, about the power of perception, the innocence of childhood, and the longing to fit in. Blue pages from beginning to end create almost an aged look to the pages at times and a glow on others.

An engaging picture-book from author Mac Barnett, whose many amusing tales include Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem and Oh No!I love the palette of “Leo”: black, white, gray and various shades of moody blue, in a mix of acrylic paint and chunky ­construction-paper collage. It emphasizes that African-Americn children (that all kinds of children) lead rich imaginative lives, without drawing undue attention to the lesson.