Leo: A Ghost Story

By Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson

“A fearful ghost, a take-charge girl, an interracial friendship, and a tale in which fear is . . . sweetly tied to positive qualities of imagination.” —The New York Times
 
You would like being friends with Leo. He likes to draw, he makes delicious snacks, and most people can't even see him. Because Leo is also a ghost. 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. That is how he meets Jane, a kid with a tremendous imagination and an open position for a worthy knight. That is how Leo and Jane become friends. And that is when their adventures begin. This charming tale of friendship—from two of the best young minds in picture books: the author of the Caldecott Honor–winning Extra Yarn and the illustrator of the Bologna Ragazzi Award–winning Josephine—is destined to become a modern classic that will delight readers for years to come.
 
“Enchanting.” —The Washington Post
 
“A whimsical tale from Barnett aptly accompanied by enthralling artwork by Robinson.” —School Library Journal, starred review
 
“A tender, touching story of friendship and the power of imagination.” —Booklist, starred review
 
“Warm and wise.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
 
“This deceptively simple story examines deep themes of perception and truth, friendship and loyalty.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
 
“A pleasure to read aloud.” —Wall Street Journal
 
“There is nothing spooky about this moving story of friendship, acceptance, and belonging.” —Boston Globe
 
A New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Aug 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781452139555

Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett is the <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of over 20 books for children, including <i>Extra Yarn</i> and <i>Sam and Dave Dig a Hole</i>, both winners of a Caldecott Honor and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. His picture books <i>Leo: A Ghost Story</i> and <i>The Skunk</i> were named two of the Ten Best Illustrated Books of 2015 by the <i>New York Times</i>. He lives in Oakland. You can visit him at www.macbarnett.com.

Book preview

Reviews for Leo

[jennybeast · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a sweet book about a ghost with some self-respect. Solid illustrations, and an all around good-hearted story.

[villemezbrown · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A lifeless story about the ghost of a child who gets evicted from his house and then confused for an imaginary friend. The plot lost me when a burglar was tossed in from nowhere to create some artificial action, drama, and resolution. Hackneyed.

[lissabeth21 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Adorable tale. When we jump to conclusions about others, we could be the ones missing out on someone special; just like the first family did in this book. It took a special girl to not only see Leo, but to embrace exactly who he was, even when he was afraid to do so. I really enjoyed this one!

[melodyreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not sure who would like this book.

[melissarochelle_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read on November 22, 2015I read this one aloud to myself (Jesse was watching football, Evie was playing with her birthday presents). Cute illustrations (loved how Leo was a simple blue outline), wonderful blue palette, and a lovely little friendship at the end.