The New York Times Book Review - Marjorie Ingall
…complex and quirky…Christian Robinson…is one of the most exciting children's book artists working today…I love the palette of Leo…The look of the book is mod and sparky enough to delight design-loving parents, while the text, by Mac Barnett…is wry, evocative and rich…The story has a light touch, but there's so much depth: a fearful ghost, a take-charge girl, an interracial friendship, and a tale in which fear is integrally and sweetly tied to positive qualities of imagination.
From the Publisher
A whimsical tale from Barnett aptly accompanied by enthralling artwork by Robinson.”—School Library Journal, starred review
"Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson's deceptively simple ghost story examines deep themes of perception and truth, friendship and loyalty."—Shelf Awareness
"There is nothing spooky about this moving story of friendship, acceptance, and belonging."—Boston Globe
“Touching.”—The Horn Book Magazine
"One of the year’s best picture books."—Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
"This deceptively simple story examines deep themes of perception and truth, friendship and loyalty."— Shelf Awareness, starred review
"A charming little ghost who easily captures the reader’s heart."— Kid Lit Reviews
"An enchanting tale that will linger in the memories of all who read (or hear) it."— Books4YourKids
"A charming story of friendship and acceptance, told with crisp poignancy, enchanting retro-style artwork, and astute childlike perception."—School Library Journal
"The story has a light touch, but there's so much depth: a fearful ghost, a take-charge girl, and interracial friendship, and a tale in which fear is integrally and sweetly tied to positive qualities of imagination."—The New York Times
New York Times Best Illustrated Book of The Year
“A tender, touching story of friendship and the power of imagination.”-Booklist, starred review
"This gentle tale of friendship and acceptance is feather-light yet enchanting enough to be read over and over."—The Washington Post
"Don’t be afraid: This is a ghost story that will warm your heart."—BookPage
" A terrific little story about an unwanted ghost that finds a new friend."—Design Mom
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books of the Year About Friendship
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year
"Defends the joy of invisible playfellows with captivating artwork and text that is a pleasure to read aloud."— Wall Street Journal
"One of the most exciting picture books of 2015."—Kirkus Reviews
“A warm and wise story about acceptance trumping difference.”-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Dazzling."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Offers comfort to any child who shares life with that one constant imaginary friend."—School Library Connection
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
"A beguiling story of acceptance."—San Jose Mercury News
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2015-06-06
Leo, like any child, hopes for acceptance, but it's hard to find friendship when one is a ghost. Mystery (the delicious kind) clings to the faded wallpaper and soft blue glow of the title-page spread, as an arm and leg disappear into the wall, and readers are introduced to Leo on a double-page spread apparently empty of people. But then the author's clever text includes readers in the secret, and Leo is revealed. An amiable and appealing child, Leo has spent many years alone in his home reading, until a new family moves in. Leo tries to welcome them; but alas! They want nothing to do with a ghost, and he's forced to leave. Invisible and lonely, he roams until he encounters Jane, a girl with a beautiful, big imagination who invites him to play, assuming he's one of her imaginary friends. Nervously, Leo tells Jane he's not imaginary, that he's real and a ghost, and this wonderful, accepting girl says that's even better. The atmospheric illustrations, done in acrylic paint and pencil, seem simple, but there's an authenticity and precision that is extremely sophisticated. Robinson creates a vintage 1950s-'60s feel, offering up a raw version of M. Sasek. Together, words and pictures construct a whimsical, delightful story that deeply respects the child. And in Jane, they create a brilliant heroine whose powers lie within her wit, her open mind, and her freedom of play. Dazzling. (Picture book. 3-6)
