★ 06/01/2015
As a ghost, Leo may be invisible and intangible, but he can still feel bruised. When a family moves into the empty home he occupies, they aren’t exactly pleased to see the floating tray of tea and toast he has prepared for them. “This house is haunted!” cries the father as the family cowers in the bathtub. “I hate tea!” says his son. “And I hate ghosts!” In one of several funny-sad moments, Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) shows Leo floating above the family, hands clasped to his mouth in shock at their reaction. Leaving the house, Leo explores the unfamiliar city and befriends a girl named Jane, who mistakes him for an imaginary friend. Robinson’s blue-black palette reflects the somewhat somber mood; along with the somewhat retro look of the art, Leo’s formal attire suggests he’s been a ghost for some time. Barnett (The Skunk) concludes on a high note, though, as Leo foils a robbery with help from a classic ghost accessory—the white bed sheet. It’s a warm and wise story about acceptance trumping difference—including that between life and death. Ages 3–5. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)
"A charming little ghost who easily captures the reader's heart."—Kid Lit Reviews
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
New York Times Best Illustrated Book of The Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books of the Year About Friendship
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year"
Touching."-The Horn Book Magazine"
This deceptively simple story examines deep themes of perception and truth, friendship and loyalty."—Shelf Awareness, starred review"
This gentle tale of friendship and acceptance is feather-light yet enchanting enough to be read over and over."—The Washington Post"
There is nothing spooky about this moving story of friendship, acceptance, and belonging."—Boston Globe"
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"
One of the year's best picture books."—Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast"
One of the most exciting picture books of 2015."—Kirkus Reviews"
Offers comfort to any child who shares life with that one constant imaginary friend."—School Library Connection"
Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson's deceptively simple ghost story examines deep themes of perception and truth, friendship and loyalty."—Shelf Awareness"
Don't be afraid: This is a ghost story that will warm your heart."—BookPage"
Defends the joy of invisible playfellows with captivating artwork and text that is a pleasure to read aloud."— Wall Street Journal"
Dazzling."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review"
An enchanting tale that will linger in the memories of all who read (or hear) it."—Books4YourKids"
A whimsical tale from Barnett aptly accompanied by enthralling artwork by Robinson."—School Library Journal, starred review"
A warm and wise story about acceptance trumping difference."-Publishers Weekly, starred review"
A tender, touching story of friendship and the power of imagination."-Booklist, starred review"
A charming story of friendship and acceptance, told with crisp poignancy, enchanting retro-style artwork, and astute childlike perception."—School Library Journal"
A terrific little story about an unwanted ghost that finds a new friend."—Design Mom"
A beguiling story of acceptance."—San Jose Mercury News
★ 09/01/2015
K-Gr 2—When Leo, a ghost, finds the new inhabitants of his house unwelcoming, he takes to the streets. Luckily, he encounters the fantastically fun Jane, who believes he is an imaginary friend. When Leo helps catch a thief breaking into her house, he is forced to admit that he is not an imaginary friend but a real one. Fortunately, the unflappable Jane graciously takes this all in stride. Barnett's story is expectedly droll and told in deadpan prose. There's just enough of it to provide a canvas for Robinson's thoughtful illustrations. His palette is almost exclusively blue, but the contrast between the different tones is sharp, and the heavy doses of gray with hints of green soften much of the blue into a neutral tone. Robinson solves the issue of a white ghost on a white page smartly by depicting Leo as a blue outline on white paper. Leo beautifully contrasts with the geometrically composed live humans, and Robinson finds some clever opportunities for depicting Leo's transparency. The balance of texture and white space helps mitigate the many shades of blue, retaining visual interest and keeping the overall feel upbeat. VERDICT A whimsical tale from Barnett aptly accompanied by enthralling artwork by Robinson. What's not to drool over?—Erin Reilly-Sanders, Ohio State University, Columbus
★ 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)
