Leo Geo

Gr 2–6—This heavily illustrated title is a fantastic adventure loaded with information for kids to absorb. Leonid is journeying to the center of the Earth, and Leo Geo takes readers along for the ride. The combination of humor, excitement, and science is intriguing and extremely hard to put down. Chad's imaginative storytelling introduces youngsters to the Earth's layers and sparks the desire to learn more about the planet. The introduction explains how to hold the book, which makes it more accessible for those unfamiliar with the format. The pivot point at the center of the Earth is enhanced when the book has to be turned over and read in the other direction. The physical object requires so much interaction that even reluctant readers will stay on task. The black-and-white artwork is totally engaging and the structure of the book is crucial to the story line. The trim size reinforces the idea that the journey is a long one and there is so much to see and do along the way. This is a must-have for libraries. Buy extra copies; you'll need them.—Catherine Brenner, Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY