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CM . . . .
Volume VI Number 20 . . . . June 9, 2000
The vocabulary in Sara Cummin's translation is just right for young readers. Leo is all boy,
foolishly arousing suspicion by too eagerly rejecting adult supervision, accepting blame to protect
himself and talking to himself to bolster his self-confidence. Although sketchy, Leo's parents have
typical worries and reactions.
Philippe Brouchard captures the light-hearted mood of the story in small, grey-scale comical
sketches.
The only problem with this entertaining novel is the awkward line phrasing that is a consequence
of the slim page format.
Recommended.
Joan Simpson is a teacher-librarian in Fort Garry School Division in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
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This Formac first novel is a slapstick comedy with a gentle touch of horror. Just when Leo is
comfortable at home with his friend Julio, a vampire, Butch, the neighborhood bully, drops by to
terrorize him and guzzle beer, forcing Julio to hide. Then Butch bolts when elderly, sick Mr.
Axworthy stops by to check on Leo. Leo convinces him to go home and look after himself and
once again settles down with the vampire to watch daytime videos. However, Leo's parents return
early forcing Julio to hide again. Of course, the first thing they discover is the open beer bottle. At
first, Leo accepts responsibility to avoid being pulverized by Butch and to protect Julio. Later,
when he confesses the truth, he is not believed, at least not until his parents witness Julio's
returning to his tomb.