Leo Cockroach, who secretly tests toys for the bug-hating president of a toy company, seeks a job with the competitor across the street and finds himself worse off than before.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
"Testing toys is hard work, and it can be downright dangerous for a cockroach," according to this humorous tale of a misunderstood insect. However, Leo Cockroach loves his job. By night, wearing pince-nez and toting a clipboard, the amiable fellow samples prototypes of games, dolls and remote-control vehicles. With help from his assistant, a tawny cat named Bernard, Leo puts his favorite finds in the office of Mildred Splatt, "president and CEO of Waddatoy Toys." Unfortunately, Mildred doesn't know who selects these sure-fire hits, and thus views Leo more as cootie than collaborator. After one too many near-squishings, the insulted Leo defects to Notsogouda Toys, a rival company across the street. O'Malley's (Velcome; The Candy-Store Man) zany humor is at its best here, especially when inventing products for Leo's perusal. Leo straps on goggles to fly tiny planes and, clad in a green lab coat, he stares askance at duds like the "stringless yo-yo" and "Baby Boom: Babies' First Fireworks." Though some readers will wonder why Leo waits so long to reveal his identity as top toy spotter to Mildred, most will be thoroughly entertained by O'Malley's wry episodes and evocative pencil-and-watercolor images, which offer a comical new perspective on micro-level R&D. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Fans of O'Malley's earlier books will delight in this equally quirky tale with an unlikely hero. Leo the cockroach resides within the offices of Waddatoy Toys. Late at night, after CEO Mildred Splatt (who hates bugs) leaves, Leo takes the initiative to test the toys and leave the good ones on Ms. Splatt's desk. Feeling unappreciated for his winning endorsements, he says good-bye to his friend, Bernard the cat, and dramatically takes off in a toy airplane to work for competitor Notsogouda Toys across the street. Much to his surprise, Leo realizes he was better off before and valiantly ventures back. Some of the humor is subtle, but there is plenty to entertain youngsters. O'Malley's illustrations are full of great detail; his flair for expression and perspective makes for one likable cockroach. This bug's-eye view of the business world is a riot.
Christy Norris Blanchette, Valley Cottage Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Christy Norris Blanchette, Valley Cottage Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Details
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More About the Author
Illustrator Kevin O'Malley has written and illustrated a number of books, including "Little Buggy Runs Away" and the Miss Malarkey books by Judy Finchler. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who would have thought a bug could be this much fun?,
By "ncteacher" (Cary, NC United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Leo Cockroach: Toy Tester (Hardcover)
Leo Cockroach is the cutest bug to hit the pages of kid-lit: funny, clever, and self-reliant. When Leo gets tired of being swatted by Mildred Splatt, CEO of Whattatoy Toy Co., he decides to seek a better position with the company across the street -- Notsogooda Toys. Once there, however, he learns that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. He is a humble hero -- just wanting to do his job and do it well. The language is quite sophisticated, with wry humor and dry wit, but the story is not so complex that lower grades will not understand it. This is a delightful tale of discovering what you love best, and finding a way to achieve your dreams.
4.0 out of 5 stars
My four-year-old loves it.,
By A Customer
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Leo Cockroach: Toy Tester (Hardcover)
We borrowed this book from the library, and I've read it to my son probably 6 times in the last 24 hours. The story and illustrations are clever and funny--I didn't even mind reading it twice in a row. I might actually have to buy us our own copy.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Leo is a loveable,
By A Customer
This review is from: Leo Cockroach: Toy Tester (Hardcover)
It's hard for kids not to be drawn to a book about an insect testing toys. The very idea of a cockroach testing airplanes is silly and whimsical. The story is fun and Leo is a likable character that the reader quickly begins to root for. Leo is a hard worker who takes pride in his work, but feels under appreciated. The grass always seems greener on the other side, and his adventure teaches him that he actually had things pretty good. The illustrations are interesting and the story flows well. Most young kids will find the story amusing and entertaining.
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