Leon and the Place Between [Hardcover]

Angela McAllister (Author), Grahame Baker-Smith (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

"Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith’s stunning picture book combines shadowy collage, painting, photography, and gilding to overwhelm readers with the power of magic." — THE TIMES (London)


Leon and his brothers and sister go to a magic show, but this is no ordinary show and Abdul Kazam is no ordinary magician. Take a journey right through the die-cut pages of this book into the Place Between, where magic becomes truly real. Angela McAllister has conjured a spellbinding story that unfolds in the mysterious world of Grahame Baker-Smith’s stunning illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1–4—A spectacular blend of fantasy and reality results in a whimsical wonderland. When Leon and his siblings visit a magic show, they view the jugglers' amazing athletic feats, the mechanical toys as they whiz and whirl, and the enchanted carousel's lulling tunes—until the imposing Abdul Kazam appears. With a twist of his cape and a gleam in his eye, the formidable magician calls Leon into his act, transporting him to the "place between." Baker-Smith utilizes dramatic foldouts to depict the glorious night scenes. Digital illustrations provide richness and depth; majestic purple backgrounds dominate, and swirling golden lines support the dynamic, fluid spreads. Balanced between shadow and light, expressive angular faces convey the audience's astonishment. McAllister's descriptive text provides powerful emphasis through taut dialogue; shifting font varies for added emphasis. Phrases build momentum to a natural crescendo as Leon shares with the others that his place between exists for "anyone who believes." The result is a magical delight for both skeptics and believers.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC END

About the Author

Angela McAllister has written more than fifty books for children. She lives in Hampshire, England, with her husband and children.

Grahame Baker-Smith is a self-taught illustrator. He lives in Bath, England, with his wife and children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Templar (August 25, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076364546X
• ISBN-13: 978-0763645465
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 0.4 x 11.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,226 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from www.firrkids.com, October 23, 2009

By 

www.firrkids.com - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leon and the Place Between (Hardcover)

Reading this book is like attending your very own carnival and magic show, minus the crowd and dirty fairgrounds. Prepare to be completely swept away by the rich colors and enchanting illustrations.

Leon and his siblings have conflicting opinions about the magic show they are about to see. Tom and Pete are quick to announce that it will only be tricks not real magic, and Little Jo looks disappointed that her brothers might be speaking the truth. Leon shushes them, knowing there will be magic - you just have to believe.

The curtains slowly part and the show begins. After a group of wild jugglers and a swirl of mechanical toys, it is finally time for the main act. With a puff of purple smoke, Abdul Kazam takes center stage and Leon can practically smell the magic rolling off the magician in waves. When Abdul asks for a volunteer, Leon immediately knows it must be him. Without hesitation, he climbs straight into the magic box and falls deep into another world. Leon has discovered the Place Between.

The Place Between is where magic sends you. Everything that disappears by magic appears here, waiting to be called back. Leon watches as magicians' assistants appear and disappear, as well as scarves, coins and rings. Doves and cards flutter about and gold stars swirl everywhere. This is an amazing world, alive with magic. Just as he is settling in, Leon hears his name - he is being called back by the magician!

The illustrations, the colors and the fonts all lend themselves to a most magical experience for the reader. Pages practically glow in tones of deep plum and rich gold, with gleaming strains of stars swirling in the margins. The text is printed in a different sizes and fonts - they replicate a poster board or program. You could read this half a dozen times and never come close to seeing all the tiny background details that make this book so special. It is an amazing work of art and goes to show if you believe in magic, it does exist.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely magical experience, October 8, 2009

By 

SZAA "Lover of All Things Written" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Leon and the Place Between (Hardcover)

Well, I have a new favorite picture book. You need to read this book, you need to get others to read it...I promise, you won't regret it.

The first "thing" that really drew me into this book was the amazing and incredibly unique illustrations, which start with the cover design. The talent level of Baker-Smith it just huge and the mixed media take on illustrating this magical story, was really a magic-based experience for me as a reader.

The story is a sweet and comforting ride to the place between...the place where magic sends you. Leon and his friends go to a magic show, where Leon definitely expects to see some real magic and the others aren't quite sure they believe in anything magical. When the magician takes the stage and chooses Leon to be his assistant, the trio know they will be finding out what's real and what's not.

Leon experiences this place between here and there and shows that believing in something others think is silly, really does pay off in the end. His magical journey is real and wonderful, allowing him to fully understand just what magic means to us all, while helping to convince his friends that it's ok to believe in something others may not. Leon is a wonderful character, so believable, and I just felt an instant connection with him (which is hard to do in these short picture books).

The text is even presented in a unique way, allowing for great visual imagery and making this book a fabulous choice for a read aloud. The story is compelling enough, but the page spreads are just magnificent.

I cannot rave about this book enough. Go get one, buy one, get it from the library, buy it as a gift. It's a fabulous story to share with your family and it's now one of my new favorites.