Mac Barnett (Sam & Dave Dig a Hole) and Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) reimagine the classic ghost story to probe the idea of what it's like to be truly seen by a friend.
Leo the ghost has lived contentedly alone in a house for years. But when a family moves in one spring, he welcomes them with a tray of tea. Readers see what the family sees: a floating tray, and they're scared. When it's clear he's not wanted, Leo heads into the city to be a "roaming ghost for a while." Most people can't see Leo, but readers can--he's a transparent boy, outlined in blue acrylic paint. A girl named Jane, chalk-drawing on a city sidewalk, sees him, too. The artist renders Jane as a blue collage figure with cornrows neatly secured in a ponytail. She invites her new friend to play Knights of the Round Table. Jane, as king, knights Leo (she uses a branch as her scepter). Barnett and Robinson celebrate play, as Jane breaks gender roles and includes Leo among her imaginary friends, including Sir Ruffs ("a loyal dog") and Sir Mews ("a loyal cat").
Leo worries that if he tells Jane he's a ghost, "I will scare her away." But later that night at Jane's house, Leo uses his creativity (and ghost skills) to scare away an intruder. Will he be able to explain himself without blowing his cover? This deceptively simple story examines deep themes of perception and truth, friendship and loyalty. When Leo risks being honest with Jane, their friendship deepens. --Jennifer M. Brown, former children's editor, Shelf Awareness