March 1, 2013
Grades 1-3 Leopold and his older sister, Celine, engage in the usual sibling rivalry, but one day Leopold takes it to a new level when he discovers he can turn invisible. He does have to work on such minor problems as his clothes not disappearing (he's not ready to completely take them off). All he wants to do with his power is to play tricks on Celine, but he's willing to help her if she'll pay him in caramels. The episodic stories, translated from the original French, employ universal humor relating to family and school. The colorful, cartoony art adds to the laughs, while the simple panels and word balloons help young, novice readers negotiate the comic-book pages. The book includes some potty humor, and the invisible Leopold helps Celine hit a couple of mean girls in the school yard. Young readers who like goofiness and superpowers in equal parts will enjoy this first entry in the Where's Leopold? series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2013
In this French import, Leopold can make his body invisible, but not his clothes. Once he discovers the magic words, he uses his new superpower to do what any little brother would do--play pranks on his sister. Leopold's problem is resolved quickly and with little fanfare; both the text and graphic novelstyle art are slapstick. A picture puzzle is appended.
(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)