Leon Spreads His Wings

There’s much for beginner readers to identify with in these three short stories. Leon is afraid of flying. In the first story, he prefers to go camping rather than experience a holiday abroad that entails air travel. In the second story, his aunt and baby cousin Jorge, whom he has yet to meet, come from Spain to visit. Leon is impressed that Jorge didn’t mind the flight over, but reasons that this is because of his comfort blanket. In the third story, Leon and his family are invited to Spain for Jorge’s birthday party. Perhaps the comfort blanket, mistakenly left behind by his cousin, will come to his rescue if he decides to be brave and risk the flight.

These are reassuring, gently humorous stories dealing with everyday experiences that young readers will enjoy. Clearly written and with a straightforward chronology, they can be read as standalone stories or – linked as they are by Leon’s fear of flying – as chapters. The print is large and clear, broken up by appealing black and white drawings and plenty of white space.