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Leon Spreads His Wings (Walker Story) ISBN: 9781406307153
Lee, Wendy
Published by Walker, 2008
While aimed at new readers, the three stories in this book about a fear of flying could be used with younger children, and the many black and white illustrations make it accessible to all. Leon and his parents want to go on holiday, but the more exotic locations don't appeal to Leon because he doesn't like aeroplanes. Their British seaside holiday is a bit of a weather disaster, and Leon is fed up. When baby cousin Jorge arrives from Spain with his mum for a visit, Leon is very taken with Jorge's 'blanky', his security blanket that seems to keep the baby happy even in scary situations. Leon is horrified when Jorge leaves his 'blanky' behind, but secretly starts using it himself. When Auntie Gwen plans Jorge's second birthday party and wants Leon and his family to come for it, Leon is at first not happy about flying, but finally decides to risk it in order to take Jorge's blanky back to him (and, of course, to use it himself). Leon learns in the end that he doesn't need blanky and that 'aeroplanes are the safest way to travel.' Quite believable on Len's and his parents' handling of the situation.
Age: 4+