Leo: A Ghost Story

This book deviates from Robinson’s typically bright style of illustration. Using shades of blue acrylic paint and cut construction paper, he develops the story of Leo, a friendly ghost, looking for a new home. The blue shades are reminiscent of the limited color options of traditional printmaking. This, combined with the illustrations of classic toys, Leo’s outfit, and an antique telephone enhance the concept of Leo as a ghost from long ago.

In some scenes, Leo is there, but not illustrated, to show that some cannot see him. In still other scenes, he is cut out of translucent paper, so that objects behind him are still visible. The back cover features a unique drawing of Leo’s friend Jane on a teeter-totter at the playground, seemingly alone, but somehow raised up in the air. This is another subtle hint that Leo is there, even if he can’t be seen.

Barnett, M., & Robinson, C. (2015). Leo: A ghost story. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.