Cory Leonardo

Read-aloud w/ L and V (after The Cricket in Times Square)

There's no place like home.

Marcel the hedgehog lives in the Emerald City movie theater with his friends, two hens. He misses Dorothy, from whom he ran away because he suspected she was about to abandon him as so many others had before. Marcel takes a Wizard of Oz-type journey out of the city, collecting an eclectic group of friends along the way: a brave mouse called Scamp, a tough old squirrel called Ingot, and a scaredy baby raccoon called Tuffy. A moth called Oona drops in from time to time, and Marcel adopts a wriggling cocoon he names Toto, which he carries faithfully through all kinds of dangers, from Mousekinland to dark woods to a popcorn factory. Eventually, everyone gets what they need, more or less. The Wizard of Oz parallels are plentiful for those who know the story, but those who don't can still enjoy this one.

"To live is a risk." (Mayor Mousekin to Scamp, 293)

See also: Violet and Jobie in the Wild… (mer)

I admit it...at first GLANCE I was in love...I mean really, how can you not be? That cover is absolutely stunning! Between the books, the color scheme, and the magical nature of the art, I was enamored. Thing is at first read, I wasn't quite sold. It's only now, weeks after I've finished the book and am revisiting my experience to put it into words for all of you, that I can fully appreciate the journey our young feathered friend (and others) truly takes us on.



When it all began, I couldn't quite fathom a story told by a parrot heck-bent on escaping his supposed captivity to wing it into the wilds of his homeland while at the same time rescuing his sister from the same caged fate be believes awaits himself. Okay, so it sounds incredible in a way, but really, first reading, I was having a hard time getting behind it. As the story progresses, we get to know Alastair...his hopes and dreams, successes and failures, neurosis's and ultimately...his true heart. You see, we AND he figure out that it isn't the place that makes "home" home, but rather how we feel, the people/creatures that surround us, and the love that fills our souls that points us in that home-ly direction. Though he goes through many trials and tribulations, some self created and others by circumstance, Alastair is a better bird for it in the end.



All in all, a surprising read that really got under my feathers...I mean, skin...in the end. The hardships Alastair (and friends) go through, along with the unexpected connections they make, truly build a unique heartfelt story you won't soon forget. Lit lovers...watch for the samples of famous works as tasted by our feathered friend, and animal lovers...you're gonna love his neighbors at the pet store!

**ARC received for review… (mer)

First, can we just take a minute to talk about this cover? It’s absolutely adorable! I love the birds, and the books, and the colors. That alone would pull me into the book. Second, can I just tell you that I wish we had books like this when I was a kid! Don’t get me wrong, Beverly Cleary, Ramona Quimby, The Baby Sitters Club, and a few others were awesome. But, books like TSAOF would have been happily devoured then, too!

I absolutely adored Alastair. I’m not a fan of birds, but it they were all like Alastair I would have a dozen! I loved his curmudgeon quirkiness, and his ability to pull you into the story, along with his sister Aggie. His poetry was awesome and captivating! And, Fritz. Let me tell you what. I saw a lot of my own kiddos in Fritz. He was just lovable. And, Bertie! The perfect “grandma” for the story. I loved her laugh-out-loud moments in the story.

This debut novel by the amazingly talented Cory Leonardo is one that should be on every young reader’s shelves. It’s filled with life lessons, lots of laughter, characters who will become friends, and lots of fun. If you have a younger reader, age 8 and up, I would definitely recommend you get this for them. It’s worthy of 4 stars, for sure! Great job on your debut, Leonardo!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aladdin and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*… (mer)