The series starts with a happy cat who suddenly becomes homeless. From that moment of being alone, afraid, and hungry, the books create a world filled with friendship and hope, beauty and caring. They’re a nice mix of outer events and inner emotions; both ring true. The natural world is beautifully described, its wildness exciting and beauty comforting. The complicated feelings of a young one trying to make sense of a world that keeps changing too quickly will be easily relatable to elementary-aged children.

There are villains and dangers, but they are overcome with courage and teamwork by an endearing mix of talking critters: our hero Leo, his bestie Mouse, the wild and crazy MoJo, and their wise parents Theodore and Sophie. They’re aided in Leo and the Foxes by two unlikely duos, the wily fox Zelda and her adoring starling buddy Bradley, and story-telling Talib and clever Matteo, a donkey/dog retired circus act, in all their adorable glory.

This series has the nostalgic gentleness of a classic children’s book, and the seeds of hope for the world we want to create, protect, and share with those we love. The Leo books are about creating a place where everyone can live safely and with respect.

Reader’s Guide

These books could be directly for an early chapter-book reader, or read to children of mixed ages by a parent, grandparent, teacher, or the audiobook narrator. One chapter and book at a time, they create a world filled with friendship and hope. Each book is approximately 65 pages, one hour reading time, separated into comfortable ten-minute chapters. Each chapter could be the basis for a bedtime story or a classroom conversation.

While the story Is simple, what’s important is the growing network of connections that Leo creates book by book, and the gifted and entertaining family that he builds. The Leo Land adventures teach children about learning whom to trust, how to make friends, and how friends help one another, both for necessity and in fun. This is a series for bonding. And for raising children who care about kindness and empathy.

Nothing really bad happens in Leo Land. Instead humor and shared purpose bring characters together. But beyond the timeless tone, the books tackle serious issues and express a very clear set of values. We at The-Leo-Project.com want to start conversations within families about important (and sometimes difficult) topics in today’s world. But we’d like to do that in a gentle, accessible way.

The questions below are illustrative. We recognize that each child and each family will choose the level of discussion that’s appropriate for their circumstances and values. We hope you have more to suggest. Please send them.

Sample Discussion Questions

Leo and the Crows

In the Beginning: Why is Leo so happy with Gina? Why doesn’t he like Tall Guy? What makes a happy home? What was so scary about Gina leaving?

On the Run: Why is Leo frightened? Why do you think Leo was following Mouse? Why does Mouse show Leo where the food is kept? Do you think Leo and Mouse would be friends in real life? How do you feel when you make a new friend? What makes you like them?

Leo Meets the Crows: Do you think Mojo are showoffs? Is it OK to be mean to bullies? What do you do if you see someone being bullied? Does it matter if you know them or not?

On the Road: How did you feel when Mouse told Leo to go with MoJo? Would you have left Mouse? Did MoJo tease Leo when they were guiding him? How do you feel when you’re headed somewhere unknown? What do you do if you’re afraid?

In the Garden: Is Leo scared of the older crows? Why? Do you think Leo is brave? Do you think MoJo wants to be Leo’s friend? What parts of The Garden sound exciting to you?

Dessert: Have you ever seen so many animals be happy together? What do you think The Rules of The Garden mean? Where in your life do people act that way to each other?

Home: Have you ever had to pass a test to get what you want? Were you scared?

General: Who’s your favorite character and why? Which did you not like and why? Did anything scare you? Do you think you can remember the four-part calming breath? Do you have special places you go to feel safe? Do you have friends you can talk to about absolutely anything, even scary things? Would it make you happy to know Mouse comes back in Leo and the Foxes?