Leon and the Place Between
What’s inside...
Leon and his siblings attend a magic show performed by the extraordinary magician, Abdul Kazam. As they journey through the die-cut pages of the book, they enter the Place Between, where magic is genuinely real. This captivating story by Angela McAllister is beautifully complemented by Grahame Baker-Smith's mesmerizing illustrations, creating a mysterious and enchanting world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the place between so magical for Leon?
How did Leon feel when he was in the magical place, and why do you think he felt that way?
What would you do if you found a place like the one Leon discovered?
Can you think of a time when you experienced something unexpected like Leon?
What is the importance of believing in magic, according to the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, build excitement by discussing the concept of magic and asking your child what magic means to them.
Encourage your child to describe the imagery and settings in the book, fostering a deeper connection to the storyline.
While discussing the book, relate the magical experiences to real-life situations where they felt something extraordinary.
Post-reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes from 'The Place Between' to reinforce themes and enhance memory retention.
Ask your child to predict what could happen next if the book had a sequel, encouraging creative thinking and imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Leon and the Place Between' showcases the protagonist, Leon, entering a magical world that stems from his vivid imagination. This narrative underpins the transformative power of creativity and imagination.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in imaginative play and creative activities, which can foster problem-solving skills and innovative thinking in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of the unknown
Explanation: Throughout the story, Leon confronts and navigates through the unknown elements of 'The Place Between'. His journey illustrates the bravery required to explore new and unfamiliar territories.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to approach new experiences and challenges, such as moving to a new school or trying a new activity, with bravery and an open mind.
Example Lesson: The importance of trust
Explanation: In his adventures, Leon has to trust both himself and the new friends he meets. The story emphasizes how trust can lead to wonderful experiences and friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to understand the value of trusting family members and friends, as well as developing self-trust when making decisions or facing new situations.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: As Leon interacts with characters in 'The Place Between', he learns the importance of friendship and cooperation, which help him navigate through the magical realm.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of working together and supporting each other in group projects or team activities at school or in extracurricular settings.