Leo, Rise and Shine!
Anna McQuinn, author
Anna McQuinn has worked in children's books for more than twenty-five years as an editor, publisher, and writer. She is the author of more than twenty books for children, including the Lola series and the Leo series. Anna leads children's and parents' programs at her local library.
Read more about Anna.
Ruth Hearson, illustrator
Ruth Hearson has illustrated and written several children's books, including Leo Can Swim, Leo Loves Baby Time, Cinnamon's Fairy Sleepover and Knitted by Grandma. She lives in England.
Read more about Ruth.
- Coming soon!
School Library Journal
A toddler goes through his morning routine with his father and mother: play, breakfast, toothbrushing, dressing, dancing, and heading out for an adventure. Jubilant, soft-textured illustrations depict an easy warmth and bubbly energy shared by all three Black family members. The cheery sequence of activities may serve as a valuable tool for young readers learning to internalize a predictable morning routine.
VERDICT A bright and bouncy addition to the shelves.
Kirkus Reviews
Leo, a young brown-skinned boy, awakes from a night of rest, ready to greet the day.
The sun greets Leo (whom readers may recognize from other titles in the series devoted to his daily life), still in bed as his caregiver opens the curtains of the window near his crib. Developmentally appropriate language playfully captures the movement of toddlers, making this exploration of a happy child’s morning appropriate for group read-alouds and lap reads. Leo “shakes awake” with a box of cereal and goes through his morning routine: munching on “crunchies,” sipping “zingy juice,” and brushing his teeth in the mirror alongside a parent shaving. Finally dressed, he is “wide awake and ready for anything.” The short, descriptive sentences, which appear on most pages, describe the world as experienced by toddlers: “The lemon-yellow sun sparkles in”; “Leo has had a big sleep”; he “shimmies into sharp shorts.” Hearson’s gentle illustrations, which use a soft palette of colors dominated by blues and greens, evoke feelings of harmony and depict a trusting and loving relationship between Leo and his caregivers, who appear to be Black. What a joyful morning!
Reliable storytelling and comforting images make this latest series installment another charmer.
Children's Literature
Wake up to a fun filled day with Leo and his mom and dad in this adorable board book. Leo, is a young toddler boy with brown skin and curly hair. His smiling face in a comfy crib adorns the first double page spread as Leo rises in the morning. His mom opens up the curtains to let the sun into his bedroom. Leo joins his dad in the kitchen as they shae cereal boxes. He sits in his chair to scoop cereal with a spoon and drink juice from a cup. Next up, Leo heads into the bathroom with his dad. His dad shaves his face while Leo brushes his teeth. Leo gets dressed next with a striped yellow top and red shorts. His outfit is complete with yellow shoes that are called jellies. Leo holds his parents hands as they swing him in between on the way to play with water. This is a precious representation of a morning routine for a toddler. Little ones will love to wake up with Leo! The illustrations are joyful and simple. This book is part of a series called Leo Can! A wonderful addition to a home library.
Board book
ISBN: 978-1-62354-339-6
Ages: 0-3
Page count: 18
7 x 7