Leeva at Last
Leeva Spayce Thornblossom only goes into the front yard once a week to collect the newspaper. To do otherwise would be to contravene the rules in the ‘Employee Manual’ her parents make her follow. Leeva’s parents have no interest in their daughter: her mother is obsessed with fame, her father, money and since she brings them neither, she lives a life of servitude. When she finally finds the courage to venture through the hedge, she discovers the library and begins to meet the people of Nutsmore, the town where she lives, trying to find an answer to the question ‘what are people for?’. She discovers that her parents are not well liked- for good reason- and with help from her new friends, Leeva changes the town forever.
There are so many reasons to adore this book! In spite of her loveless and lonely upbringing, Leeva is a lovely girl, resilient and caring, curious and kind. Even her name (Leave a space) is a constant reminder of the lack of care bestowed on her by her callous, self absorbed parents. As she meets others, Leeva discovers that life outside her home is very different to life inside it. First, Harry and his aunt, Mrs Flowers, at the library introduce her to the wonders of books and the joys baking- but also to the fact that the endless budget cuts and taxes that are crippling the town are the work of her parents. Their iniquities and cruelties are highly exaggerated, making them caricature-like in their villainy, easy to despise and laugh at. But the truths of the book shine through- people are important, doing the right thing is important and books and reading are essential.
The love of books radiates from the pages of this story as Mrs Flowers guides a very willing Leeva to the joy books bring. As Sara Pennypacker lists some of Leeva’s favourite discoveries, it is as if she (Sara) is offering the reader the gift of suggestions to explore for themselves… Because of Winn-Dixie; Charlotte’s Web; Bud, Not Buddy; A Wrinkle in Time- so many treasures! In response to her father’s comment that people in books are ‘just printed words on paper’, Leeva reflects that he is wrong because ‘… those words became real people, doing real things. By the end of a book, those words left you weeping or cheering or vowing to change your life’- just as her character in this book does! Leeva recognises that words have true power- another reason she enjoys savouring the word of the week from the paper and seeking opportunities to use these in conversation!
‘Leeva at Last’ is at times deeply poignant, frequently humorous, and utterly absorbing. It would make an excellent read aloud or guided reading text, offering as it does so much to enjoy, discuss and explore. It even has a curmudgeonly badger! Matthew Cordell’s line drawings appear throughout the book, capturing the humour of various moments in the text perfectly! I have thoroughly enjoyed each book by Sara Pennypacker that I have read- but I think this is now my favourite!
Leeva at Last
Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008606190