Synopsis Leon doesn't want to fly. When he is invited to visit his baby cousin in Spain, he really, really wants to go... but can he overcome his greatest fear?

Review: One title in a series of Walker Stories, aimed at supporting beginner readers making the transition from picture books. This book contains three short stories which link to form chapters in a satisfying small novel for early readers.

Leon is an engaging character, whose parents suggest a holiday either in his father's home country of Jamaica, or in Egypt. Because Leon is afraid of flying they opt instead for a wet week by the British seaside! In the second tale his cousin comes to visit from Spain, but leaves behind his outgrown comfort blanket when he returns. This gives Leon both motivation and the courage to visit him in Spain in the final story, and to overcome a number of his own fears in the process.

Easy, satisfying reading that will reassure young readers both with their reading, and with growing-up fears they may have.

2008-05-28