The Magic Leaf

Morris, Winifred; Chen, Ju-Hong

4.33

12 ratings by Goodreads

ISBN 10: 0689313586 ISBN 13: 9780689313585

Publisher: Atheneum, 1987

Lee Foo discovers a leaf that supposedly makes him invisible, but he soon finds that he is not as clever as he had thought

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From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2 Lee Foo knows he is smart. For instance, when his sword falls in the water he marks the side of the boat so he will know where to find it. Later, He uses a supposedly magic leaf to make himself invisible; he then steals into the mayor's garden where he ad mires the peonies. Guards throw him in jail, but he comes before a gullible judge who also believes in magic. The magistrate tests the leaf: he holds it and asks if Lee Foo can see him. Re calling past disasters, Lee Foo sudden ly doesn't feel so smart after all. His moment of insight shapes his answer and wins him his freedom. Told in the manner of a Chinese folktale, the story tries to give children a chance to feel superior to a foolish hero. Unfortu nately, Lee Foo emerges more like an ordinary forgetful man than the true simpleton who elicits laughter. Also, the narrative takes so long building up to the main action that interest wanes. Finally, some readers will have trouble with the lie that brings about the sto ry's resolution. The soft watercolor il lustrations please the eye with their muted tones but, like the story, lack focus and impact. Ellen D. Warwick, formerly at Thompson School, Arling ton, Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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