Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010.
When Leon goes to the magic show, he is the only one who believes. His brothers and sisters are in for a big surprise however: this is no ordinary show and Abdul Kazam is no ordinary magician. Leon is taken on a journey right into the Place Between, where magic becomes really real.
CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal SHORTLIST 2010: Judges’ comments
This is a wonderful production, in different media with fantastic use of sumptuous colour and light throughout. The jacket just invites you to pick it up and you really feel as if you are watching a show as you read it: there is so much for the reader to look at.
Wanting to prove to his brothers and sister that magic really exists, Leon volunteers to be in Abdul Kazam's magic show and gets transported to a mysterious world. Filled with rabbits, doves, playing cards and magician's assistants – among other things – if a magician can make it disappear, it will end up in the Place Between! When Leon returns, not only do his brothers and sister believe, but we do too.
With diecut holes into and out of the 'Place Between', the reader takes a journey right through the pages of the book, into the mysterious world of Grahame Baker-Smith's breath-taking illustrations.
ANGELA MCALLISTER is the author of over 70 books for children and teens. Her books have won several awards, including the Red House Book Award for Yuck! That's Not a Monster! and the Stockport and Portsmouth Awards for My Mum has X-Ray Vision. Her picture book, Leon and the Place Between has been adapted for the stage and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award. She has collaborated with many illustrators, including Grahame Baker-Smith, Alex T. Smith, Margaret Chamberlain, Ross Collins and Peter Bailey.
