Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo: Leven Thumps, Book 1
By Matt Berman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Occasionally fun fantasy about the world of dreams.
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Based on 3 parent reviews
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good book for ages 8-16
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What's the Story?
Orphaned, mistreated Leven, called Lev, is contacted by a tiny creature named Clover, who informs him that he has a destiny to save two worlds: his own and the world of dreams, called Foo. As he discovers he has the ability to see and alter the future, he meets a girl who can turn anything into ice. Together with Clover and a toothpick who was once the king of Foo, they race to destroy the gateway to Foo, pursued by the shadow minions of Sabine, who rules Foo and wants to extend his dominion over the real world. Includes a map, annotated character list, and glossary.
Is It Any Good?
This fantasy wanders about for a long time before it really gets going. Along the way there are some flashes of excitement, but there's virtually no character development, and the derivative plot doesn't make much sense. There are plenty of clichés and numerous weirdly inappropriate references that few kids will get, to everything from '70s pop music to Seinfeld.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the author's ideas about dreams. Are dreams essential to us or could we live without them? What purpose do they serve? What kinds of things do you dream about?
What do you think of the monsters in the story?
How does this book compare with other fantasies you've read? How did you like the mix of humor and terror?
Book Details
- Author: Obert Skye
- Illustrators: Ben Sowards , William Sokol
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Aladdin
- Publication date: July 1, 2006
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 9
- Number of pages: 368
- Last updated: February 24, 2023
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