Florence and Leon have never met.
Florence is a swimming instructor. She has a small problem with her lungs: it's as if she's breathing through a straw. Leon is an insurance salesman. He has a small problem with his eyes: it's as if he's seeing the world through a straw. One day Florence and Leon bump into each other, literally, and this mishap turns their lives upside down. Over slushy drinks with proper straws, Florence and Leon find out how their differences make them alike.
"Beautifully honest and heartfelt, this story is perfect for quiet moments of sharing with loved ones, and could be read again and again…With the deceptively simple, uniquely styled illustrations, and the captivating prose with charming exchanges between the two characters, this well-developed, intimate story is one to be treasured and appreciated repeatedly. Highly recommended for the older picture book crowd."
– Resource Links
"Light and uncluttered pencil drawings with splashes of cheery red and yellow make excellent use of white space to connect scenes of spot art."
– Kirkus Reviews
"A lovely picture book... Regardless of who ends up reading it, Florence & Leon will bring a smile to readers' faces."
– CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Black-and-white illustrations, accented with red, yellow, and blue, suit a story (translated from the French) that is at once simple and full of empathy and feeling.”
– The Horn Book Online
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2019 | Commended
The Prix Albertine Jeunesse, 9 - 14 | 2024 | Short-listed
Prix littéraire du Gouverneur Général: littérature jeunesse de langue française- livres illustrés | 2016 | Nominated
Prix Alvine-Belisle | 2017 | Nominated