Leo and "Roller Coaster"I am one of those people who just can’t handle roller coasters. Or any other rides that whirl, twirl, lunge and plunge.

I learned this at an early age and have avoided such rides ever since. I can now be found on the ground waving happily at whichever friend or family member is spinning past me.

Whether you’re like me, or whether you’re one of those folks who loves being hurled through space at a breakneck, devil-may-care speed, chances are you’ll adore Marla Frazee’s picture book Roller Coaster (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006).

It follows a group of folks getting ready to ride a roller coaster. Some are old hands, others are first-timers. Some love it. Some hate it. And some stay firmly on the ground.

Today’s guest reviewer, Leo, likes roller coasters. He says they’re cool, fun and scary. He also adds that if he were a character in this book, he would be one of the people screaming.

So, take it away, Leo!

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Our reviewer: Leo

Age: 8

Things I like to do: Play tackle football and baseball with my friends, draw pictures and have fun.

This book was about: This big roller coaster and all these people who wanted to ride it and what they were doing and stuff. The main character was probably this girl. I think it was her first time on a roller coaster.

The best part was when: She was going on the roller coaster again — right now!

I smiled when: When the two dads got sick. They didn’t look like they would mind the roller coaster.

I was surprised when: When I first read it, I thought two things — the girl wasn’s scared and the guys wouldn’t get sick.

This book taught me: To not make fun of some people if they don’t want to ride. It’s OK. But, don’t be afraid.

Three words that best describe this book: “Roller coaster.” “Happy.” “Scary.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “All the way around!”

My favorite picture in this book is: Where everyone riding the roller coaster is happy except those two guys. It shows how they really feel the whole time. It’s fun to watch all the riders.

You should read this book because: It’s funny and surprising.

Thank you, Leo!

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This book is written and illustrated by Marla Frazee, whose work I have long, long admired. Seriously. Her illustrations are warm and loving and absolutely drip with details and meaning. You can’t spend too much time examing them and noticing everything she’s got going on.

I’ve also seen Marla speak at an SCBWI event and was further blown away by her talent and general good humor. So I obviously think you should learn more about her and her work. To do so, you can: