Leo the Magnificat is the fictionalized story of a real cat. Leo was the church cat at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in Louisville, Kentucky.
Leo is a well-illustrated and nicely told story that will be enjoyed by all cat lovers, adults or children. It is a fitting tribute to a well-loved cat. ( )

Leo was a Siamese cat that turned up at a church one day and stayed for 12 years. He had many adventures and made lots of friends. When he died, a funeral was held for him and he was buried in the church garden. He will never be forgotten. Author Ann M. Martin is an American children's fiction writer who has been a Newberry Medal runner-up. Illustrator Emily Arnold McCully is an American writer and illustrator best known for children's books.

Now this is a book to hug, love and cherish over and over again. Really gently teaches the value of life through the eyes of a dedicated pet whose life was precious if not long.

Age Appropriateness: Primary
Genre: Biography
Media: Watercolor
Plot: Leo wandered into the chruch garden one afternoon and was found by the secretary. She immediately liked him and soon the rest of the church congregation did also. Leo was an active participant in the church and gave love to everyone. He became lost one day and everyone was worried, but it turns out that he was just taking a ride with the taxi cab driver all day. Leo lived in the church for twelve years before he died of old age and they put up a memorial for him in the church garden.
Review: This is a story about a cat, named Leo who found a home with the people of a church and was loved from the very first day. He lived there for many, many years and was loved by all. Because this is based on the life of this church and its adopted cat, it is considered biographical. ( )