Michael Pryor (text), Jules Fabers (illus.), Leo da Vinci vs. the Furniture Overlord (Leo da Vinci #2). Random House Australia, 4 Jan 2016, 192pp., $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780857988393
This is the second Leo da Vinci book from Michael Pryor. Ten year old Leo, of the town of Vinci, is a genius and an inventor. His laboratory and workshop is in the shed in the backyard, which is much larger than it seems at first glance. With his friend Mina, Ragnar the talking pig and Isaac the wood-burning robot, Leo is out to save the world from supervillains. The town of Vinci is currently being threatened by The Furniture Overlord, a kid who can bring furniture to life and make it attack people. Can Leo and his friends defeat this supervillain and save the world?
This is a very funny, very silly book – and I mean that in the best way possible. Kids will enjoy the over-the-top supervillains, Leo’s weird and wonderful inventions, the crazy weapons (Lamington Accelerator anyone?) and the funny one liners. This is a fun and entertaining read, sure to be enjoyed by primary schoolers everywhere. It would do well in upper primary and public libraries. Recommended.
Reviewed by Rebecca Kemble
