The Readers - Leap Year Books, Leap Year Picture Books, Leap Year Birthday

“A charming story featuring a darling frog, Leopold’s Long Awaited Leap Year Birthday, fills a void in our Picture Book collection, and calls attention to a very unique group of birthday celebrants. Here’s to those special Leap Year babies…may you always feel young!”

"Leopold's Long Awaited Leap Year Birthday leaps from the pages with a fanciful, yet easy to grasp explanation of the tricky concept of Leap Year. The factual context of why we have leap year is skillfully woven into this charming story for children, preschool through primary grades. Every children's library should have this as a staple; it will have children happily watching for the next Leap Year to arrive. And what a treat for other leaplings who share Leopold's special birthday!"

"Leopold's Long Awaited Leap Year Birthday is a delightfully crafted story that unravels the mystery and anticipation of waiting for a very special day. Ms. Desjardins has hit the jackpot again with this marvelous follow-up to her first picture book, The Autumn Marathon, to solve the mystery for Leopold and every child who is fortunate enough to have this book on his or her nightstand or classroom library shelf. The story, as well as the vividly colored illustrations of Mr. Locander, will magically draw the reader deeper into the wondrous charms of Lily Pad Pond. There is truly nothing else out there that addresses and simplifies this difficult concept so well. It's the perfect choice for parents and teachers alike.

SUCH a cute story! And it’s written for an age group that does not have a book to help them understand…thank you so much for following whatever it was that guided you to this project. SO many parents of little Leaplings email me asking for something they can get for their child’s birthday. Now I can direct them to (this) book…It’s a great story with wonderfully delightful expressive illustrations.

"Leap Day is everyone's extra day. Those of you born on one of those annual days can celebrate it too."

Raenell Dawn

The Honor Society of Leap Year Babies

"What a way to bring inanimate objects-leaves to life! Anyone who reads this sweet book won't be able to look at blowing and traveling leaves in the same way again. The leaves magically take on their own character as they race through the city, blowing about and landing in the most opportune places.

The author has created a sweet and consistent tone in this book, which is a real challenge of most writers. But this one is spot-on, leaving the reader with a warm, satisfied feeling by the time the final page is reached....I loved this title and imagine I will hear about it again."

"As the principal of a Montessori school for pre-schoolers through 6th grade, I highly recommend you own "The Autumn Marathon" for each classroom library. After listening to the story, children were able to capture the spirit of this beautifully written and brilliantly illustrated, animated story of autumn leaves that seem to come to life on every page."

"The book is exquisite. The content is highly creative and the script and illustrations are in harmony with each other. I cherish the illustration and the writing. The author has given the leaves a strong, clear sense of identity, and we become good friends with them....schools will treasure the book."

"My kids loved it as much as I did...Brilliant work! In my life's marathon, I found this a comforting book that puts many things into perspective. We are all busy running...."

"...Children love the story and listen to it interestedly and quietly- until they recognize things they've seen in their own neighborhoods, such as the train or a school building, then they burst with enthusiasm to tell their own experiences....Ms Desjardins' book has led me to notice more of the wonder during what has always been my favorite season."