Leon and the Spitting Image by Allen Kurzweil

Leon's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Hagmeyer, is ruining everything. She uses sewing as a motto for life and her assignments all consist of crafting stuffed 'animiles' which mysteriously disappear once they've been graded. Leon, with a few other students, decides to investigate 'The Hag' and uncover whatever sinister scheme she may be running. By the end of the book, the students and the teacher have both learned more about each other, and have new found respect.

Full of quirky humor and off-beat adventure, this is a thoroughly entertaining read. It does require some suspension of disbelief when Leon stumbles on a way to craft a doll of his teacher which will control her movements, but it doesn't really detract from the style or core message of the story. A good book for those who appreciate the works of Roald Dahl.

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by Scott

Also check out this interview with Allen Kurzweil!