Author Alex Donahue asked us to read his children's book about two young boys living on Prince Edward Island during the tail end of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. Alex hoped we'd be surprised by his book and, well, we certainly were in some ways.

Leon & Chris has a lovely cover and a solid core story that handles serious topics with a genuinely sweet, childlike tone. However, its potential is diminished by some tedious sections and mechanical writing errors. This could be a great book for young readers once it's refreshed with a serious edit.

Content Warnings: In addition to our usual barnyard language, today's episode includes discussion of: bullying, the Great Depression, orphans, starvation, and war.