Leo Cockroach: Toy Tester

by Kevin O'Malley

Leo Cockroach, who secretly tests toys for the bug-hating president of a toy company, seeks a job with the competitor across the street and finds himself worse off than before.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Storytime, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

There is more than one author by this name on Goodreads.

Kevin O'Malley is the co-author and illustrator of the popular Miss Malarkey series as well as the award-winning Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude and the national bestseller Gimme Cracked Corn and I Will Share. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
He also has visited hundreds and hundreds of schools.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I admit that I have a VERY STRONG DISLIKE of cockroaches. Like...I wish they would all leap into a volcano, en masse, and DIE. So imagine my surprise when I found that I actually liked a book where the hero is *gulp* a cockroach! *shudders* This was pulled for my unit on toys, and it was a stellar addition. In fact, it was the stand-out favorite of the bunch! If you care to read into it, you can find themes of prejudice, persecution, and corporate malfeasance, but I don't normally go very deep when reading with the kiddos here at work. If I were at home with my own, though, that would be a different story. Not that I'd ever let a cockroach live in my house (Please, oh PLEASE never let a child of mine want a hissing cockroach as a pet!!!!!), but this might make me look at them differently. Nah. I still think they all need to die. But if I ever saw a cockroach testing out a toy plane, I might just salute and let him fly in peace. Highly recommended.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo Cockroach is a toy tester for Waddatoy Toys. This is, however, unknown to CEO Mildred Splatt, who hates bugs and is always trying to squash Leo. But Leo has a knack for picking successful toys. So when he decides he’s had enough attempts on his life, he flies an airplane to Notsogouda Toys, where Mr. Magnus Worm welcomes him with a furnished cage. Leo is shocked at the poor quality of toys and it soon becomes evident that Leo will have to escape.

Great illustrations.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would've maybe been better with older kids (grade 2/3?)

[Kristen Thorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

79/365

Surprised I made it through a book with a cockroach. Cartoon or otherwise.

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

[Michalyn Easter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever heard a good story about a roach? Me neither! Well that was until I read this book. The story tells of Leo, a cockroach that lives in a toy factory. Since Leo lives there, he takes it upon himself to test the toys for enjoyment and safety. Th other occupant by his home, a human, is not too fond when she sees Leo running around in her office. Often she tries to kill him! What kind of person tries to kill a roach? However, in the end she learns to appreciate Leo and what he has done for her toy company. Leo lives!
This book is longer and denser than the usual picture book, but it has some great components in it. The story contains a roach with human characteristics, and this is a great discussion starter about characters and personalities and features. This can also lead to talk about things being different than they seem. Who would picture a roach doing good? The story also has illustrations that can be used for predictions and mental imagery. Another great feature is the story's use of onomatopoeia! WHat a great way to practice the spelling and phonics of "Splat", "boom", or "bang" !
Overall, this book would be a great for a read aloud and it is possible that the students may become fond of the occasional classroom critters. :)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost really liked this book but a few weaknesses made it an okay, but not great, read. I appreciate that the cockroach is not loved by the main toy factory workers and the book is a good lesson in appreciating all kinds of people (and insects).

1) I am creeped out by cockroachers. They are icky and make me feel squicky. O'Malley makes Leo as charming and friendly as possible but unfortunately, he's still a cockroach. I was particularly icked out by the picture of him hugging his cat friend, Bernard.
2) O'Malley loves to use a graphic novel feel in his picture books and he continues the trend in this book. The scenes in which Leo inspects and tests the toys need careful attention and are required reading to fully appreciate the plot.
3) O'Malley uses some word play and I think the book would be even better with consistent buggy word play. Fully commit to the bug humor!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo Cockroach, toy tester extraordinaire, thinks the grass MUST be greener on the other side (that is at the toy company across the street). When he leaves his somewhat chushy job at Waddatoy Toys and owner Mrs. Splatt, he incurs the wrath of Mr. Worm who owns Notsogouda Toys. He finds a way to make it back across the street in the nick of time.

Used for "UGH!...BUGS!" Storytime- September, 2010.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book even though I am morally opposed to giving cockroaches any sort of likable attributes in fiction or otherwise. Leo the Cockroach in this book tests toys (as implied by the title) and produces hit after hit for Ms. Splatt CEO of the toy company. But he gets tired of her trying to kill him all the time and "flies" to green pastures, so he thinks.

Really delightful illustrations, even if they do showcase a filthy cockroach.

[Rose]

E O'Ma

[Paul Hankins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boys will enjoy this "ladder" to graphic novels with its main character and skewed look at toys (Notsogouda Toys--I love it).

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The yo-yo and ride-a-rock were the best!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, but it was really long. It might be too long for a read aloud. This book did a great job with showing different ways to problems solve. The text bubbles were really cute.