Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo,
by Obert Skye
Welcome to Foo!
Obert Skye discovered it several years ago, and he invites you to make the journey yourself through the characters in his book, Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo. Foo is “the fantastic realm that allows mankind to hope, imagine and dream.”
Leven Thumps, a fourteen-year-old boy living in Burnt Culvert, Oklahoma, has the power to save Foo from its chaotic state and he must journey to the secret gateway that connects the two worlds, the real one and the magical. But first he must discover the power and potential within himself, discarding self-doubt and believing that he is meant for bigger and better things than the wretched life he has lived thus far.
Leven Thumps is identifiable as a Mormon fantasy in two important respects. First, it is published by Shadow Mountain, a division of Deseret Book that prides itself in publishing uplifting, values-based fiction and fantasy books “that help build individuals, their families and society as a whole.” I don’t usually run around quoting mission statements like that, but I believe that this book delivers exactly what the publisher intended. More on that later….
The second feature that makes Leven Thumps distinctively Mormon is the set of themes that run through it. First among these is a character who can recall experiences of taking part in a struggle before birth. There is also a concept of “fate” that is changeable, malleable and requiring our participation to achieve the greatest good. Fate, as depicted here, approximates our relationship with the will of God. Finally, there is a villain who was very similar to some of the protagonists before he was consumed by greed, pride and self-centeredness. This villain is insidious and powerful with varied means at his disposal, but his greatest power lies in his minions who have the ability to fill people’s minds with discouragement and self-doubt.
However, as lengthy of a list as one could make of applications to Mormon doctrine, this story can stand on its own for a young reader or someone not familiar with the church’s teachings. It is an enjoyable story about the human experience that could be understood by most any reader.
The pace of the story makes it ideal to read aloud to children ages six and up. We found the story compelling enough that my husband and I both read ahead and finished the book long before finishing it with our children. It has characters who are believable, if fantastical, and the dialogue and story are filled with enough laugh-out-loud funny moments that it held our children’s attention well.
The Leven Thumps website is an excellent site utilizing Ben Sowards’ illustrations to help you explore Foo. Visit to learn more about Leven and his friends, author Obert Skye and the series of books. The second one in the series, Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret, is scheduled to be released in October 2006.
“Impossible is not a word. You have the potential to do great things.” Obert Skye
Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye. Published by Deseret Book.
Cover image © Deseret Book. Used with permission.
July 3rd, 2006 06:40
Great review, Téa. I think I will definitely have to read it myself before I give it to my daughter to read to her eight-year old this summer.
July 3rd, 2006 06:59
I don’t know if you knew that Leven Thumps has been picked up by a national publisher. The paperback release of book one and the first time release of book two will be under this national publisher, not deseret book. (this news from my friendly neighborhood deseret book store)
Back on track, Leven thumps was an enjoyable read.
July 5th, 2006 21:26
Karen, I had not heard that–what a wonderful opportunity for more people to enjoy this series!
July 5th, 2006 23:41
We started the book today, my son and I. It has us hooked already!
July 6th, 2006 07:54
Téa, thanks for the review! It got me to pick up the book!
Karen, I hadn’t heard that. Where’d you hear? What publisher, etc…?
Michelle, I know–the intro/chapter one should be lableled like they have to put on prescription drugs that you coudl get hooked on, it’s so addictive right off the bat!
July 15th, 2006 09:26
The national publication is under the Aladdin imprint of Simon and Schuster. They are keeping the same cover art.
Thanks for the review. My daughter reads only fantasy and manga. I hope she likes it.
November 30th, 2006 15:52
this book was too long omg but it was really good!
December 28th, 2006 06:33
I loved the book!!!! Today I’m going to get the second book. I’m very interested in fantasy stories and this is good twist on a modern day boy an d a mistical land.
April 19th, 2007 12:21
this book is filed with exicting events and has a thrilling story
May 8th, 2007 07:10
Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo is a fantastic book I really look forward to reading more about Leven and his friends… The second book is awesome too! Please hurry with number 3!!
May 17th, 2007 20:27
BEST BOOK EVER
May 18th, 2007 20:13
This is the best book ever, garentied!I am so exsited 4 the 3rd book.:)
May 28th, 2007 10:25
i loved the book. i can’t weight to get the second one
September 7th, 2007 05:55
this book is so good, sometimes i wish i was wisked to foo myself
October 15th, 2007 15:58
I love this book. I read all the 2. going to the book store to get the 3rd!!
October 16th, 2007 05:06
I llove this book!! it is awesome! I can’t wait to get the 3rd one!
May 27th, 2008 15:58
omg i loved the book Levn Thumps and the gatway to foo it has to one of the best books of all times i loved all the books that has ben made so far i can not what form the new ones