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Leo and Ralph
From award-winning storyteller Peter Carnavas comes this stellar novel about space, starting over and the best friend you could ever imagine.
Ralph sat up. His voice was croaky. � If a shooting star zoomed past right now, what would you wish for?'
� To find another friend like you.'
Leo and Ralph have been best friends ever since Ralph flew down from one of Jupiter's moons. But now Leo's older, and Mum and Dad think it' s time to say goodbye to Ralph. When the family moves to a small country town, they hope Leo might finally make a real friend. But someone like Ralph is hard to leave behind...Perfect for kids who enjoy gentle, thoughtful stories like The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and the Polly and Buster series by Sally Rippin.
Ralph sat up. His voice was croaky. � If a shooting star zoomed past right now, what would you wish for?'
� To find another friend like you.'
Leo and Ralph have been best friends ever since Ralph flew down from one of Jupiter's moons. But now Leo's older, and Mum and Dad think it' s time to say goodbye to Ralph. When the family moves to a small country town, they hope Leo might finally make a real friend. But someone like Ralph is hard to leave behind...Perfect for kids who enjoy gentle, thoughtful stories like The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and the Polly and Buster series by Sally Rippin.
- GenresMiddle GradeChildrens
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
7 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 16, 2024
A for work read �
A beautiful story about friendship and about trying to fit in. It’s a book about growing up (our main character is in Year 4 at school), about family and loss and ultimately about finding yourself and celebrating difference.
Leo has an ‘out of world� friend called Ralph. Side note - someone could make a lot of money making soft toy Ralphs, I reckon!
Ralph helps Leo through tough times including navigating friendships and moving towns and schools.
A sweet, warm book for all ages but particularly for school children aged Year 2 - Year 5 I think.
Actual rating - 4.5 ⭐️
A beautiful story about friendship and about trying to fit in. It’s a book about growing up (our main character is in Year 4 at school), about family and loss and ultimately about finding yourself and celebrating difference.
Leo has an ‘out of world� friend called Ralph. Side note - someone could make a lot of money making soft toy Ralphs, I reckon!
Ralph helps Leo through tough times including navigating friendships and moving towns and schools.
A sweet, warm book for all ages but particularly for school children aged Year 2 - Year 5 I think.
Actual rating - 4.5 ⭐️
September 4, 2024
Leo and Ralph are the very best of mates. They dream-up and play games together, hang out together everyday and Ralph sleeps over every night. Leo's family are cool with Ralph being with Leo all the time, but no-one else but his teacher knows about their friendship. Ralph is an alien imaginary friend.
Leo's younger sister doesn't have any trouble making friends at school. She seems to attract them like a magnet, but Leo finds it difficult talking to other kids his age. He's a thinker, doesn't talk quickly or if he does, kids seem to find him boring. Leo loves lying outside alone at night and staring up at the stars. Space is his thing, and no-one else he knows likes it as much as him.
One night he sees a speck in the sky, which soon brings him Ralph - an alien from one of the moons of Planet Jupiter. Ralph changes colour depending on his mood and keeping Leo smiling is Ralph's happy place. Yellow is the happiest colour of all.
Leo finally feels like he fits in at school, because he doesn't need to worry about the other kids any longer. Ralph is always by his side. Years pass and Ralph is still Leo's best friend. But times are getting tough, and his family needs to move for Mum's work. They also want him to say goodbye to Ralph, and leave him behind.
Moving from a city to a small country town is hard enough, but without his best friend? Leo's learnt lots of ways to make new (real) friends, but can he?
Leo and Ralph is a sweet story about a little boy who is different from his peers. Leo likes Space and asks lots of questions, and likes to think about things carefully. Other children aren't patient enough to let him be himself, so he spends most of his time alone and trying to figure out how to make friends.
An imaginary friend is the perfect solution, and it's marvelous watching Leo come out of his shell in the company of a small alien horned monster, named Ralph.
The patience and understanding from his family (including his little sister), and his teachers is sweet, allowing Leo to make new friends in his own time. His first new friendship is unplanned, unlikely and lovely to read.
A gentle story for lovers of Wild Robot, Polly & Buster and the Willa & Woof series'
Leo's younger sister doesn't have any trouble making friends at school. She seems to attract them like a magnet, but Leo finds it difficult talking to other kids his age. He's a thinker, doesn't talk quickly or if he does, kids seem to find him boring. Leo loves lying outside alone at night and staring up at the stars. Space is his thing, and no-one else he knows likes it as much as him.
One night he sees a speck in the sky, which soon brings him Ralph - an alien from one of the moons of Planet Jupiter. Ralph changes colour depending on his mood and keeping Leo smiling is Ralph's happy place. Yellow is the happiest colour of all.
Leo finally feels like he fits in at school, because he doesn't need to worry about the other kids any longer. Ralph is always by his side. Years pass and Ralph is still Leo's best friend. But times are getting tough, and his family needs to move for Mum's work. They also want him to say goodbye to Ralph, and leave him behind.
Moving from a city to a small country town is hard enough, but without his best friend? Leo's learnt lots of ways to make new (real) friends, but can he?
Leo and Ralph is a sweet story about a little boy who is different from his peers. Leo likes Space and asks lots of questions, and likes to think about things carefully. Other children aren't patient enough to let him be himself, so he spends most of his time alone and trying to figure out how to make friends.
An imaginary friend is the perfect solution, and it's marvelous watching Leo come out of his shell in the company of a small alien horned monster, named Ralph.
The patience and understanding from his family (including his little sister), and his teachers is sweet, allowing Leo to make new friends in his own time. His first new friendship is unplanned, unlikely and lovely to read.
A gentle story for lovers of Wild Robot, Polly & Buster and the Willa & Woof series'
March 4, 2025
Leo and Ralph is a children’s middle-grade story about a young boy, Leo, who feels like he doesn’t fit into normal society and finds it hard to make friends, real-life friends, that is, as Ralph is his very best friend, although he also happens to be imaginary.
When Leo’s family move from the city to a small town, his family hope that by moving, he will leave his imaginary friend behind and find real friends, just like his little sister. However, Leo only wants to chat, read, play, etc., about one subject: Space. He loves space and knows everything about it.
Then, one day, a new imaginary friend arrives, and Leo names him Ralph too.
Leo and Ralph is an adorable book. I loved Leo, and whilst he wasn’t labelled in the book, I did wonder if he was on the spectrum, given that he had many of the characteristics that my autistic son showed when he was at primary school, including the obsession with one subject.
I also felt sorry for Leo, always being told to try to make real friends and always being compared to his younger, more sociable sister.
The pace of the book is spot on, never too fast or too slow. There is plenty of humour within the pages, and young readers will also learn a thing or two about space thanks to Leo.
Overall, this is a story of acceptance, understanding, and growing up. It is told over a number of years, and it was beautiful to watch Leo change over time with the help of Ralph, who gave him the courage to face each day and just be himself.
When Leo’s family move from the city to a small town, his family hope that by moving, he will leave his imaginary friend behind and find real friends, just like his little sister. However, Leo only wants to chat, read, play, etc., about one subject: Space. He loves space and knows everything about it.
Then, one day, a new imaginary friend arrives, and Leo names him Ralph too.
Leo and Ralph is an adorable book. I loved Leo, and whilst he wasn’t labelled in the book, I did wonder if he was on the spectrum, given that he had many of the characteristics that my autistic son showed when he was at primary school, including the obsession with one subject.
I also felt sorry for Leo, always being told to try to make real friends and always being compared to his younger, more sociable sister.
The pace of the book is spot on, never too fast or too slow. There is plenty of humour within the pages, and young readers will also learn a thing or two about space thanks to Leo.
Overall, this is a story of acceptance, understanding, and growing up. It is told over a number of years, and it was beautiful to watch Leo change over time with the help of Ralph, who gave him the courage to face each day and just be himself.
October 3, 2024
Leo and Ralph have been best friends ever since Ralph flew down from one of Jupiter's moons. But now Leo's older, and Mum and Dad think it’s time to say goodbye to Ralph. When the family moves to a small country town, they hope Leo might finally make a real friend. But someone like Ralph is hard to leave behind...
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This is a book for any child who has even been left out, excluded, alienated, doesn’t feel like they fit in or has difficulty making friends. Children who love space will also enjoy. Of course anyone can read it, but those children will feel so validated in their experiences and their feelings. Leo has a speech delay / difficulty and has challenges with communicating with his peers, but his imaginary friend Ralph saves him and gives him an unforgettable friend. Leo and Ralph’s friendship is just beautiful and I absolutely adore them. A charming, gentle, thoughtful and emotive read. Absolutely loved the character of Ms Pengari 😍😆 Thank you for bringing this gorgeous book into the world
.
This is a book for any child who has even been left out, excluded, alienated, doesn’t feel like they fit in or has difficulty making friends. Children who love space will also enjoy. Of course anyone can read it, but those children will feel so validated in their experiences and their feelings. Leo has a speech delay / difficulty and has challenges with communicating with his peers, but his imaginary friend Ralph saves him and gives him an unforgettable friend. Leo and Ralph’s friendship is just beautiful and I absolutely adore them. A charming, gentle, thoughtful and emotive read. Absolutely loved the character of Ms Pengari 😍😆 Thank you for bringing this gorgeous book into the world
January 26, 2025
This book is a little gem. Leo finds it hard to make friends until he meets Ralph, who comes from one of Jupiter’s moon, Ralphora. Of course Ralph is an imaginary friend, but he makes Leo feel happy, brave and confident. Their friendship continues happily until Leo and his family move to a small town called Dundle. His parents say he should leave Ralph behind as he will be able to make friends at his new school.
The story of how Ralph returns to guide Leo to making a new, human friend, is touching and inspiring.
Any child who is too shy to make friends, or has an imaginary friend of their own, will find in this story that they are not strange or different, and there are others like them.
However, all kids will love this book just for the lovely story.
Thank you to Pushkin press and the author for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.
The story of how Ralph returns to guide Leo to making a new, human friend, is touching and inspiring.
Any child who is too shy to make friends, or has an imaginary friend of their own, will find in this story that they are not strange or different, and there are others like them.
However, all kids will love this book just for the lovely story.
Thank you to Pushkin press and the author for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.
May 1, 2024
Peter Carnavas, you have done it again. This is a very special book for readers of all ages, but especially middle school students. Leo has an 'out of this world' friend, Ralph, who arrived from the sky because Leo needed a friend. When Leo's family moves to a country town, Leo begins to learn that growing up means embracing new interests, being brave, and making real friends (as difficult as that may seem). Ultimately, this means making the choice to engage with his first real friend (Gus) and let go of Ralph.
This is done so well and in the characteristic gentle, kind, a-little-bit-magical, and wise way that marks all of Peter's books.
Themes: friendship, fitting in, growing up, family, loss, hope, celebrating difference
This is done so well and in the characteristic gentle, kind, a-little-bit-magical, and wise way that marks all of Peter's books.
Themes: friendship, fitting in, growing up, family, loss, hope, celebrating difference
April 21, 2024
Absolutely wonderful. I loved everything about this book. So much warmth and feeling. Full of magical realism. One of those stories that stays with you, and is great recommendation for others young and old. Written with such vision, for example; "The sinking sun spilled apricot and plum into the sky. Silhouettes of sleeping cows rested in paddocks and, out of Peg's window, a field of sunflowers caught the last breath of light."
Peter Carnavas is now one of my favourite authors. I loved 'My Brother Ben' just as much.
5 stars.
Peter Carnavas is now one of my favourite authors. I loved 'My Brother Ben' just as much.
5 stars.
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June 9, 2024Leo and Ralph" by Peter Carnavas is a poignant children's book that delves into the themes of loneliness, the universal need for connection, and the power of imagination. Carnavas, known for his sensitive and thoughtful storytelling, captures the essence of childhood isolation and the yearning for companionship through the eyes of a young boy named Leo.
Leo is a solitary figure, navigating the world with a sense of quiet detachment. His days are marked by a longing for a friend, someone who understands him and shares in his adventures. This deep-seated need is fulfilled when Ralph, an alien from outer space, becomes his imaginary friend. Ralph is not just any friend; he embodies Leo's hopes and dreams for companionship. The alien theme adds a delightful layer of whimsy to the story, making Ralph a figure of fascination and wonder.
Carnavas's storytelling portrays Leo's inner world with empathy and insight.
What makes "Leo and Ralph" special is the way it depicts the acceptance of Leo's imaginary friend by the adults around him. His mother and teacher, Mrs. Lloyd, recognise Ralph's importance in Leo's life. Their acceptance highlights a profound understanding of the emotional needs of children, emphasising the significance of imagination in coping with loneliness and forging connections.
The book 'Leo and Ralph' imparts life lessons about empathy, the importance of friendship, and the value of being seen and understood. It's a story that resonates with children and adults, reminding us of the essential human need to connect, even if that connection sometimes comes in unexpected forms.
Leo is a solitary figure, navigating the world with a sense of quiet detachment. His days are marked by a longing for a friend, someone who understands him and shares in his adventures. This deep-seated need is fulfilled when Ralph, an alien from outer space, becomes his imaginary friend. Ralph is not just any friend; he embodies Leo's hopes and dreams for companionship. The alien theme adds a delightful layer of whimsy to the story, making Ralph a figure of fascination and wonder.
Carnavas's storytelling portrays Leo's inner world with empathy and insight.
What makes "Leo and Ralph" special is the way it depicts the acceptance of Leo's imaginary friend by the adults around him. His mother and teacher, Mrs. Lloyd, recognise Ralph's importance in Leo's life. Their acceptance highlights a profound understanding of the emotional needs of children, emphasising the significance of imagination in coping with loneliness and forging connections.
The book 'Leo and Ralph' imparts life lessons about empathy, the importance of friendship, and the value of being seen and understood. It's a story that resonates with children and adults, reminding us of the essential human need to connect, even if that connection sometimes comes in unexpected forms.
July 3, 2024
Another gem of a read by Peter Carnavas. Leo's imaginary friend Ralph, helps Leo through school. Having no friends and finding social situations difficult. He relies on Ralph to get him through each day. Even when the family move away, Leo struggles to fit in. Leo loves space and this allows him to connect with other people and actually make a friend.
Sweet book for all ages
Sweet book for all ages
July 5, 2024
I love imaginary friend stories and this is a really sweet one. Leo and Ralph are adorable. And I love how Ralph's fur changes colour depending on his mood. There are some great characters here outside the main two.
September 16, 2024
A wonderful and captivating read for young and old. My children at home and school sat wide eyed and open mouthed throughout, totally engaged.
I love the description, the relatability, the imagination and connections in the story.
Highly recommend!
I love the description, the relatability, the imagination and connections in the story.
Highly recommend!
March 23, 2024
Please visit readingtime.com.au to read my full review of this delightful junior fiction book. Thank you to the Children's Book Council for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 2, 2024
pg 145 ‘It won’t be long till someone likes the way you don’t fit.�
November 14, 2024
Paige’s review I loved the book really recommend it the it shows you to always be brave reach for the stars ! Love the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2024
Aimed at 10-12 year olds, but anyone can read it. A beautiful book about friendship- brought a tear or two to my eye.
December 16, 2024
Beautiful story about power of imaginary friend.
April 15, 2025
A beautiful story that tugs the heartstrings!
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