Happy Book Birthday, Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas!

It's time to shoutout another book birthday! Today's read releases tomorrow from Groundwoods Publishing and aims at the middle grade audience. I found the cover simple but grabbing...and wanted to know about that alien right away. It appears that this isn't a science fiction read, however, and steers more in the direction of imaginary friends. 

But let's just take a peek and see what this tale's all about.

 

LEO AND RALPH

by Peter Carnavas

Groundwood Books

Middle Grade Fiction

280 pages

ages 8 to 12

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.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Problems of moving, finding friends, and parting with old ones comes across with a hint of imagination and tons of heart.

Leo has always had difficulties fitting in at school, but when he found Ralph, everything was fine...although Ralph came from space. With a move to a small town, Leo needs to look forward and leaves Ralph behind, but that also gives him with the task of finding real friends. Considering he still has difficulties on that end, it isn't an easy one. Plus, he misses Ralph.

This is a gentle tale, which moves through the plot with calmness, care, and warmth. Leo's fondness for Ralph is very understandable, and Ralph is a wonderful friend. So, it's easy to understand Leo as he struggles to move on. His troubles with kids his age are also understandable and, in many ways, relatable. Luckily, his family stands at his side and offers quite a bit support and concern, never belittling or trying to sweep over his problems. There are other characters as well, who offer assistance where they can, and this forms a wholesome read with lots of goodness. 

The slightly larger font and spacing slides a bit more in the chapter book/easier reader direction. The theme of Ralph's friendship also fits nicely to the mid-/and younger end of the middle grade reading group. The story centers more on heart and brings Leo's situation across in a touching and interesting way to keep the pacing steady the entire way through. There were a few times where the perspective switched to the adults, which was smooth but wasn't quite my thing, since it reminded the reader that Leo is a child (but this is really just me, since it also adds insights into the situation). I see this one for readers, who enjoy diving into more thoughtful stories and enjoy a little warmth and food for thought.

And here he is...

PETER CARNAVAS writes and illustrates books for young readers. His books have been published around the world and have won many awards, including a Queensland Literary Award and the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature at the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards. Peter lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, with his wife, two daughters and a dog.