Leo and Ralph - Softcover

Carnavas, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1779461011 ISBN 13: 9781779461018

Publisher: Groundwood Books, 2026

Synopsis

Ever since he was in kindergarten, Leo has had a hard time making friends. He always has so much going on in his head, and his words come out so slowly that the other kids just run off to play without listening to him.

Things are different after he meets Ralph. Ralph is from a different planet, and he loves outer space, just like Leo. The two friends make up their own language and invent other planets. As the early school years go by, Leo and Ralph have such a good time together that Leo's parents worry that he is not making other friends.

When Leo's mother gets a job in another town, Leo reluctantly agrees to say goodbye to Ralph. Leo is in a new school now, in a higher grade. But when he doesn't quite click with his real-life classmates, Ralph comes back, and this time, Leo has to keep his old friend a secret. Until, with the help of his family, his new classmates, and his new teacher, Leo is finally able to say goodbye to Ralph for good.

A stellar novel about space, starting over and a friendship that's out of this world.

About this title

About the Author

PETER CARNAVAS created his first picture books while working as a primary school teacher. He has gone on to write and illustrate over twenty books for children, and his work has been translated into many languages around the world. His novel Leo and Ralph received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and School Library Journal, and was the winner of the Prime Minister's Literary Award, Australia's highest literary honor. Peter lives in Brisbane/Meanjin, Australia with his family.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Ralph took a deep breath. “… if one of my ships comes to get me, you’ll never see me again. It’ll be goodbye forever, and not because your parents said so. I’ll be gone because you won’t need me anymore.”

Leo scuffed the concrete with his shoe. “That won’t ever happen. I’ll always need you…. What will happen to you when I go to Dundle?”

“Doesn’t matter,” said Ralph. “Your parents told you to say goodbye, so that’s what we’ll do.”

“But you won’t disappear in a big soccer ball just yet?”

Ralph shook his furry head.

“Good,” said Leo. “I’ve got an idea.”

He told Ralph the plan. Ralph wasn’t sure at first, but Leo talked him around. They made their secret promise, gathered Leo’s lunch things, then raced back to the classroom before they got into trouble.

Edition details

• Publisher: Groundwood Books
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1779461011
• ISBN 13: 9781779461018
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280