What do you think?
Rate this book
Monti and Leo #2
Monti and Leo: A Mystery in Pocketville
A mania for collecting—and a mysterious thief—have Pocketville abuzz in Monti and Leo’s endearing second graphic adventure. Will their friendship pass the test of loyalty?
Mrs. Sheep has loaned her storied collection of figurines to the library, and Pocketville is all aflutter. When Monti and Leo attend the exhibit and discuss their favorites with the crowd, Monti’s turns out to be the same as Mrs. Sheep’s. Later, while Leo shows Monti his treasured rock collection, the town enters a frenzy of collecting—everything from old bottles and red yo-yos to feathers and pine cones. Monti wants a collection, too, but can’t decide what to collect. The mood turns dire when one of Mrs. Sheep’s figurines mysteriously goes missing—her favorite! All eyes turn to Monti as, one by one, other prize objects vanish, setting off a storm of suspicion and accusation. Will Monti take the fall? Not if Detective Leo can help it. With clean, simple panel design and appealing art, this reassuring early reader in graphic form mines classic themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty.
Mrs. Sheep has loaned her storied collection of figurines to the library, and Pocketville is all aflutter. When Monti and Leo attend the exhibit and discuss their favorites with the crowd, Monti’s turns out to be the same as Mrs. Sheep’s. Later, while Leo shows Monti his treasured rock collection, the town enters a frenzy of collecting—everything from old bottles and red yo-yos to feathers and pine cones. Monti wants a collection, too, but can’t decide what to collect. The mood turns dire when one of Mrs. Sheep’s figurines mysteriously goes missing—her favorite! All eyes turn to Monti as, one by one, other prize objects vanish, setting off a storm of suspicion and accusation. Will Monti take the fall? Not if Detective Leo can help it. With clean, simple panel design and appealing art, this reassuring early reader in graphic form mines classic themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty.
80 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2025
20 people want to read
About the author
Sylvie Kantorovitz
10 books16 followersSylvie Kantorovitz was born in Casablanca and grew up in France. She is the author-illustrator of many picture books. This is her first graphic novel. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her partner, author-illustrator Barbara Lehman.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Read
March 4, 2025I'm really liking the Monti and Leo books and hope there are more. Sweet (but not saccharine!), with nice lessons (but not preachy!) about accepting people, being friends, and not making snap judgements.
March 24, 2025
3/21/2025 Too cute, and very Space Gnomely! Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
3/24/2025 This second Monti & Leo book finds the two best friends embroiled in a series of conundrums, one light-hearted but one decidedly serious, as collecting mania comes to Pocketville!
Mrs Sheep has generously allowed her collection of figurines to be displayed at the local library. As the Pocketvillians ooh and aah over the scope of her collection, many express an interest in starting up collections of their own. Not of dolls, necessarily, as everyone has their own interests. Leo, for one, already has a collection of neat rocks that he's proud to show off to Monti.
Everyone is enthusiastically discussing what they intend to collect and sharing their finds with their friends... all except Monti, who can't seem to decide what interests him the most. But bigger worries are on the horizon for him, when the prize figurine in Mrs Sheep's collection goes missing. Monti, who'd loudly admired the doll, becomes prime suspect in its disappearance.
Leo is aghast, not only at the aspersions cast on his poor friend but at the doubts that come crowding into his head as a result of Mrs Sheep's accusations. Determined to quiet all the voices, he sets out to investigate who might have stolen the figurine and why. The path to the truth isn't straightforward, especially when the figurine seems to be only the first in a series of items missing from the collections of Pocketvillians. Will Leo be able to get to the bottom of things? Will Monti finally be able to figure out what he wants to collect?
This adorable graphic novel for children hits some surprisingly nuanced depths, as Leo wrestles with the concepts of loyalty and innocence. Perhaps most impressive was the accurate but not unkind dissection of Mrs Sheep's personality, as someone who would unthinkingly lash out and blame an innocent for her own misfortune. It's very awesome that she gets a chance to make amends for her bad behavior, so readers -- especially young ones -- can see what a genuine apology from a powerful figure looks like. It also makes it easier for people who find themselves in Mrs Sheep's predicament to know what to do when they've wronged someone.
Sylvie Kantorovitz's expressive cartoon illustrations are especially charming, and the inclusion of collection suggestions and examples of her own little treasures at the end make this the most Space Gnomely title I've read so far this year. Truly a lovely addition to any library that appreciates quality children's literature.
Monti And Leo: A Mystery In Pocketville by Sylvie Kantorovitz was published February 4 2025 by Walker Books US and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
3/24/2025 This second Monti & Leo book finds the two best friends embroiled in a series of conundrums, one light-hearted but one decidedly serious, as collecting mania comes to Pocketville!
Mrs Sheep has generously allowed her collection of figurines to be displayed at the local library. As the Pocketvillians ooh and aah over the scope of her collection, many express an interest in starting up collections of their own. Not of dolls, necessarily, as everyone has their own interests. Leo, for one, already has a collection of neat rocks that he's proud to show off to Monti.
Everyone is enthusiastically discussing what they intend to collect and sharing their finds with their friends... all except Monti, who can't seem to decide what interests him the most. But bigger worries are on the horizon for him, when the prize figurine in Mrs Sheep's collection goes missing. Monti, who'd loudly admired the doll, becomes prime suspect in its disappearance.
Leo is aghast, not only at the aspersions cast on his poor friend but at the doubts that come crowding into his head as a result of Mrs Sheep's accusations. Determined to quiet all the voices, he sets out to investigate who might have stolen the figurine and why. The path to the truth isn't straightforward, especially when the figurine seems to be only the first in a series of items missing from the collections of Pocketvillians. Will Leo be able to get to the bottom of things? Will Monti finally be able to figure out what he wants to collect?
This adorable graphic novel for children hits some surprisingly nuanced depths, as Leo wrestles with the concepts of loyalty and innocence. Perhaps most impressive was the accurate but not unkind dissection of Mrs Sheep's personality, as someone who would unthinkingly lash out and blame an innocent for her own misfortune. It's very awesome that she gets a chance to make amends for her bad behavior, so readers -- especially young ones -- can see what a genuine apology from a powerful figure looks like. It also makes it easier for people who find themselves in Mrs Sheep's predicament to know what to do when they've wronged someone.
Sylvie Kantorovitz's expressive cartoon illustrations are especially charming, and the inclusion of collection suggestions and examples of her own little treasures at the end make this the most Space Gnomely title I've read so far this year. Truly a lovely addition to any library that appreciates quality children's literature.
Monti And Leo: A Mystery In Pocketville by Sylvie Kantorovitz was published February 4 2025 by Walker Books US and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
February 8, 2025
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
After their adventures in A Newcomer in Pocketville, new friends Leo and Monti are back. When the public library has a display of Mrs. Sheep's figurine collection, Monti is enthralled. He, along with many others in Pocketville, start various collections. Sadly, Mrs. Sheep's prize figurine is stolen, and all eyes turn to Monti, who had admired it. The others in town treat him poorly, and Mrs. Sheep (who is not the most pleasant soul) accuses him of thievery! Not wanting his friend to feel bad, Leo starts an investigation, but many others in town also have things stolen. A keen eye helps Leo solve the mystery, and Mrs. Sheep forgives Monti. She even gives Leo an extra large tin of cookies so that he can share them with his friend. Monti starts to collect tins and boxes, and surprises Leo with further, smaller collections inside the boxes. Since Leo collects rocks, Monti finds one in the shape of a heart to give his loyal friend.
There aren't many beginning reader books that feature characters that aren't very pleasant, so Mrs. Sheep is an interesting part of the community. She's not without a few good features, but is very quick to judge and not shy about sharing her negative opinions. Leo knows that every town has a few such people, and he and Monti learn to deal with her. I loved that the local library's showcase of the collection is the center of the tale. My own local library has a couple of showcases where people can display their prize possessions, but they are firmly locked!
Leo and Monti, with their outsized noses and popping eyes, have a bit of a Marc Brown's Arthur feel to them, but the comic strip style placement of pictures and words makes this more closely related to a graphic novel than a picture book. The color palette that is rich in blue and green helps this feel more modern.
Best friends always make great lead characters in stories for young readers, and it never hurts to throw in a mystery to solve. Readers who like duos such as Stromski's Schnozzerr and Tatertoes, Mack's Hippo and Rabbit, or Alvarado's Pencil & Eraser will cheer on Monti and Leo as they stand up for each other. Adults who give this book to children should be warned that they might start collecting random objects in cookie tins!
After their adventures in A Newcomer in Pocketville, new friends Leo and Monti are back. When the public library has a display of Mrs. Sheep's figurine collection, Monti is enthralled. He, along with many others in Pocketville, start various collections. Sadly, Mrs. Sheep's prize figurine is stolen, and all eyes turn to Monti, who had admired it. The others in town treat him poorly, and Mrs. Sheep (who is not the most pleasant soul) accuses him of thievery! Not wanting his friend to feel bad, Leo starts an investigation, but many others in town also have things stolen. A keen eye helps Leo solve the mystery, and Mrs. Sheep forgives Monti. She even gives Leo an extra large tin of cookies so that he can share them with his friend. Monti starts to collect tins and boxes, and surprises Leo with further, smaller collections inside the boxes. Since Leo collects rocks, Monti finds one in the shape of a heart to give his loyal friend.
There aren't many beginning reader books that feature characters that aren't very pleasant, so Mrs. Sheep is an interesting part of the community. She's not without a few good features, but is very quick to judge and not shy about sharing her negative opinions. Leo knows that every town has a few such people, and he and Monti learn to deal with her. I loved that the local library's showcase of the collection is the center of the tale. My own local library has a couple of showcases where people can display their prize possessions, but they are firmly locked!
Leo and Monti, with their outsized noses and popping eyes, have a bit of a Marc Brown's Arthur feel to them, but the comic strip style placement of pictures and words makes this more closely related to a graphic novel than a picture book. The color palette that is rich in blue and green helps this feel more modern.
Best friends always make great lead characters in stories for young readers, and it never hurts to throw in a mystery to solve. Readers who like duos such as Stromski's Schnozzerr and Tatertoes, Mack's Hippo and Rabbit, or Alvarado's Pencil & Eraser will cheer on Monti and Leo as they stand up for each other. Adults who give this book to children should be warned that they might start collecting random objects in cookie tins!
April 6, 2025
A charming story that explores friendship, community, and the dangers of making assumptions about others. Monti and Leo’s young friendship is tested when a figurine goes missing from the collection on display at the library. Leo employs creative detective skills to sort through his own doubts about Monti’s innocence and uncover the truth. Kantorovitz uses simple lines and soft colors to depict the quaint country setting of Pocketville. Two to five panels per page create an easy-to-follow sequence for beginning graphic novel readers. Subtle illustrated clues may lead readers to guess or form a conclusion of their own before the mystery is solved. Fans of graphic series Detective Sweet Pea (Sara Varon) and Detective Beans (Li Chen) will find much to love in the similarly anthropomorphized cast of Pocketville. Although this book is a sequel to A Newcomer in Pocketville, it may be read as a stand-alone story. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
March 3, 2025
This is a cute, simple story about two friends who are inspired by an exhibit at their local library. Monty and Leo see Mrs. Sheep’s collection of little figurines at the library and they decide to collect things on their own. The problems start when one figurine goes missing and Monty is implicated in the crime. It’s up to Leo and the rest of the town to figure out who did it!
I like the characters in this book. They are all pretty realistic and remind me of Marc Brown’s Arthur characters a bit. As Leo explains, there are always going to be some Mrs. Sheeps in the world accusing people of things they didn’t do, but there is good in the world, too. I would like to see Mrs. Sheep grow a little more as a character. She seems rough around the edges, but I can see some soft spots coming out in her. All-around good book about not jumping to conclusions. :)
Mia’s Year of Books: Days 357 and 358
I like the characters in this book. They are all pretty realistic and remind me of Marc Brown’s Arthur characters a bit. As Leo explains, there are always going to be some Mrs. Sheeps in the world accusing people of things they didn’t do, but there is good in the world, too. I would like to see Mrs. Sheep grow a little more as a character. She seems rough around the edges, but I can see some soft spots coming out in her. All-around good book about not jumping to conclusions. :)
Mia’s Year of Books: Days 357 and 358
April 3, 2025
First sentence: Monti was looking forward to meeting his friend Leo at the library.
Premise/plot: Monti and Leo are great friends. Monti is accused of stealing a figurine from a library--the library was celebrating collections. Leo is not sure how best to handle the situation. Does he believe in Monti's innocence? Does he publicly stand by him and declare him to be falsely accused? Does he believe the circumstantial evidence? in the gossip? Perhaps it's best if he becomes DETECTIVE LEO.
My thoughts: I am conflicted. On the one hand, I'm not sure many early chapter mystery books are written any better. On the other hand, this one is just so....so....dull. Then again I am an adult. It is not about me being entertained. This one is the second in the series. Pocketville is not an idealistic place for sure. It is realistically flawed. The residents all have their strengths and weaknesses.
Premise/plot: Monti and Leo are great friends. Monti is accused of stealing a figurine from a library--the library was celebrating collections. Leo is not sure how best to handle the situation. Does he believe in Monti's innocence? Does he publicly stand by him and declare him to be falsely accused? Does he believe the circumstantial evidence? in the gossip? Perhaps it's best if he becomes DETECTIVE LEO.
My thoughts: I am conflicted. On the one hand, I'm not sure many early chapter mystery books are written any better. On the other hand, this one is just so....so....dull. Then again I am an adult. It is not about me being entertained. This one is the second in the series. Pocketville is not an idealistic place for sure. It is realistically flawed. The residents all have their strengths and weaknesses.
February 13, 2025
We loved the first Monti and Leo book, and A Mystery in Pocketville has been a great follow up!
When a figurine goes missing from a display at the library, Pocketville residents slip into assumptions and accusations. But Leo has a great moment of realizing that he needs to think for himself, and not let others' words and prejudices form his opinions for him. A wonderful lesson for little kids!
My kids are little, and the conversations we've been able to have about independence and recognizing how people are influencing you have been really beautiful. It's a tough concept to tackle, and this book has approached it with grace.
When a figurine goes missing from a display at the library, Pocketville residents slip into assumptions and accusations. But Leo has a great moment of realizing that he needs to think for himself, and not let others' words and prejudices form his opinions for him. A wonderful lesson for little kids!
My kids are little, and the conversations we've been able to have about independence and recognizing how people are influencing you have been really beautiful. It's a tough concept to tackle, and this book has approached it with grace.
August 26, 2025
Lovely book about friendship.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews