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Leo and Ralph
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26Ever 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.
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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 18, 2025
School read! Gorgeous story so heart felt and incredibly rich descriptive language!! Made for fabulous discussion time!!
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 5, 2025
Ich bin hin und weg - von Leo, Ralph und ihrer Geschichte. Leo ist einsam und da kommt ihm der Außerirdische Ralph gerade recht, nur warum sieht ihn keiner außer Leo? In einer sehr einfühlsamen, ruhigen Weise erzählt der Autor die Reise von Leo zu sich selbst. Dabei ist der Schreibstil kindgerecht mit kurzen Sätzen und für die Zielgruppe sehr passend - das Buch eignet sich auch wunderbar zum Vorlesen. Besonders gefallen haben mir die gefühlvollen Figuren, die aus dem Rahmen fallen. Hier haben wir Leos Mama, die Hauptverdienerin, und seinen Papa, den Künstler, die beide Leo so annehmen wie er ist und ihm Zeit geben. Eine herrlich schräge Lehrerin, die sich einfühlt und ebenfalls sehr achtsam mit ihren Schülern umgeht. Insgesamt sind alle Figuren in diesem Buch sehr rücksichtsvoll und akzeptierend - einfach herzerwärmend so etwas zu lesen. Zudem ist die Geschichte auch noch humorvoll und besonders zum Ende hin spannend, bleibt dabei immer positiv und einfach herzerwärmend. Klar ist hier auch, Freunde finden braucht etwas Zeit, gute Freunde findet man nicht einfach so und man muss auch selbst mal über seinen Schatten springen. All dies wirkt weder belehrend und auch Leos Anderssein ist einfach Leo, es gehört einfach zu ihm. Diese Sprache und diese achtsame Selbstverständlichkeit macht dieses Buch zu etwas ganz Besonderem und ich bin so froh es durch einen zufall entdeckt zu haben.
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 10, 2025
The lynchpin of the junior primary novel targetting 8 to 10 year olds is that "Just because you couldn’t see something, didn’t mean it wasn’t there." and this is Leo's argument as no one else can see Ralph, his furry alien friend.
Leo and Ralph have been best friends ever since prep and this helps Ralph deal with is isolation from others at school. Leo is passionate about space and with his invisible friend they invent games, explore the heavens and enjoy private jokes. However, Leo's family are concerned and with money short Mum takes a promotion to a school in a small country town and Leo and has to say goodbye to Ralph. The town is suffering a heatwave and the pool is closed and this provides a stimulus to his new creative and imaginative teacher who helps Leo build a little confidence and tall and gangly, and alone, Gus, starts to make overtures. Gradually Gus and Leo start building a new friendship that needs both of them to be honest before it can truly flourish and Ralph is there to help.
Carnavas has written a gentle expressive story that deals with loneliness with other threads addressing low income families, grief, and family support. He also leaves this strange friendship open to the imagination with a quiet twist at the end that makes the reader wonder... what if....? Occasional soft grey and whit full page illustrations suit the mood of the story.
Leo and Ralph have been best friends ever since prep and this helps Ralph deal with is isolation from others at school. Leo is passionate about space and with his invisible friend they invent games, explore the heavens and enjoy private jokes. However, Leo's family are concerned and with money short Mum takes a promotion to a school in a small country town and Leo and has to say goodbye to Ralph. The town is suffering a heatwave and the pool is closed and this provides a stimulus to his new creative and imaginative teacher who helps Leo build a little confidence and tall and gangly, and alone, Gus, starts to make overtures. Gradually Gus and Leo start building a new friendship that needs both of them to be honest before it can truly flourish and Ralph is there to help.
Carnavas has written a gentle expressive story that deals with loneliness with other threads addressing low income families, grief, and family support. He also leaves this strange friendship open to the imagination with a quiet twist at the end that makes the reader wonder... what if....? Occasional soft grey and whit full page illustrations suit the mood of the story.
September 18, 2025
A story about friendship, starting over and making space for hard things, it’s perfect for little readers aged 7-10, with big hearts and healthy imaginations. This story gently explores curiosity and imagination whilst addressing childhood themes around empathy, difference and vulnerability. Well paced and full of wonder, the author knits stylistic devices and perfect words choices like a warm, snuggly scarf, expertly crafting beautiful imagery.
Leo struggles with things like getting his words out, kicking a ball and figuring out the rules to the games that other kids seem to easily understand. He worries a lot about how worried his parents are about him. Leo finds it difficult to fit in but his parents’ greatest wish is for him to make a friend.
One day, a white balloon catches his eye and his imagination and he meets Ralph - an alien from Ralphora. Leo and Ralph become best of friends. They make up games like ‘Bounce the Moon’ and ‘Other Worlds’ and Ralph becomes the centre of Leo’s universe. But when Leo’s family moves to a small country town, they encourage Leo to meet a real friend, not a supposed alien they can’t even see. Leo and Ralph make a special pact to help say goodbye… but someone as special as Ralph is hard to leave behind.
Leo struggles with things like getting his words out, kicking a ball and figuring out the rules to the games that other kids seem to easily understand. He worries a lot about how worried his parents are about him. Leo finds it difficult to fit in but his parents’ greatest wish is for him to make a friend.
One day, a white balloon catches his eye and his imagination and he meets Ralph - an alien from Ralphora. Leo and Ralph become best of friends. They make up games like ‘Bounce the Moon’ and ‘Other Worlds’ and Ralph becomes the centre of Leo’s universe. But when Leo’s family moves to a small country town, they encourage Leo to meet a real friend, not a supposed alien they can’t even see. Leo and Ralph make a special pact to help say goodbye… but someone as special as Ralph is hard to leave behind.
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
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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
June 28, 2025
...time to explain this again... If you haven't read my review of Scar Town or The Sugarcane kids and the red - bottomed boat, then you don't know what I'm talking about. If you did, well.. thank you for reading that, and just skip the next paragraph. This is what I'm talking about ...
I first read this book because of Reader's cup. We were in a regional round, and my mum researched the other regional rounds, to see if they had the same books. They had some similar, others different. If they chose the 'different' books (the ones I haven't read), surely it would be a good choice to read right? So my mum reserved them. This was one of the books.
This book is about Leo and Ralph (obviously). Leo is a 5 and a half year old, and Ralph is his best friend, imaginary friend. Ralph is an alien from Ralphora, with fur that changes colour, 2 little stubby horns and flappy ears. One of their habits, is holding each others hands - by a pinky finger. That's how Mum and Dad knows when Ralph is there. Follow Ralph and Leo througha a story of adventure, space and friendship.
I first read this book because of Reader's cup. We were in a regional round, and my mum researched the other regional rounds, to see if they had the same books. They had some similar, others different. If they chose the 'different' books (the ones I haven't read), surely it would be a good choice to read right? So my mum reserved them. This was one of the books.
This book is about Leo and Ralph (obviously). Leo is a 5 and a half year old, and Ralph is his best friend, imaginary friend. Ralph is an alien from Ralphora, with fur that changes colour, 2 little stubby horns and flappy ears. One of their habits, is holding each others hands - by a pinky finger. That's how Mum and Dad knows when Ralph is there. Follow Ralph and Leo througha a story of adventure, space and friendship.
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.
August 31, 2025
Hands down one of the best books for children I've read this year. A gentle story with a male protagonist (a somewhat rare combination), this book explores friendship, letting go and the infinite, wonderous possibilities of space. Short chapters, combined with a gentle, yet compelling storyline, make this an excellent class read aloud for lower and middle primary; many students will be able to connect with the story of Leo and Ralph.
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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
August 3, 2025
A big warm-hearted and sparkly book that has lots to offer. For those who don’t fit in, or easily make friends, or are easily overwhelmed, this book is for you. Gently explored are these issues and with quiet determination and supportive parents and teachers Leo finds his place in the world. Carnarvas has a light but deft touch. Very enjoyable read.
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!
June 28, 2025
lovely :)
July 13, 2025
Read my Kids' Book Review for my full appreciation of this tremendous contribution to middle grade fiction. Simply beautiful.
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October 27, 2025For work read 😆
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews