LEO AND RALPH

An Australian boy learns to navigate the world through his imaginary friend.

Leo has never fit in. Playground interactions move too quickly, and he often ends up alone, contemplating “the unknown planets and the aliens he wanted to meet.” After grown-ups become concerned about his solitude, Ralph appears. He’s a horned alien with “honey-colored” fur from one of Jupiter’s moons. Together, Leo and Ralph invent new planets with silly names, try talking backwards, and hide under the office stairs at school during recess. When the family moves to the rural town of Dundle later in Leo’s primary school years, Mum says, “It might be time to say goodbye to Ralph.” Dad agrees, saying that Ralph is stopping Leo from finding friends. But Leo’s social struggles persist—and he clings to their secret promise: “If he hadn’t made a friend after one week at school, Ralph would find him in Dundle and they would be together again.” Despite holding on to that hope, Leo slowly connects with fellow loner Gus, who’s a good listener. Carnavas captures the boys’ interactions with warmth and restraint, showing all the vulnerable parts of meeting someone new. Short chapters, humor, and vivid details that honor Leo’s perceptions of the world distinguish this beautifully tender story, which will have broad appeal. Captivating grayscale illustrations enhance the work, showing a white-presenting Leo surrounded by racially diverse classmates and an irresistibly sweet Ralph.

A glowing gem that honors the slow, often difficult work of making connections with others.