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.
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.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Feb 3, 2026 |
| Specifications | 270 pages | 5 in x 7.75 in |
| Keywords | imaginary friend; space alien; UFO; spaceship; astronomy; stargazing; daydreaming; climate change; Australia; feeling alone; loneliness; coping skills; books about; gift book; read-aloud; read-along; educational book; social-emotional learning (SEL); award-winning book; award-winning author; illustrated chapter books; books by teachers; |
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Supporting Resources
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Excerpt |
| Written By |
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. |
| Written By |
|
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. |
| Audience | ages 7 to 10 / grades 2 to 5 |
Winner, Prime Minister's Literary Awards, Children's Literature, 2025
“A glowing gem that honors the slow, often difficult work of making connections with others.” — Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“This must-read for families with sensitive, imaginative children is a triumph.” — School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“Doodles ... throughout capture and expand the warmth and whimsy of this story of self-identity and discovery.” — Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW
“Magical.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This fun story reminds middle-grade readers that there is always a way to fit in.” — Calgary Herald