This
is the noteworthy phrase in Peter Carnavas’ latest multi awarded middle grade
novel, Leo and Ralph. It sums up a multitude of wisdoms and ironically my
theory that the more brilliant the writing, the more difficult it is to
articulate an appraisal of it.
Carnavas has created another one of those conundrums for me as this story is suffused with so many fine and memorable moving moments, I hardly know where to begin.
Leo and Ralph possess a little more clarity. They both know exactly how it all
started. With a white balloon, a shift in time and space, a shimmer of imagination
and the realisation of a wish come true.
Ralph’s arrival is less perturbing for Leo than one might imagine for despite his alien appearance and raspy voice, his penchant for play matches Leo’s own.
Together they create and enact out-of-this-world games, spend countless hours in companionable silence (and chatter) and exalt in their mutual love and understanding of all things spacey. Naturally, Ralph’s understanding outstrips Leo’s him being from the planet Ralphora after all.
Leo’s
erstwhile sense of belonging and self, not to mention his joie de vivre is
restored as his easy friendship with Ralph blossoms. Leo’s family are at odds
with this new dynamic; at once delighted for their son’s mental and social
well-being having finally found a ‘friend’ while concerned that Ralph is less
than real.
As
Leo ages, Ralph, continues to be his most stalwart and dependable companion.
Which suits everyone just fine. Almost. Leo’s story takes a dramatic turn south
when the family up sticks for the country ostensibly to accommodate his mother’s
new position as the rural school’s principal there, but with one glaring understanding.
Ralph cannot come with them.
How
Leo assimilates into this small country town without Ralph creates the
emotional see saw that we are first introduced to in the prologue. Just how do
you say goodbye to a saviour who happens to be your bff. And imaginary.
Carnavas’
trademark subtly gently guides young readers between reality and fantasy and
the real life anguishes many primary schoolers face when it comes to navigating
the hierarchies of friendship.
My
own child lived with an imaginary cheetah for years. It would race us in the
car until it tired, bumming a ride on the roof. I confess, I never found this
disconcerting or questionable but I also never bothered to question why she had
invited this companion into her life. Do we ever? Are adults in too much of a
rush to create a disconnect between their children and the aliens and big cats
in their lives without exploring the impact of their existence or eventual separation?
As
an adult reading this novel, these were some of the many points to contemplate.
For readers between nine and twelve, the message is less ambiguous. Leo has an
imaginary friend because no one else would be his. Until they did.
Carnavas’
narrative glows with humanity and a quiet yet powerful eloquence that I would
have soaked up as that shy retiring friendless primary school kid. This is a
tale with infinite heart, a boy named Leo (I love that we both have one, Peter!
😉) and a welcome assurance that
just because you can’t at first see something be it the truth, a friend, the
answer, a change in the weather, your strengths or … who you truly are, does
not mean that it is not there. Sometimes it just takes a helping hand (or powerful
telescope) to point it out.
Leo
and Ralph is perfect
recommended reading for all those with imaginary friends or those like me, who wish they had
one.
Title: Leo and Ralph
Author / Illustrator: Peter Carnavas
Publisher: UQP, $16.99
Publication Date: February 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702266218
For ages: 9 – 12
Type: Middle Grade Fiction