SuitabookLeo and Ralph
Peter Carnavas
- Reading
- Read it together if possible, pausing after changes in Leo’s circumstances. Invite the reader to notice what is said openly and what the restrained writing leaves them to infer; discuss the ending after finishing.
- Themes
- Friendship and change: Leo and Ralph have been best friends, but Leo is older now and his parents think their goodbye should happen. The situation treats a close friendship as emotionally important while presenting change as a central challenge.
- Imagination and belonging: Ralph has flown down from one of Jupiter’s moons, and Leo’s family moves while hoping he will make a real friend in the new town. The premise brings an extraordinary friendship alongside Leo’s search for belonging in a new place.
- Worth knowing
- The story’s focus on an important friendship changing may prompt discussion of goodbye, change or what it means to leave someone behind.