Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville
For ages 7+
Endearing story of making friends and welcoming newcomers to the community
By Sylvie Kanotorovitz (Walker Books, 2024)
Welcome to Pocketville! I have no idea if this graphic novel is going to be a series, but I really loved it. The calm palette of the artwork with the fine line drawing of the characters, and the easy to read (and well - spaced) text altogether make for a calm and very enjoyable experience. Monti lives in Pocketville.
Monti loves his routine: he leaves home remarking on the weather, heads to buy his favourite from the local bakery, then onto the library for his favourite new read, and finally to his rock by the stream, under a pretty tree. Perfect, if not a little lonely! Then oddly, one morning, things don’t go to plan… even his book is checked out of the library, and there’s talk of a newcomer (a stranger!) in town (that Mrs Sheep at the bakery is a right meddler/gossip).
The newcomer is Leo and he is to be found on Monti’s rock with Monti’s book eating Monti’s cinnamon bun… well that’s what’s running through Monti’s head and making him all types of furious!! Once he calms down it seems that actually…wow… he’s met someone just like him!! A new friend!! Now he needs to help Leo to feel welcome in Pocketville.
Putting on a show is a brilliant idea… so many of the community have talent… yo-yoing, singing, juggling, and more. Nothing like breaking down barriers with some getting-to-know-you community spirit fun!! That’s if Mrs Sheep doesn’t throw a dough scraper in the works!?
A lovely tale of new friendships, accepting others, feeling valued. Really lovely!! Book 2 please!!
Excerpt from the book
Words + Illustrations © Sylvie Kantorovitz
Ad - reviewed from review copy provided by the publisher.
