Monti and Leo: a Newcomer in Pocketville

Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville is a heartwarming early reader graphic novel that explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and overcoming prejudice. When Leo the lizard moves to Pocketville, Monti the mole is initially annoyed by the disruption to his routine. The town's baker, Ms. Sheep, quickly turns the community against Leo. Inspired by the author's own immigrant experience, this story beautifully illustrates how Monti and Leo team up to change hearts and minds, proving that being new or different doesn't have to mean being lonely. It's a gentle, accessible story perfect for discussing empathy and welcoming others.

A charming early reader in graphic form draws on the classic theme of friendship to show that being new--or different--doesn't have to mean being lonely. Pocketville is a small town, set in its ways, and the arrival of a stranger causes a stir. Monti the mole is stunned one morning to find Leo the lizard hogging his special reading rock. When Monti visits the bakery and the library, he learns that the last cinnamon roll has been purchased, and the book he was waiting for has been checked out. What's a fastidious mole to do? When Monti confronts Leo, the newcomer turns out to be agreeable in the extreme, and friendship is a given. Now to convince the town's cantankerous baker, Ms. Sheep, to stop turning everyone against Leo. Together, Monti and Leo hatch a plot that will have Ms. Sheep singing Leo's praises in no time. This reassuring tale of friendship against the odds from the creator of the graphic memoir Sylvie draws on the author's experiences as an immigrant and will appeal to anyone who has struggled to fit in in a new place.