Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville by Sylvie Kantorovitz. Walker Books, 2024. 9781536222777
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover graphic reader
Genre: Animal fiction
What did you like about the book? Monti Mole is happy with his life in Pocketville. He loves going to the bakery and the library in the morning, and then sitting on his favorite rock to read. But one day as he approaches the rock, someone else is sitting there – there, in his spot. Others in town have noticed this green stranger, and all are annoyed with the newcomer because he does things differently. It takes Monti a few days to work up the courage to approach him, but finds that Leo is a perfectly nice lizard/person. In fact, they become friends. Now, how will Monti convince the rest of Pocketville to accept Leo?
Short chapters describe a bucolic, peaceful town inhabited by various human-like animals. The appealing digital art in large panels with fresh crisp colors tells the story beautifully. However, it quickly becomes evident that the denizens of the town are less than welcoming of someone new, and that becomes the dramatic tension in the story. Mrs. Sheep, especially, is a set-in-her-ways bakery owner who does not like change. When Monti and Leo figure out a way to stroke her vanity, she changes, and then the whole town embraces the exciting new ways: sliced bread! a talent show! I laughed at chapter 4’s title: “Pocketville Has Talent.” There’s a map on the endpapers which allows readers to imagine Monti’s daily perambulations. Kids will love the characters as they grow and change in this sweet book of friendship.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? For fans of Frog and Toad. This is the first in a series.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Graphic novels/early readers
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Near the top
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: May 2, 2024
Youth Services Book Review 
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