Written and Illustrated by Sylvie Kantorovitz
Monti is used to his routine of getting up, going to the bakery, and going to the library every day. He has a tradition of eating lunch on his favorite rock. When a new person comes to town and starts taking his rock and messing up that routine, Monti is unhappy. Most of his neighbors are too. They like things just so. Monti resolves to stand up to this stranger and tell him exactly how things work in Pocketville. When he does, he realizes they have more in common than not. The trouble is, will they be able to convince the rest of the townsfolk that change is sometimes a good thing and that new ideas are cool too?
Without over moralizing, this book teaches good lessons about kindness and friendship through the eyes of the anthropomorphic animals in the town of Pocketville. It is a gentle, quiet book illustrated in muted colors. It gives me all the “Frog and Toad” vibes by Arnold Lobel, in a good way. I already know a few students that I will be recommending this to.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Media Clerk, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in July 2024
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades Grades 2-4
Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville
Written and Illustrated by Sylvie Kantorovitz
Walker Books
70 pages
Release Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9781536222777
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
