Cover & Illustration Walk

by | Feb 16, 2026

Display the cover and do a picture walk through several pages without reading the text. Ask students what they notice about the children, their actions and their expressions. Invite predictions about what the book might be teaching about friendship.

Theme Noticing

by | Feb 16, 2026

Ask students to listen for messages about belonging, imagination and change. Record emerging themes on chart paper as the story progresses.

Guided Stop-and-Think Discussions

by | Feb 16, 2026

Use the discussion questions for each chapter or ask open-ended questions such as, “Why does Leo need Ralph right now?” or; “How does Ralph help Leo cope?” Encourage students to justify responses using evidence from text and illustrations.

Quick Write or Sketch

by | Feb 16, 2026

Have students write or draw about a time when imagination or creativity helped them feel safe, brave or understood. Emphasize that sharing is optional.

Cover and Title Analysis

by | Feb 16, 2026

Display the book cover and title. Ask students what they see on the cover. What is the setting? Ask students to predict who Leo and Ralph might be and how they might be connected. Encourage students to support predictions using visual evidence from the cover.