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 Review by
Louella Moreland
It is true. I LOVE Lois Ehlert's picture books! Her newest one, "Rrralph,"
has just become my very favorite.
This creative and funny story is about a little black and white dog,
Ralph, who can talk. It is narrated by a young person who explains to the
reader how talented Ralph is and how he can answer questions when asked. We
never "see" the human narrator, which adds another layer of imagination to
the story. The reader can even picture him/herself as the owner of the
delightful, incredibly intelligent dog.
When asked where he is, Ralph answers, "Roof, Roof" (while sitting on the
roof of his doghouse). When asked what is on the tree, he answers, "Bark.
Bark." The text is large and relatively simple, with Ralph's answers always
appearing in capital letters that spring in many directions across the
pages.
Questions and answers continue throughout the book, with the narrator
explaining how easy it is to see that the dog is very smart.
Young children will love the jokes. I must also admit I laughed out loud
myself while reading it the first time. (Now I chuckle.)
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Each two-page spread of illustrations features backgrounds of
exceedingly bright primary and secondary colors on which Ms. Ehlert
meticulously places her collage artwork. The illustrations joyously
leap off the page with texture and depth. The cleverness of her
materials will keep young readers poring over the illustrations
again and again. Button eyes, metal screws for a bird nose and
corrugated paper are just a few of the fun materials used to create
the animals that populate the story.
But Ralph is our favorite. From his shaggy ears cut with pinking
shears, his black eye patch and zipper teeth, to his nose made from
a pop can top, he is an adorable pooch who will win your heart. His
accessories are also fun: a multicolored yarn collar with a metal
heart-shaped name tag and a braided twine leash.
Ms. Ehlert is a master at stories that become family favorites.
Her books endure, I think, because they call out to our imaginations
to take the items we see around us and use them to make other people
and things. She makes complex books that appear to be so simple!
Perhaps they will inspire young readers to sit down at the kitchen
table on a cold day with buttons, paper, twine and other items to
create pictures of their own.
To read "Rrralph" and other books by Lois Ehlert, come in and see
us in the Youth Services Department of the Lincoln Public Library,
725 Pekin St.
[Text from file received from
Louella Moreland,
Lincoln Public Library District]
(Ms. Lou's blog:
lincolnpubliclibraryupdates.blogspot.com)
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