Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
RRRALPH
By Lois Ehlert
Beach Lane Books, 2011
Fiction
Suitable for ages: 2- 6
Themes/Topics: Dogs, Language
Opening: I bet you won’t believe me, but our dog can talk.
Brief Synopsis from Amazon: Don’t think dogs can talk? Then you haven’t met Ralph! He’s the smartest pup around, and he can tell you all about whether the path is rough, rough on his paws, or whether he wants to come inside. ( Yep, yep, he does!) Featuring playful, dimensional collage illustrations and a funny and sweet call-and-response text, RRRalph is sure to get little ones laughing (and talking to their dogs!).
Link to Resources: Your family can think of ways your pets talk to you? If you are plugged in, an adult can find videos on You Tube to see how people videotape their animals “talking.” Here’s a talking with animals lesson plan.
Why I Like This Book: This was a random find at the library and it’s a treasure. The texture in the collage to create Ralph and his surroundings are simple and fun. I am a huge fan of collage illustrations.
The author’s note at the end of the book mentions: “This book was inspired by jokes that my brother, Dick Ehlert, told to his grandchildren.” Story ideas are all around us.
For more PPBF books, please visit Susanna’s blog.
Cathy Ballou Mealey
My kids had a bunch of Ehlert board books, but this wasn’t one of them. Looks fun!
stacy
I’m going to do a bulk hold on them at the library. I love the illustrations in this one.
Teresa Robeson
Oh we loved Lois Ehlert’s books when the kids were little. Well, I still love them but we’ve not read any in a while so now would be a good time to again. 🙂
stacy
This one is a fun book.
Jarm Del Boccio
I love the idea that it was inspired by the jokes his brother told to the grand kids. You are right, Stacy. Ideas are everywhere. I just need to “think outside the box”!
stacy
With all this cold weather, I feel like I’ve been stuck in a box lately. I’m looking forward to warmer days ahead.
Wendy Greenley
I’m drawn to Ms. Ehlert’s tactile looking books, too! I love that the dog has a collar and tag–so many in books don’t.
stacy
Very good point Wendy.
Patricia Tilton
Kids with dogs will love this book. I know my dog “speaks” with certain kinds of barks. Love how this book evolved. What a great find Stacy!
stacy
My dogs just whine. 🙂
Rhythm
One of my most favorite books EVER!!! That Ralph speaks for all of us! I love Ms Ehlert’s collage artwork. The best!
stacy
Woof Woof Rhythm.
Julie Rowan-Zoch
A grrrroovy Ehlert pick!
stacy
I really need to find more of her books.
Joanna
Cuuuuute. Woof.
stacy
Yep. Yep. As Ralph says.
Sue Wang
I love Lois Ehlert’s books!! So colorful, fun, and educational. I remember a board book teaching about vegetables. Rutabaga. I love the cover of this book 🙂
stacy
A board book about rutabaga! Oh my!
Erik - This Kid Reviews Books
Awesome! 😀 I love the artwork!
stacy
It is fun artwork!