Happy Birthday, Rotten Ralph

Ralph is, and always has been, definitely rotten. Now it's his birthday; Sarah wakes up to find him searching through her bedroom closet for his present. When they go to the store to buy party favors, he wreaks havoc, and he jumps on a fire truck on the way home. Once home, Ralph licks all the icing off his own cake and breaks the pinata. Sarah finally sends Ralph to his room, warning him to stay away until he learns how to behave. While in solitary confinement, he searches for his present. When he doesn't find it, he remorsefully walks downstairs. "SURPRISE!," shouts Sarah and Ralph's friends. Ralph will charm children as much as ever as he proves that even the most mischievous among them are forgiven for their overzealous antics. Rubel captures Ralph with paintbox-bright colors to illustrate the already funny text. A sure-fire winner. --Leslie Barban, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Kids have seen--and have loved seeing--Ralph be thoroughly rotten, even at Christmas, so it comes as no surprise that this fractious feline decides to act up on his birthday. As usual, his antics are totally outrageous, and entirely enjoyable. Ralph is on his worst behavior from the very start of the day, as Sarah awakens to find him pawing through her closet in search of his present. When she tells Ralph that he will not get his gift until his party begins, he squirts toothpaste in her slippers. The patient girl puts up with a great deal of Ralph's rottenness, but when he begins swinging on streamers and popping balloons she threatens to cancel the festivities and sends him to his room. In the end, Ralph gets his cake and his present--a set of paints, with which he immediately (of course) makes a mess. Thanks to this talented author and illustrator, Ralph more than lives up to his reputation in his latest captivating caper. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.