HUMPHREY & RALPH

A funny, beautifully written book by the award-winning author of Fish Story (1993). Ralph is Humphrey's older brother and he is not easily impressed—certainly not by a baby like Humphrey, who is just learning to eat, wave, clap, and pat the cat. Ralph becomes jealous of all the attention Humphrey is getting for doing such simple things. He takes matters into his own hands—learning how to cook eggs and use the washing machine (both with disastrous results), and treating Humphrey like his pet fish by filling the bathtub for him to swim in and sprinkling it with fish food. When he hears Humphrey crying one day, he tries to take him out of the crib by himself. They both crash to the floor, and Humphrey laughs and says his first word, ``Alph.'' Ralph is finally impressed by his baby brother. The text is sensitive and perceptive about the trials—and rewards—of being an older sibling. And Day's comic, colorful illustrations complement it perfectly. Amusing and well told. (Picture book. 3-6)