RALPH'S WORLD ROCKS!

by Ralph Covert ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 2008

Covert, a successful children's musician (and leader of erstwhile power-pop band The Bad Examples), proffers lyrics to a dozen songs for his first kids' publishing venture. Subjects range from typical kid-pleasing fare—dump trucks, pet cats and Halloween—to North American rivers and a whimsical visit to "Peggy's Pie Parlor." Harper's full-bleed, collaged acrylics, often spilling onto facing pages, feature the likes of smiling lemons, exuberant children and, integrated into each spread, a photo of Ralph's grinning, bespectacled head. Backmatter repeats the lyrics, annotated with guitar chords, and the completed package includes a three-tune CD. The repetition inherent in song lyrics—the very thing that makes them catchy when sung or heard—can be a tad tedious on the page, and imperfect scansion—obviated when accompanied by music—is harder to enjoy as text. Nonetheless, Ralph's many fans will relish this romp: His clever wordplay is endearing, and the pictures provide plenty of sweet, colorful detail. (table of contents, author's note; CD not heard) (Picture book/songbook. 3-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2008

ISBN: 0805087354

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2008

Categories: CHILDREN'S