From Publishers Weekly
In his Valentine-themed eighth adventure, misbehaving cat Rotten Ralph remains rude and remorseless. Worried that a Valentine's Day party "means sticky, gooey, wet, drippy kisses," Ralph does his best to be unappealing; to prepare for the event, he perfumes his red fur with garbage and mashes a "stink bug" in the frilly "secret valentine" card he is told to bring. Although his stalwart friend Sarah dresses him as Cupid, he refuses to act the part-until he resentfully flings his love arrows and hits all the partygoers. "Suddenly everyone wanted to kiss Ralph.... They called him cutey pie and pretty kitty and lovebug. Rotten Ralph groaned. He wanted to go home." The wildly colorful illustrations, loaded with comic details, busy with floral motifs and tiny hearts, gleefully convey the sentimentality Ralph despises and his vain attempts to avoid it. Cynics will adore Ralph's gross idea of a gift (a chocolate sampler overrun by ants) and his kiss-proof dog-food-smeared lips. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2. Ralph is up to his usual rotten antics in this funny Valentine's Day story. The naughty cat's fans will not be surprised by his aversion to this holiday with its "sticky, gooey, wet, drippy kisses." Nor will they be surprised that Ralph's idea of proactive self-defense is to rub smelly garbage all over his fur. Even garbage cannot protect him from the fate he brings upon himself, however. His doting and tolerant owner dresses him as Cupid for a Valentine party. Sara warns him repeatedly that anyone he hits with his "love arrows" will want to kiss him, but Ralph cannot resist hurling them about, with the result that all of the guests embrace him, tickle him, and call him "pretty kitty." He manages to avoid kissing the hostess good-bye by rubbing dog food on his lips. Valentine's Day, with its colored hearts and decorations, lends itself well to Rubel's garishly charming illustrations. Another sure winner in the series.?Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
