Missouri Building Blocks: Rrralph

Our next Missouri Building Block nominee is Lois Ehlert’s “Rrralph.”  To be honest, I am a bit creeped out by the main character’s pop-top nose and zipper mouth (he is a collage of recycled materials).  On the other hand, the book is a hit with its intended audience—preschoolers. Kids love pointing out all of the found objects in the illustrations. They also relish the quirky wordplay. Ralph is a talking dog, and young ones enjoy guessing how Ralph will answer questions with a dog’s limited vocabulary (e.g. “roof,” “bark” and “rough.”)

For more fun with this book:

Make your own collage animals. First go on a treasure hunt gathering scraps in your neighborhood or around the house. Then put the pieces together to make your own critters. For more inspiration, look at other books by Lois Ehlert. “Boo to You!” and “Leaf Man” are perfect inspiration for craft time during this fall season.

Share the tongue twisting rhyme “Poodle in a Fuddle.”

“A Poodle in a Fuddle”
A poodle in a fuddle, (Look from the left to right.)
In the middle of a puddle. (Point to floor.)
Will he wade to the left? (Step left.)
Will he wade to the right? (Step right.)
When the sun shines bright (Form the sun with hands.)
Will the puddle disappear? (Shrug.)
Will the poodle in the middle (Point to the floor.)
Give a great big cheer? (Cup hands to mouth.)

Delve into the world of virtual book clubs like Toddler Approved. While the site’s authors do endorse products, the wide variety of activities including crafts, snacks, songs and games are worth a gander.