Rude Ramsay and the Roaring Radishes

My 6 months old son listened intently to the rymes of the text. His eyes became big when I pointed out individual characters or objects of the colourful illustrations in this book. I was amazed how this book kept my son's undivided attention from front to back cover. As an adult however, I have to admit the story-line suffers in an attempt to make the words rhyme.

Booker Prize winner Margaret Atwood certainly needs to introduction to readers - young or old. In addition to her bestsellers, the latest being Oryx and Crake, she has penned four other children's books. This time out she has more fun than most can imagine with the letter R. There was a fellow named Rude Ramsay who "resided in a ramshackle rectangular residence with a roof garden, a root-cellar, and a revolving door." He had a passel of revolting relatives named Ron, Rollo, and Ruby. Ramsay did have one friend, "Ralph the red-nosed rat." When living with his kin became too much for Ramsay, Ralph suggested he move on, so he followed Ralph to a field of raspberry bushes and radishes. However, Rillah, the owner of the radish field doesn't take too kindly to Ramsay pilfering her radishes. She's a pretty miss who once was wealthy but is now down on hr luck. As in all good stories, there's a happy ending here for Ramsay, Ralph, and Rillah. Dusan Petricic's outrageously funny illustrations are a joy to behold. Just try reading this without bursting into laughter. - Gail Cooke