Monday, March 22, 2021

Beverly Cleary Author Study: Runaway Ralph

Illustrations by Louis Darling, though my copy 
has a revised cover with no (discernable) artist credit. 


I wanted to make more of a note about the illustrations and cover this time. I can't find a name (or decipher the signature) for the cover illustrator, but this is the last book of Cleary's that was illustrated by Louis Darling. He died in 1970, the year this book was published, and it is dedicated to him.

Ralph is one of the most unique characters in Cleary's books and he's back for another adventure. This time he wants to be independent and leave his family behind. He's tired of being told what to do and when he can ride his motorcycle, and he doesn't like giving his younger relatives rides on HIS motorcycle.

He learns there is a summer camp nearby so he decides to run away. Trying to live on his own around so many children is difficult, especially since the camp also has a dog and several cats roaming around.

This book was a fun read because Ralph is clever and gets into interesting situations, but I liked The Mouse and the Motorcycle more.

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