BEST IN SHOW FOR ROTTEN RALPH

Ralph is a red cat who's more eccentric than rotten. He began life in 1976 as the fictional feline of prolific author Jack Gantos. A Newbery Honor winner (for 2001's JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL), Gantos has written nine beginning-reader adventures for Ralph so far. This one follows the playful talking cat to a fancy-schmancy cat show and a showdown with his cousin, perfect Percy. Vocal sound effects, like cheering crowds and whispering judges, plus a little mood music, enhance an enthusiastic reading by Gantos, who clearly loves his longtime kitty companion. Does Ralph win in the end? Listeners won't care as they giggle their way through this tale of two kitties. M.M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]