Ralph's Secret Weapon

by Steven Kellogg

Ralph is persuaded by his Aunt Georgiana to try to charm a dangerous sea serpent by playing the bassoon

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Kids, Fantasy, Music, Humor

32 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1983

About the author

Steven Kellogg is an author and illustrator who has contributed over 90 books for children. He is best known for writing books about animals, for which he credits his grandmother .

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After successfully completing third grade, Ralph spends the summer with his Aunt Georgiana. She made him a banana-spinach-cream cake and arranged for him to spend the summer learning to play the bassoon.

Ralph would much rather explore Aunt Georgiana’s castle-like house, but the bassoon lessons lead to a snake-charming convention and his aunt’s promise to the Navy admiral that Ralph will be able to get rid of the sea monster that is causing problems for the navy.

Ralph’s not so sure that he will be able to charm the sea monster, but he agrees to try. But when the monster eats his bassoon, will Ralph’s secret weapon save the day?

Ralph’s ditzy aunt and his amazing adventures are sure to delight young readers. The illustrations, black-line drawings with black half-tones and full-color washes, are perfect accompaniments for the zany tale. First and second graders, ages six to eight, are the target audience for this book; this silly tale is sure to become a favorite with young readers.

Recommended.

[Shadow the Hedgehog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming art compliments this quirky story. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be "adorable."

What I liked
art
You can tell by the cover that the art is going to be great. The illustrations consist of fine details in black ink and soft watercolor washes. This classic combination works very well here. Additionally, each illustration has charming details: a carnivorous plant snapping at a fly, bears and bear cubs hidden in the grass, great Dane door knockers, a black cat peeking behind a statue. It was fun to look through the illustrations to ensure I didn't miss anything.

This book did a phenomenal job crafting a personality for each of the characters. In particular, I loved how the characters' personalities were on full display in the art. Aunt Georgiana wore bright and excessively colorful clothes, demonstrating her bold personality. The hapless admiral is shown trying and failing to throw darts at a target with the sea serpent's likeness on it.

writing style
The writing style is simple yet charming. There is plenty of humor. I think it would work well read out loud.

plot
Ralph is in over his head, yet he still manages to save the day. In the end, it is implied that he stands up for what he wanted to do during his summer vacation - swimming, playing with the great Danes, reading, and doing other things meaningful to him. And on bassoon playing! What kid hasn't felt that authority figures pile on too much work, while ignoring what the child wants? I think this story spoke to that idea using humor and charm.

Conclusion
Although published in the 80s, this book has definitely stood the test of time. The art, story, and writing all feel fresh, fun, and simply adorable. I imagine this would be a delight read to younger children. Highly recommended.

[Charles Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little book about a boy whose Aunt keeps getting him to try new things in new ways.

A short little read, its absurd nature contributes greatly to the enjoyment I had reading it. With Kellogg's art elevating the absurdity to a whole new level, this is definitely worth a read

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious. I picked it up for the cover, which shows a sea serpent listening to a child (the titular Ralph) playing bassoon. How could I not pick up a book like that?! The illustrations are also hilarious, and do a great job of conveying the bizarre reality of Ralph’s world. I like Ralph.

[Laurel Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! It may be from 1983, but it has held the test of time. Hilarious, colorful, and wild. I just loved the illustrations, too. May we all have an Aunt Gorgiana.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't go wrong with Steven Kellogg!

[DonJulio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Kellogg!!! What a legacy in the realm of books for children :)

[Amanda Novak]

Owned as part of "Pinkerton and Friends" Treasury.

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ralph is intuitive and knows what he wants. This story did a wonderful job of telling that! Also, the illustrations were magnificent.

[Denise みか Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AWESOME. When I looked at the cover again for the first time in ages, a powerful sense of affection came springing back up from my childhood memories. The story is great--hilarious, crazy, a little bit gross, fantastical, unbelievable--it’s no wonder my younger self loved this book so much. Reading it as an adult, I still really enjoyed it. The illustrations are mind-blowingly detailed, beautifully colored, and chock-full of little jokes and silliness. The animals, especially the snakes, sea serpent, and great danes, all look so awesome and adorable—they’re my favorites—and Aunt Georgiana is a fabulous character. This is just a beautiful, wonderful children’s book and I’m so happy to revisit it again after so many years!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ha ha! Hilarious! I like this picture book author/illustrator, Steven Kellogg, and I think this is my favorite of his so far. I can't help reading it to my boys with a pompous theatrical voice. Fun!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny story of a resourceful young boy who has to spend the summer with his peculiar aunt. As always with Stephen Kellogg, the illustrations are delightfully detailed and beautifully colored.

[Goge (BARRONS) le Moning Maniac, · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/6

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this one many times. It is always charming.

[Little Champs]

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