Jean Jullien is a graphic designer who works in a wide range of media, including illustration, photography, video, installation, and clothing. Originally from France, he now lives in London and regularly exhibits his work in both places.
Jag är partisk, jag vet. Familjens första hund var en tax och jag var sex år. Ändå - ja ändå, tror jag att långe Ralf - nej, vet jag att jättelånge Ralf är värd sina fem stjärnor. Boken är kort, men räcker (ehm) länge, på mer än ett sätt.
Here it is another artist that communicates about life using illustrations. Jean Jullien is a French graphic designer living in London who believes humor, creativity and visual art are essential and therapeutic as well in our lives. Ralf is Jean Jullien’s first picture book. It is a non-conventional story about a dog’s devotion and his need for a confirmed sense of belonging. Beginning in an ordinary manner, the story continues unrealistic yet extremely symbolic. Ralf is a sausage dog, a little dog who takes up a lot of space, a dog that can stretch anywhere. The dog owners will easily picture familiar situations and probably have a loud laugh seeing Ralf sneaking at the shower or snuggling up in bed. His family loves him, It’s just that his long body gets in the way all the time.
Ralf is a very special sausage dog, who always gets in the way. But when his family are in danger, Ralf's length is his saving grace! Funny, touching, and beautifully illustrated, this is a lovely story to share.
Ralf struts about with his nose in the air - as dachshunds do. He's always getting in the way, being too loud, causing catastrophe. But when life threatening danger is immanent, Ralf shines. The magic realism kicks in and what was once Ralf's negative point, now becomes his way to save lives. Of course I loved this book - the MC is a sausage dog! The clean, clear illustrations show the real skill and talent of the book's creator. Tons of emotion and personality are conveyed with just a few lines and a splash of colour. I imagined reading this to a group of kids at Storytime. They would love little Ralf's personality and quick thinking, but most of all, I'm sure they'd love it when I read 'bottom' - Ralf's bottom gets stuck in his doggie door. Kids love it when the librarian says bottom or toilet! Ralf is a delightful read that shows that even the things we may consider our bad points, can turn out to be our best features and may even save a life or two.