Best in Show for Rotten Ralph: A Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader (Rotten Ralph Rotten Readers)
#3 of 19 in Rotten Ralph Series
What’s inside...
Hoping to beat his cousin Percy in the cat show, Ralph allows Sarah to help him spruce up his image and get in shape. The experience teaches him the importance of being true to oneself. 'To thine own self be true.' The cat show is coming to town and Rotten Ralph is hungry for glory – and desperate to defeat his perfect cousin Percy, whatever it takes. According to Sarah, Ralph has to stop being a lazy scoundrel and follow her regimen to achieve poise and polish. When the competition gets under way, Ralph pretends to be something he's not and fails. Just in time, Ralph decides victory can be his only if he stops pretending and really lets the fur fly. With eye-popping art and an ingeniously comic text, this fourth book in the appealing series for beginning readers follows everyone's favorite red-furred rascal on his path to a wholly satisfying last laugh.
Character compass
Rotten Ralph
Sarah
Discussion points
What do you think made Rotten Ralph feel better by the end of the story?
If you were in the show with Ralph, how would you have behaved?
Why do you think it's important to try our best, even if we don't win?
How do you think the other characters felt about Ralph's actions?
What would you do differently if you were Ralph?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they liked about the story, encouraging them to think about each character's perspective. Use the book's illustrations to guide your discussion, pointing to different scenes to help jog their memory and deepen their understanding. Remember to praise their efforts to think critically about the story, reinforcing the value of their ideas and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: Through Rotten Ralph's misbehavior at the cat show, children learn about actions and consequences. Ralph's disruptive actions lead to various outcomes, demonstrating the link between behavior and results.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to understanding that their actions, whether good or bad, will have consequences. It encourages them to think before they act and consider the potential outcomes of their behaviors.
Example Lesson: Importance of Effort and Trying Your Best
Explanation: Rotten Ralph learns that even if he is not perfect, trying his best is what truly matters. His effort to participate fairly in the cat show highlights the value of effort over winning.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and effort in everyday tasks and activities, regardless of whether they achieve perfection or win, the effort they put in is valuable.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Self-Love
Explanation: Rotten Ralph, with all his flaws, is accepted and loved. This story promotes self-acceptance, highlighting the importance of loving oneself despite imperfections.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a healthy self-image and self-esteem by understanding that everyone has flaws and that they are lovable and valuable regardless of imperfections.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Rotten Ralph shows both good and bad sportsmanship, providing a platform to discuss the importance of fair play and respect for others, even in competitive situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their interactions during sports or games by learning to be respectful winners or gracious losers, promoting a positive social environment.