“I bet you won’t believe me, but our dog can talk.” Lois Ehlert’s playful picture book about a black-and-white pooch is doggedly humorous, with silliness perfect for the toddler and preschool set. What is the dog’s name? “Rrralph Ralph.” Where does he sit? “Roof Roof” (of his doghouse). What’s on the tree where the birds can be found? “Bark Bark.” Ehlert’s smile-inducing narrative is paired with whimsical illustrations made from a variety of items, including zippers, wood, buttons, twine, hand-painted and handmade papers, and more. Almost every page spread features exuberant Ralph frolicking (or sitting, or climbing) in a composition set against a brightly colored background. Carefully composed and crafted, the illustrations look deceptively simple and will surely inspire some kids to create their own waggish art projects from torn or cut paper and found objects. (Ages 2–5)

Don’t think dogs can talk? Then you haven’t met Ralph! He’s the smartest pup around, and he can tell you all about whether the path is rough, rough on his paws, or whether he wants to come inside. ( Yep, yep, he does!) Featuring playful, dimensional collage illustrations and a funny and sweet call-and-response text, RRRalph is sure to get little ones laughing (and talking to their dogs!).