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5.0 out of 5 stars
Bad Kitty!, Dec 12 2002
Ralph is a very bad kitty, as is generally what cats thrive on being. He is often rude, knocks things over, disrupts social occasions, makes sport of preying on pet birds, fish or rodents, and purposely exacerbates the one annoying, albeit universally inherent, trait in dogs: obnoxiousness. After one especially horrid, feline-induced fiasco at the circus, Sarah's father determines that he's had enough of Ralph and gives him the boot. Ralph's consequential homeless journey thus necessitates him a good look inwardly, seeking the key to whatever could possibly save him from being lost forever to his comfortable home and family... Not so very many years ago, I had the very great pleasure of reading over and over and over, and over immeasurable, this fine tale of haphazardness, naughtiness, chastisement, and redemption. So I'll now tell you a little tale of my own - a personal pathway, of sorts, toward eminent endearment of this sweet little book: Several years ago, a little child went with her mother and father to a book signing in downtown Chicago. The name of the book escapes me now, but alas, it's irrelevant to this story. John Lydon ("Johnny Rotten" of Sex Pistols fame) was doing the signing for some newly published writing affair at a trendy north side bookstore. As Mr. Rotten has always had a great dedicated following, the line for this book, to be graced with his signature, was immensely long. The little girl, wearing a pink winter coat and purple ribbons in her hair, was the only child present in a snaking line omnipresent in the aisles throughout with multiply tattooed and body-pierced fans. Yet she was neither intimidated nor gainsaid as she quietly recited her favorite nursery rhymes, picking up to browse each prettily covered book she saw. She was ever patient, and even after over an hour of waiting would smile sweetly to strangers' questions and comments as she held onto her mother's hand. Finally, after what seemed like an infinitesimal wait, she and her parents reached the front portion of the line. Then, all hearts fell as the gentleman just ahead of her family, a tall thin young man with long silky black & blue-streaked hair and an earring was told the featured book had just sold out - that there were absolutely no more copies. Dejected and deflated, all those remaining in the line began to take their leave. This little girl, however, would have nothing of it. "But we came here for a book!" she cried loud enough for anyone in the store to hear, "I want that book!" Before either of her parents could chastise her for this outburst, Mr. Rotten spoke up with that beautifully enunciated British accent he has, and said, "You want a book? I'm sorry...uh, but we...Wait - This child wants a book! - Oh yes, never fear, little one; I will get you a book." A consummate gentleman, he merely snapped his fingers to one of his assistants and pointed to a nearby display at the edge of the children's section, and said, "I want to give her that book." ROTTEN RALPH was the chosen book's title. My daughter's copy is signed by Johnny Rotten, the inside jacket adorned with a Polaroid photo taken of herself, her new book, and the kindest punk rock star on earth. Truly, upon many a night for perhaps the next two years that followed, ROTTEN RALPH was included in our nightly ritual of bedtime stories. And though our cat George was often annoyed that he was forced to sit, listen and learn, neither my girl nor I ever tired of reading it.
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