ROAR LIKE A DANDELION
ROAR LIKE A DANDELION by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier. Harper. $17.99.
Ruth Krauss was the beloved author of many children’s classics, including The Carrot Seed, illustrated by her husband, Crockett Johnson, and A Hole is to Dig, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Roar Like a Dandelion was not previously published. It is an unusual alphabet book of suggested activities for children:
“…Jump like a raindrop.
Kick away the snow and make spring come.
Look under the bed for poetry…”
Krauss’s signature humorous style and love of words shine forth. The book should inspire children’s imaginations and possibly some imitation of the activities.
Sergio Ruzzier used watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings to create the illustrations. Some have a white background. Others show natural settings. Each page features a different baby animal or bug doing the activity. All are delightfully expressive and exude childlike innocence and warmth. This book is likely to become an instant classic.