STORYWRAPS: The Rat - a book review

10 things you'll never hear from your rat cage

1. Free range time? Nah... I think I'll just sleep in today.
2. Not avocado AGAIN?!!
3. We simply can't ALL fit in this hammock!
4. Anyone else want this pecan?
5. Back in a tic... have to go downstairs to use the litter tray.
6. No more thanks mum, I'm full.
7. Euuuw!! That smells like girl rat! [or boy rat, if you have girls]
8. OK, I'll admit it... it was me who messed up the cage.
9. Hey! That's MY lab block!
10. WooHooo! It's cleaning day! And about time too... it stinks of PEE in here!

Today's featured book:

Title: The Rat

Author/ Illustrator: Elise Gravel

Ages: 6-9

Let's peek inside shall we?

About the book:

I am going to feature another book in the series "about disgusting creatures". Today's book is entitled, "The Rat." Just by thumbing through and visually assessing it, you know that it will be a fun read because the pictures are witty, humorous and so kid-friendly. The expressions and talking bubbles personifies the rat and makes her character very endearing to the reader, even though a rat is a creature despised by many.

The author blends the witty and clever with actual facts regarding this rodent which makes the book not only entertaining but educational as well, which I like. You will discover the Latin name for rat, her physical characteristics, the many practical uses of her tail, the agility and flexibility that she processes, and the astounding ability of the rat's teeth to grow up to 5 inches (13 centimetres) long if not filed down by chewing everything in sight. She expounds on the rat's creative and diversified diet plus the carefree way rats dispose of their body waste...anywhere, anytime is all good to them but not to us because their excretions can cause and spread nasty diseases. Rats are intelligent and are used by scientists to test, observe and compare their behaviours to humans.....who knew? Many people are so enamoured by rats that they actually keep them as pets. All in all I highly recommend this book and this entire series. It is wonderful to be exposed to a gem of a series that will appeal to young readers (and adults too) and teach them as well as entertain them as they read through each of the books.

About the creator of this book:

Elise Gravel is an award-winning author/illustrator from Quebec. She was the winner of the 2013 Governor General's Award for Children's Illustration in French, and is well-known in Quebec for her original, wacky picture books. She has published a number of books with US publisher Blue Apple and is currently working on a graphic novel for Roaring Brook Press. Having completed her studies in graphic design, Elise found herself quickly swept up into the glamorous world of illustration. Her old design habits drive her to work a little text here and there into her drawings and she loves to handle the design of her assignments from start to finish. She is inspired by social causes and is likes projects that can handle a good dose of eccentricity.