Little Rat Rides - Hardcover

MONIKA BANG-CAMPBELL is the author of Little Rat Sets Sail, the acclaimed first book in the Little Rat series. She lives on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts.

MOLLY BANG has written and illustrated more than twenty books, including three Caldecott Honor winners: When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry . . . ; Ten, Nine, Eight; and The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher. She lives close to the ocean in Massachusetts.

Grade 1-3-Inspired by a boyhood photo of her father on horseback, Little Rat decides to take up riding, but quickly discovers that new skills do not come easily. She must overcome her initial fear of her mount ("This was not a horse. This was a mountain on four legs"), but soon learns to appreciate Pee Wee's mild nature. Frustrated and frightened after suffering a fall, she is coaxed back into the saddle by her teacher. When Pee Wee accidentally steps on Little Rat's foot and it puffs up "like a blowfish," she takes it in stride and works hard to prepare for an upcoming horse show. Her newfound confidence comes in handy during an encounter with a bully who had been bothering her from the get-go. Finally, although the show isn't a perfect experience, Little Rat has a great day and looks forward to continuing her lessons. Presented in eight brief chapters, the simple text flows smoothly; the language is clear but never dull. Bang-Campbell skillfully captures a young child's perspective, honestly describing her heroine's ups and downs as she takes on a new challenge, and highlighting the self-assurance that comes with success. Done in pencil, gouache, and watercolor, the vibrant illustrations add detail to the narrative and reflect its emotional content. There is a lot of humor in the pictures, as the tiny rat interacts with her giant yellow horse, but also a lot of genuine affection.
Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
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