“Little Rat Rides” by Monika Bang-Campbell, illustrated by Molly Bang.
Harcourt, Inc., New York, 2004, 48 pages, Grades 2-3.
First readers are complicated books because they teach through a blend of pictures and words. As children move from picture books to chapter books, there is a major change in the content of the material. The drawings must be interesting while the words must be understandable for youngsters reading the text. Second- and third-graders want to read these books because they make the students feel grown up.
Monika Bang-Campbell writes an interesting story in this award winning first reader, “Little Rat Rides.” In this book we see Little Rat feeling overwhelmed by events in her life. But with some excellent coaching by her father, Little Rat conquers her fears. It is a delightful tale.
Little Rat stares at a picture of a young Daddy Rat riding a horse during the Fourth of July parade. Daddy Rat looks so proud and happy to be riding the huge horse. He rides with ease and command.
Little Rat tells her father that she would like to learn to ride and participate in the Fourth of July parade. As a result, Daddy Rat takes his daughter to Clodhopper Farm to begin the riding lessons. Her teacher, Mrs. Mugpie, takes Little Rat to a corral on the farm. There in middle of the corral is Pee Wee, the largest horse that Little Rat has ever imagined. Fearful, she hides behind Daddy Rat.
After some coaxing from Daddy Rat and Mrs. Mugpie, Little Rat sits in a saddle on the back of the giant horse. At first, Pee Wee just plods along which is fine with Little Rat. But suddenly, Pee Wee gets startled and begins galloping. Now Little Rat gets thrown through the air and has a bruising landing.
Scared once again, Little Rat has to face some major decisions. Does she really want to become a good rider? Is riding in the Fourth of July parade that important? She digs deep inside herself and makes a decision. What happens?
Does Little Rat get back on Pee Wee? Does she overcome her fears? Why does all of this take great courage? How does Daddy Rat help her to become strong? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this delightful story, “Little Rat Rides” by Monika Bang-Campbell.
This book won the 2005 Gryphon Award, awarded by the Center for Children’s Books at the University of Illinois. The award is presented for the title judged to have the finest writing in a book for early readers. The illustrations are endearing and readers will cheer for Little Rat as she summons up the courage needed to ride Pee Wee in the Fourth of July parade. Young children will be drawn to the pictures and will be able to identify with the struggles Little Rat is encountering. The work is delightful and fun and I hope you get a chance to encourage members of your family to read this charming book. Enjoy!
