The Highway Rat

Julia Donaldson (author)

Axel Scheffler (illustrator)

Scholastic, UK: Australian release November 2011

ISBN: 9781407124377

Genres: adventure, picture book

Issues: greed

'The Highway Rat was a baddie. / The Highway Rat was a beast. / He took what he wanted and ate what he took. / His life was one long feast.' The Highway Rat has no scruples when it comes to pilfering food. He even steals milk from a cat, a leaf from some ants and hay from his own horse. It is not until he encounters a tasty-looking duck that the Highway Rat meets his match.

The creators of The Gruffalo have produced another charming picture book that is sure to amuse readers of all ages. Referencing the well known ballad, The Highwayman, The Highway Rat echoes the rhythm and repetition of the more serious verse but produces a comical narrative poem that can easily be converted into a play by a clever teacher. The simple subtext reminds readers that greed is harmful to mind as well as body, as the Rat finds himself sated but friendless.

Axel Scheffler's naive illustrations are delightful, filled with intense colours and comical characters that bring the story to life. Julia Donaldson's text is the work of an experienced writer who loves to play with language: the verse flows easily when read aloud and has a strong internal rhythm that will have youngsters bouncing in their seats.

Be prepared for multiple readings and children who are soon able to recite the text by heart, using the pictures as cues.

Great fun – and readers will really enjoy the (pardon the pun) poetic justice meted out to the Highway Rat.