"I just need to be a little
more squirrel-ish.
Maybe if I sit up like
they do, I'll score some
free peanuts, too.
RAT!
Guess not."
RATS! Does anyone feel their pain? I think not. The rat in this funny tale knows firsthand about unfair treatment and unnecessary fear. While nothing comes easy for him, he recognizes that squirrels are much luckier. He watches as those squirrels cozy up to park visitors and take polite possession of the peanuts they so readily offer. Their scampering attracts attention of a totally different kind that the reaction people have at the appearance of a rat. They scream, avert their eyes and run for cover.
Rat is not convinced that there is much difference between the two species. A set of posters shows that the differences are actually quite significant. Are there ways he might be more like a squirrel? Sitting up taller doesn't work. Smaller, bent ears don't seem to help. Could it be the tail; not so sleek, maybe bushier?
The attempts to make a new tail will have readers giggling. Nothing works, until Rat spies the broom someone is using to shoo him away. It looks like the perfect solution! It does work.
"I should open a re-tail store!
I'll make broom-tails for all the
rats!"
Or NOT! Only squirrels know the true danger of dogs let loose in the park.
First person narration creates a personal connection for the rat and its plight, while child-approved cartoon drawings are essential to the transformations considered. Fun, fun, fun!
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