Little Rat Rides

by Monika Bang-Campbell, Molly Bang (Illustrator)

Overview

Little Rat can't wait to ride a horse, just like her daddy did when he was young. But when it's time for her first lesson, she almost changes her mind. No one said her horse, Pee Wee, would be so . . . giant! But with a bit of encouragement from Daddy Rat--and lots of help from Pee Wee--her dream of becoming a fancy rider might just come true.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547541600
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/01/2006
Series:	Little Rat
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	48
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Monika Bang-Campbell is the author of the Little Rat books.   
 

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.

Editorial Reviews

After conquering the high seas in Little Rat Sets Sail, the ever-ambitious hero saddles up in Little Rat Rides by Monika Bang-Campbell, illus. by Molly Bang. Little Rat hopes to ride horseback in the big Fourth of July parade, just like her father-despite the sneering Chrissy Goat and a bevy of "bumps and bruises." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

"Bang-Campbell again demonstrates her insightful understanding of a child's feelings as Little Rat conquers her fears step by step. . . ."

Kirkus Reviews

Gr 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 Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

"With a remarkable understanding of childhood feelings, Bang-Campbell introduces Little Rat, who is facing a summer of sailing lessons despite being terribly afraid of the water. Molly Bang's illustrations are both gorgeous and functional, saturated not only with color . . . but also with character and mood and narrative. Little Rat's first outing should earn her a veritable flotilla of fans."—The Horn Book (starred review)

"Buoyant and brightly hued, Caldecott Honor artist [Molly] Bang's pictures subtly convey the growing confidence of this endearing heroine. A breezy junket for aspiring skippers and confirmed landlubbers alike."-Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher