The Highway Rat [Paperback] [Jul 07, 2016] Julia Donaldson (author), Axel Scheffler (illustrator)

In "The Highway Rat," Julia Donaldson crafts a thrilling adventure story that is sure to captivate children's imaginations. The protagonist, a greedy rat with a penchant for pilfering food from other animals, embarks on a daring escapade that leads him to encounter a variety of woodland creatures. From a simple rabbit to a carefree squirrel and even a group of industrious ants, the rat's insatiable appetite knows no bounds. Beneath the surface of this rollicking adventure lies a valuable moral lesson. As the rat's greed leads him to trick an innocent duck out of its food, children learn the timeless truth that crime does not pay. In a satisfying twist, the clever duck outwits the rat and retrieves its stolen food, leaving the rat empty-handed. This conclusion delights young readers, reinforcing the idea that virtue ultimately triumphs over villainy. Inspired by the classic poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes, Julia Donaldson's adaptation transforms the original narrative into a delightful tale that resonates with children.

My daughter loves these books, actually she loves all the Julia Donaldson books we bought her which at this point is all of them. And we even bought the cartoons as well. Edcellent stories with fun entertaining cartoon art and details.

I have read ROOM ON THE BROOM to my grandson for about 4 years now. Axel Sheffler's illustrations are an absolute delight as they are in this story. And the homage to the poem THE HIGHWAYMAN was clever. BUT, the story fell flat when the deeds of the rat could have been resolved in a dramatic way. He just faded into oblivion. I must add that some of the characters took the initiative when the time was right to outsmart their oppressor. The theme that Bad Guys Never Win is reinforced. My grandson loves the book. I upgraded my rating because my grandson who is now 7, still remembers the story and loves the adventure in the tale. So, because it is unforgettable, I give it a 5 stars.

As usual, a wonderful pairing of these two great artists. My four year old and I have watched the video many times. So when we read the book it was interesting to see the different tone written for the rat. In the video, I felt he had some redemption. In the book, not so much. At least I thought that way. But I understand that to make the story long enough to turn it into a video, they must build out the story. I find I do like it that the rat had a more redemptive story arc in the video version. However … I am an adult reviewing a children’s story. ;>). So YMMV. Have a great day! Robert

As grandparents of four, all under 5 years old, we were delighted to be introduced to the work of Julia Donaldson through her book and animated production, available on Netflix, of 'Room On The Broom'. We immediately purchased the hardback book and each of our grandkids can recite it verbatim! Since then we have purchased the 'Room On The Broom' dolls (witch, cat, dog) and several of the other works by Ms. Donaldson. The illustrations are wonderful and each book is delightful and imaginative. The children love each and every one!

We recently bought The Highway Rat and both my 4 and 7 year olds liked it. The illustrations are so detailed and interesting, the story is fun, and We love the rhyming verse. If we could only pick one Donaldson/ Scheffler book it would be Snail and the Whale which I find just magical, followed by the Spiffiest Giant in Town, Stick Man, The Gruffalo, Room on a Broom, and then the Highway Rat tied with A Squash and a Squeeze. All these books rise so far above the average children's books - they're captivating! Ranking several of the Julia Donaldson books above The Highway Rat is a reflection of the many top-notch children's books this author has written, not a diss of this book. Highly recommend them all!!! There are also many good Julia Donalson books that she wrote using different illustrators; the all time best of these is Tyranasaurus Drip.

Well-written and we love the rhyme. My 3yo has practically memorized the story! I chuckle each time I read it out loud and make my husband laugh when I give the characters different voices! The moral to the story is not all that glamorous but it’s such a fun read!

It rhymes nicely, my 2 and 1/2 months old knows some of the rhymes and goes around in the house saying stand and deliver! We saw the movie on iTunes first and then had to get the book. I love almost all her books, and I am able to recite big parts if not all the book after a few days of avidly reading them. The Rat replaced the Stick Man who replaced the Grufallo or the big bad mouse.

My kids love these books. The love all of the series. And helps them learn how to read. I highly recomend them.

The Highway Rat. A great story. My grandson loves these books. Julia Donaldson writes great children's books. Check her out you won't be sorry. Always a lesson to be learned.

We liked it a lot, it is perfect for 2 - 3 year olds because of the hard pages, but even a 4-5 year old would enjoy it.

Very good book from the author . Highly recommend all her books for children from the age of 3

Never gets boring