A charming ratty fable about family, by a much-loved writer and illustrator pair.
The Road to Ratenburg
A charming ratty fable about family by a much-loved writer and illustrator pair: Joy Cowley and Gavin Bishop.
Available as an ebook wherever you buy your ebooks
-
Description
A family of rats is forced to leave their home, so sets out to find the fabled city of Ratenburg. Along the way they outwit vicious dogs, tricky rat traps, and sharp-beaked hawks, and make some very dangerous crossings. The rat family’s adventures test their character and grow bonds between sisters and brothers, father and uncle, mum and dad.
Narrating the tale is Spinnaker Rat, a classic Edwardian father, full of wisdom about the ways of the world, who finds himself learning more than he expected.
-
Book Details
Country of Origin New Zealand Reader Age 6-8 year, 8-12 year Book Size ISBN
-
Reviews
Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
Subscribe to our newsletter/s
Hear from us about new books, guest recommendations, behind-the-scenes and competitions.
Kate De Goldi, Radio New Zealand National –
This is a classic children’s journey story, and it’s in the tradition of those classic stories because it uses animals not just to make it exciting and funny, but also to send a message. It’s done really beautifully in this story. I found it hilarious, inventive, funny and poignant.
In Need of a Read (UK) –
The Road to Ratenburg is a refreshing read filled with delicious descriptions and an ending that gives a pleasant and important message: it’s not the destination that really matters but the journey that takes you there. This book is a piece of quality fiction that will stand the test of time and will make a great addition to any library.
Bookrapt (NZ) –
This book would be an excellent read-aloud from about 6 years of age, or could be read independently from about 8 years old… This is a sturdy paperback that will stand up well to the repeated readings it is bound to get.
New Zealand Books –
The Road to Ratenburg holds a lot that a parent, teacher, or the astute child reading solo, can relate to the modern world with its real life refugees and migrants. The message is not hidden entirely, but Cowley’s skill and experience prevent it from being inappropriately preachy.
Ruth McIntyre, The Children’s Bookshop, June 2016 –
This is the best type of junior fiction and my favourite book this year. It will appeal to readers aged 8 plus and would be a perfect read-aloud for younger children. Highly recommended.
Trevor Agnew, Magpies Magazine, May 2016 –
Think of The Road to Ratenburg as an escalator of excellence, between, say, Gavin Bishop’s Rats and Terry Pratchet’s Maurice and His Amazing Educated Rodents. All three books are delightful variations on the same theme but only one has joy. Joy Cowley, that is … Non-furry youngsters will, however, enjoy this warm and witty fable about a loving family.