Ratnip: Right On Your Tail! by Cam Higgins

Today's read is the third in a series for beginning readers. And you won't believe it, but I've read the first two books already, too! (see reviews here). I enjoyed the first two adventures with this character quite a bit and am hoping that will carry on with this next book. 

So, let's just get to it!

RIGHT ON YOUR TAIL!

Ratnip #3

by Cam Higgins

Illustrations by Allison Steinfeld

Little Simon

Chapter Book Animal Adventure

128 pages

ages 5 to 9

COMING MAY 27TH!!!

Ratnip goes for the gold in a citywide race in this third book of the chapter book series from the author of Good Dog.

Ratnip is entering the City Race, where critters race through the streets by climbing up poles, scurrying along telephone wires, and jumping across fences. Ratnip has his eye on the prize, but his competition is tough—especially the REAL gym rat! Can Ratnip prove himself fastest critter in the city?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Ratnip chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This race holds tons of surprises, and Ratnip is easy to root for the entire way through.

Ratnip decides to enter the City Race and wants to join other creatures as they hurry through the city to get to the finish line. It involves more than just speed, since they will have to climb, scurry and more. Ratnip isn't sure how he'll do, though, and is soon invited to train with a large, muscular, and talented gym rat, whose daughter is also entering the race. Ratnip might not be able to win, but he's going to do his best.

Ratnip is as ready as ever to take on this new challenge and do the best that he can. He gives his all and harbors just enough doubt to make him easy to sympathize with and cheer for. His energy is inspiring, but then, so is his attitude when he realizes that it might be more challenging than he first thought it would be. He's always kind to everyone around him and makes the right choices when faced with difficult decisions. 

While this is a wholesome read which tons of goodness, it also packs fun to keep readers in the pages until the very end. Ratnip finds himself in surprising situations, which aren't always simple to steer through...and it's hard to guess what will happen next. There is tension and enough action to keep it exciting. Even more reluctant readers won't find a boring moment throughout the book.

The chapters are kept short, and the larger font and spacing makes it easy to read. There aren't too many lines of text on each page to keep it from seeming overwhelming. Illustrations accompany every two-page spread and bring across each scene with emotion. 

It's a fun adventure and fits very nicely to the series. I can't wait to see what adventures Ratnip will face next.

And here they are...

Cam Higgins wrote her very first book about a cat who lived in an alleyway when she was eight years old. As a child, she loved visiting a neighboring farm and seeing all the animals. Now Cam has a pup of her own, who is very mischievous, and she still loves writing about animals. Cam lives in New York City with her two children, her husband, and Laila the dog.

Allison Steinfeld grew up in Connecticut where she spent hours getting lost in her library books. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her two very fluffy cats. When not providing essential head scratches and belly rubs, she finds time to illustrate books like the Wait! What? series and the Kid Legends series.