Books Like...
'I Was a Rat!' by Philip Pullman is a retelling of the Cinderella story from the perspective of a rat who was transformed into a boy by Cinderella's fairy godmother. The story follows the boy, Roger, as he navigates life in a world where people misunderstand him and try to take advantage of him. Despite the initial simplicity of the narrative, the book offers a biting commentary on sensational journalism and ends with a fun and surprising resolution.
The plot unfolds with Roger finding himself living with an old couple, Bob and Joan, after being turned into a boy. As Roger tries to adjust to his new life, he faces various challenges and encounters funny situations, including being portrayed in the media as a monster. Ultimately, it is the kindness of Bob and Joan, along with the help of Princess Aurelia, that saves Roger from a dire fate.
If you liked I Was a Rat!, here are the top 6 books to read next:
- #1
Save:The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden is a heartwarming tale about a country cricket named Chester who finds himself in the bustling subway station at Times Square in New York City. Through a series of adventures and mishaps, Chester befriends a mouse named Tucker and a cat named Harry, as well as a young boy named Mario whose family runs a struggling newsstand. The story beautifully illustrates the differences between country and city life, the stresses of fame, and the importance of friendship and home. The author's writing style is described as charming, innocent, and delightful, with vivid descriptions of New York characters and the magical impact that Chester Cricket has on the lives of those around him.
The mouse’s name was Tucker, and he was sitting in the opening of an abandoned drain pipe in the subway station at Times Square. The drain pipe was his home. Back a few feet in the wall, it opened out... - #2
Save:The Mad Scientists' Club by Bertrand Brinley is a collection of short stories about a group of boys who embark on scout-like adventures involving science and technology. The book follows the adventures of Jeff, Henry, Charlie, and their friends as they tackle various challenges using their scientific knowledge. The writing style is engaging and captures the adventurous spirit of the characters, making it an enjoyable read for both young and older readers.
- #3
Save:The Tale of Despereaux is a heartwarming story about a small mouse named Despereaux who defies the norms of his mouse community by falling in love with a human princess named Pea. The book explores themes of love, bravery, and the power of forgiveness as Despereaux embarks on a heroic adventure to save Princess Pea from danger. Through multiple intertwined characters like a rat named Roscuro and a serving girl named Miggery Sow, the author weaves a tale of love, heartbreak, mistrust, revenge, heroism, and adventure in a beautifully written and engaging manner.
The narrative style of The Tale of Despereaux is unique and captivating, with the author directly addressing the reader at times, creating an immersive and interactive reading experience. The book is not only a fairy tale but also a story that delves into deeper themes such as grief, anger, empathy, and the transformative power of forgiveness, making it a powerful and extraordinary tale that resonates with readers of all ages.
THE ENTIRE MOUSE COMMUNITY, as instructed by the Most Very Honored Head Mouse, had gathered behind the wall of the castle ballroom. The members of the Mouse Council sat atop three bricks piled high, a... - #4
Save:"Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective" is a collection of quick mysteries that engage young readers in problem-solving. Each chapter presents a self-contained story where the young detective, Encyclopedia Brown, solves cases with the help of clues provided to the readers. The writing style is engaging and allows readers to try and solve the mysteries themselves before revealing the solutions at the end of the book.
Encyclopedia Brown is portrayed as a smart and witty character who inspires young readers to think critically and use deductive reasoning to solve mysteries. is structured in a way that encourages reader participation and engagement, making it an excellent choice for children who enjoy puzzles and challenges in their reading material.
- #5
Save:In the book 'Dinosaurs Before Dark' by Mary Pope Osborne, siblings Jack and Annie stumble upon a magic tree house filled with books. When they open a book about dinosaurs, they are transported back in time to the era of dinosaurs. The children embark on an adventurous journey, learning about the prehistoric creatures and facing challenges such as escaping from dangerous dinosaurs like the T Rex. Through their experiences, they not only explore the world of dinosaurs but also navigate their way back home with the help of the magical tree house.
- #6
Save:Redwall by Brian Jacques is a classic children's fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Matthias, a young mouse living in Redwall Abbey. When the peaceful life of the abbey is threatened by the evil rat Cluny the Scourge, Matthias must rise up to become a hero and lead the fight against the forces of darkness. The story is a coming-of-age tale filled with themes of courage, friendship, and good triumphing over evil, set in a richly detailed world inhabited by anthropomorphic woodland creatures.
The plot unfolds with Matthias discovering his true destiny as a warrior and embarking on a quest to save Redwall Abbey from Cluny's tyranny. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions of characters and settings, creating an immersive fantasy world where readers of all ages can get lost in the epic battle between good and evil.
MATTHIAS CUT A comical little figure as he wobbled his way along the cloisters, with his large sandals flip-flopping and his tail peeping from beneath the baggy folds of an over-sized novice’s habit. ...
