The Wedding of the Rat Family - Hardcover

Carol Kendall

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689504500 ISBN 13: 9780689504501

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry, 1988

Synopsis

Aspiring to a marriage of power and influence for their daughter rat, two rat parents arrange a calamitous wedding with a member of the cat family

About this title

Reviews

Grade 3-6 In this picture book for older children, a ``high-nosed rat wife'' insists that her husband search out the most powerful being for their worthy daughter to marry. The old talehere retold from a Chinese versiongoes through offers to the sun (seen as a resplendently beaming face); a storm cloud (as a wreathing dragon); and the wind (as a comic warrior bashed by the Great Wall). Since rats gnaw the wall, though, they are perceived as strongest, but they are overcome by hubris in seeking an alliance with their cat foes. The sly felines specify a large wedding party of only plump rats, so the rich rats preen, gorge themselves, and press their poor relations into service for the weddingwhich no fat rat survives. The meek inherit, prosper, and hold annual memorial services for their illustrious dead. With colorful cartoon double-page spreads in an Oriental motif, full of vim and fun (the slaughter is left to the imagination), this makes a jolly picture book. Its nice feel for language in names (``Nimble Nail'') and descriptions, as well as its lively dialogue and style, make this story a good source for students looking for light dramatic readings. Ruth M. McConnell, San Antonio Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0689504500
• ISBN 13: 9780689504501
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32