Children's books - The Revenge of Randal Reese-Rat

The Revenge of Randal Reese-Rat

In one of the great rat themed children's books A Rat's Tale (1999), Montague Mad-Rat saves his vast colony of fellow New York rats from human destruction and wins the heart of the lovely Isabel. In this epic follow-up, Isabel's former suitor, Randal, scorns her marriage. When a horrible fire destroys the newlyweds' home, Randal becomes the prime suspect, and he escapes through the city's parks and sewers, plotting revenge against family and friends who believe him capable of such a crime. His plans to ruin his community are upset when he falls in love with a gorgeous rat who shares his interests; she's the cousin of loathsome Montague. As in the first title, Seidler creates an elaborate world with a skillful mix of fantasy and realism. Puns, hilarious character foils, and plenty of satire provide humor as Seidler raises some disturbing, relevant questions about retribution and violence, balancing them with a reassuring "love saves all" message. An engrossing, wholly realized adventure. Gillian Engberg Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved