ANNOTATION

Little Rat overcomes her fear and learns to ride a horse, just like her daddy did when he was young.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Little Rat can't wait to ride a horse, just like her daddy did when he was young. But when it's time for her first lesson, she almost changes her mind. No one said her horse, Pee Wee, would be so . . . giant! But Little Rat is determined. So with a bit of encouragement from Daddy Rat--and lots of help from Pee Wee--her dream of becoming a fancy rider might just come true.

From the mother-daughter team of Molly Bang and Monika Bang-Campbell, here is the second book in the acclaimed series starring the irrepressible Little Rat.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

After conquering the high seas in Little Rat Sets Sail, the ever-ambitious hero saddles up in Little Rat Rides by Monika Bang-Campbell, illus. by Molly Bang. Little Rat hopes to ride horseback in the big Fourth of July parade, just like her father-despite the sneering Chrissy Goat and a bevy of "bumps and bruises." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Inspired by a boyhood photo of her father on horseback, Little Rat decides to take up riding, but quickly discovers that new skills do not come easily. She must overcome her initial fear of her mount ("This was not a horse. This was a mountain on four legs"), but soon learns to appreciate Pee Wee's mild nature. Frustrated and frightened after suffering a fall, she is coaxed back into the saddle by her teacher. When Pee Wee accidentally steps on Little Rat's foot and it puffs up "like a blowfish," she takes it in stride and works hard to prepare for an upcoming horse show. Her newfound confidence comes in handy during an encounter with a bully who had been bothering her from the get-go. Finally, although the show isn't a perfect experience, Little Rat has a great day and looks forward to continuing her lessons. Presented in eight brief chapters, the simple text flows smoothly; the language is clear but never dull. Bang-Campbell skillfully captures a young child's perspective, honestly describing her heroine's ups and downs as she takes on a new challenge, and highlighting the self-assurance that comes with success. Done in pencil, gouache, and watercolor, the vibrant illustrations add detail to the narrative and reflect its emotional content. There is a lot of humor in the pictures, as the tiny rat interacts with her giant yellow horse, but also a lot of genuine affection.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

The endearing star of Little Rat Sets Sail returns for a second sporty adventure, this time learning to ride a horse in a riding-academy setting. Bang-Campbell again demonstrates her insightful understanding of a child's feelings as Little Rat conquers her fears step by step, learning new skills and recovering from minor mishaps. She learns not only how to ride but also how to clean a stall, groom her horse, and stand up to a cranky resident goat, with help from a more experienced rider and from her understanding teacher. Understated humor pops up in both the text and the illustrations, with surprising insights into Little Rat's thoughts and amusing additions in the art for sharp-eyed readers to discover. Bang's talent for animal expressions is at her blue-ribbon best in the watercolor-and-ink illustrations interspersed throughout the text, and she skillfully handles the difficult perspective issues inherent with a little rat and a huge horse. Although the text is intended as an upper-level easy reader for children transitioning into chapter books, this quiet, satisfying story will also work as a read-aloud for younger children. (Easy reader. 4-8)