I Was A Rat! by Philip Pullman

“I Was a Rat!” So insists a scruffy boy named Roger. Maybe it’s true. But what is he now? A terrifying monster running wild in the sewers? The Daily Scourge is sure of it. A victim of “Rodent Delusion”? The hospital nurse says yes. A lucrative fairground freak? He is to Mr. Tapscrew. A champion wriggler and a budding thief? That’s what Billy thinks. Or just an ordinary small boy, though a little ratty in his habits? Only three people believe this version of the story. And it may take a royal intervention—and a bit of magic—to convince the rest of the world.

Set against the backdrop of a Royal Wedding—and a playful parody of the press, I Was a Rat! is a magical weaving of humor, fairy tale, and adventure.

Title and author of book: I was a Rat! by Philip Pullman

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Juvenile Fiction. Fantasy. Fairy Tale Retelling.

What led you to pick up this book? Ana recommended it in a post, so I read it for the Once Upon a Time Challenge III.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? I thought the book was a cute, quaint little story. It wasn't long, but it was touching. It is essentially a story of becoming someone that belongs, even if you are not sure if you deserve it. It is also a story of acceptance because the main character is not like everyone else. Some people look on his as a sideshow act, but he does find people that love and accept him for who he is. I liked the message behind the book.

What did you like least? It was too short. I think I would have preferred a novel because there were some characters and incidents that I would have liked to have seen more detail from.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? I probably should skip this question... I swear, there is something wrong with me, but I did not like the other books by him that I have read. Anyone that knows him knows what famous trilogy I am talking about... Pullman is a better writer than some of the series/trilogies that I profess to hate, though. He has that going for him!

What did you think of the main character? Roger was a cute character. A little annoying at times, but that was entirely the point. 'He was a rat!', or so he keeps telling anyone that asks. He was funny, too. Not entirely on purpose, but he did get himself into his fair share of adventures that lead to interesting storylines. I wouldn't mind seeing more from him!

What about the ending? I liked the ending. It didn't really surprise me. I had figured out which fairy tale it was retelling from the very beginning, but I still liked it.

I thought this book was quite enjoyable! I think everyone should take the time to read about Roger's adventures.