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The Infamous Ratsos #2
The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid
When Louie and Ralphie Ratso set out to transform a cluttered lot into an arcade, they end up conquering a few surprising fears along the way in this follow-up to the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book The Infamous Ratsos.
Louie and Ralphie Ratso have a genius idea: if they clear out the lot down the street, they can use all the junk lying around to build makeshift games for a Big City FunTime Arcade! With their friends to help, they’ll be able to recycle all the old abandoned stuff into whack-a-mouse, a high-striker, a fortune-telling booth, and more. Everyone says the house next to the lot is haunted, but if Louie just pretends it’s not there, maybe he can ignore the goose bumps he gets every time he looks at it. Ralphie’s head’s not exactly in the game, either, because of some rumors that have been swirling around school. But they’re Ratsos, and like their dad, Big Lou, Ratsos aren’t afraid of anything — right? Kara LaReau and Matt Myers team up for a second surprisingly touching chapter book proving that sometimes the things you fear the most aren’t at all what you thought — and might be exactly what you need to feel better.
Louie and Ralphie Ratso have a genius idea: if they clear out the lot down the street, they can use all the junk lying around to build makeshift games for a Big City FunTime Arcade! With their friends to help, they’ll be able to recycle all the old abandoned stuff into whack-a-mouse, a high-striker, a fortune-telling booth, and more. Everyone says the house next to the lot is haunted, but if Louie just pretends it’s not there, maybe he can ignore the goose bumps he gets every time he looks at it. Ralphie’s head’s not exactly in the game, either, because of some rumors that have been swirling around school. But they’re Ratsos, and like their dad, Big Lou, Ratsos aren’t afraid of anything — right? Kara LaReau and Matt Myers team up for a second surprisingly touching chapter book proving that sometimes the things you fear the most aren’t at all what you thought — and might be exactly what you need to feel better.
96 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2017
12 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Kara LaReau
55 books102 followersKara LaReau was born and raised in Connecticut. She received her Masters in Fine Arts in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and later worked as an editor at Candlewick Press and at Scholastic Press. Among other celebrated titles, she edited Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and the Mercy Watson series. She is the author of picture books such as UGLY FISH, illustrated by Scott Magoon, Baby Clown, illustrated by Matthew Cordell, and Goodnight Little Monsters, illustrated by Brian Won; chapter book series Witchycakes, illustrated by Ariane Moreira and The Infamous Ratsos, illustrated by Matt Myers; and middle-grade trilogies The ZomBert Chronicles, illustrated by Ryan Andrews, and The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters, illustrated by Jen Hill. Kara lives in Providence, Rhode Island with her husband and daughter and their cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 3, 2018
I haven't read the first one, so I have nothing but this one to judge it by. I liked the story. Fun story 3rd-5th graders will, enjoy. I like the Ratsos. The brothers are pretty funny and resourceful. Maybe the story will inspire kids to create their own fun. Sure would be nice to see more siblings getting along so well. Loved their carnival and the haunted house! Good, quick read kids will enjoy!
I received a Kindle copy from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle copy from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
January 25, 2018
Not as charming as the first in the series, but still very enjoyable
November 2, 2017
This is a fiction book about two brothers named Louie and Ralphie. They are rats, which I really don’t like. I had a hard time getting past this.
Louie and Ralphie went to the Big City Carnival. They loved eating the cotton candy and playing arcade games, which I love too. They had so much fun they wished the fair would last all year. That’s when they got the idea to turn an empty lot into their own Big City FunTime Arcade. The only problem was that the area they wanted to use seemed haunted. Louie was spooked! How was he going to get over his fear?
Louie was not the only one with a problem. All the kids at school thought Ralphie liked Stinky Stanko, the nickname for one of Ralphie’s classmates. In our school, we don’t call each other names like this. It is mean. Ralphie wanted to convince his friends he didn’t like the girl. I thought he should try to convince them not to call her names.
The rat I liked in this book was the dad, Big Lou. He gave his boys good advice and helped solve their problems. I have been scared before and I know you can’t be brave without being scared first. It’s natural. That seemed like a good message to me. Big Lou helped Ralphie too with his girl problem.
There were some good messages in this book, and if you don’t mind rats, you might really enjoy it. I give this book three stars and recommend it for kids ages 5-7 years old.
Review by Cameron H., 7, New Mexico Mensa
Louie and Ralphie went to the Big City Carnival. They loved eating the cotton candy and playing arcade games, which I love too. They had so much fun they wished the fair would last all year. That’s when they got the idea to turn an empty lot into their own Big City FunTime Arcade. The only problem was that the area they wanted to use seemed haunted. Louie was spooked! How was he going to get over his fear?
Louie was not the only one with a problem. All the kids at school thought Ralphie liked Stinky Stanko, the nickname for one of Ralphie’s classmates. In our school, we don’t call each other names like this. It is mean. Ralphie wanted to convince his friends he didn’t like the girl. I thought he should try to convince them not to call her names.
The rat I liked in this book was the dad, Big Lou. He gave his boys good advice and helped solve their problems. I have been scared before and I know you can’t be brave without being scared first. It’s natural. That seemed like a good message to me. Big Lou helped Ralphie too with his girl problem.
There were some good messages in this book, and if you don’t mind rats, you might really enjoy it. I give this book three stars and recommend it for kids ages 5-7 years old.
Review by Cameron H., 7, New Mexico Mensa
December 6, 2017
The Ratso brothers and their friends get inspired to clean up an abandoned, trashed lot and turn it into an carnival games arcade. They use recycled materials from the trash for the games, and they're making great progress. But right next door is the creepy house everyone is sure is haunted. The arcade would be even better if they had permission to use part of its lawn, but Louie is too scared to do so. Of course, he's not going to admit that. At school, Ralphie is having his own problems. Someone is spreading rumors that he likes Stinky Stanko. And he doesn't like her. Everyone knows she stinks. When Big Lou mentions that it is ok to be afraid, it helps both his boys realize what they need to do.
There's some good messages in here about cleaning up the community, facing your fears, owning up to wrongs and having the courage to make things better. I had a teensy bit of trouble keeping Louie and Ralphie straight in my head, but perhaps kids will pay better attention than I did. (I also tore through this pretty fast which may also be part of it.) There's larger font, illustrations, and a fun assortment of animals. In all, another great lower grade read with the Ratsos with some fantastic messages.
No content issues.
There's some good messages in here about cleaning up the community, facing your fears, owning up to wrongs and having the courage to make things better. I had a teensy bit of trouble keeping Louie and Ralphie straight in my head, but perhaps kids will pay better attention than I did. (I also tore through this pretty fast which may also be part of it.) There's larger font, illustrations, and a fun assortment of animals. In all, another great lower grade read with the Ratsos with some fantastic messages.
No content issues.
August 7, 2017
Louie and Ralphie are the Ratso brothers. They won me over in their first book with their attempts to be tough that resulted in acts of kindness. In their second book, The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid, both Louie and Ralphie explore their fears.
Louie and Ralphie, with the help of their friends, are turning a junk lot into the Big City FunTime Arcade where they can play carnival games all year round. Louie is afraid whenever he walks by the house next door because he has heard there is a ghost living there. Ralphie is afraid everyone is going to believe the rumor that he likes Stinky Stanko. Big Lou, Louie and Ralphie's dad, encourages them to face their fears.
The Ratsos, both the brothers and the dad, are charming. The brothers look up to Big Lou, who, although tough, admits that he is afraid and gives them the wise advice to be the boss of their fears. Louie and Ralphie show their bravery as they take their dad's advice. In the process, Ralphie makes up for a past misdeed and Louie shows kindness to an elderly neighbor. Neither brother could be sweeter. This is a delightful book that will charm early readers.
Louie and Ralphie, with the help of their friends, are turning a junk lot into the Big City FunTime Arcade where they can play carnival games all year round. Louie is afraid whenever he walks by the house next door because he has heard there is a ghost living there. Ralphie is afraid everyone is going to believe the rumor that he likes Stinky Stanko. Big Lou, Louie and Ralphie's dad, encourages them to face their fears.
The Ratsos, both the brothers and the dad, are charming. The brothers look up to Big Lou, who, although tough, admits that he is afraid and gives them the wise advice to be the boss of their fears. Louie and Ralphie show their bravery as they take their dad's advice. In the process, Ralphie makes up for a past misdeed and Louie shows kindness to an elderly neighbor. Neither brother could be sweeter. This is a delightful book that will charm early readers.
October 19, 2017
The Ratso brothers are back and full of bravado "not really" in the second title of this series. As the dog brothers admire the yearly carnival on their way home while continuing to walk, they come upon a yard full of junk (their favorite place for discovering treasures) but...... it's very near to a haunted house. Secretly afraid of whose inside the haunted house, big brother Louis never noticed the wonderful junk as he fearfully dashed by the house every day. Yet now, he realizes it will be perfect for building their own year round carnival. Appearing brave to his little brother is essential, so the brothers gather up their animal friends to help build an amusement park. When they need more room for their park there is only one answer, someone must knock on the door of the haunted house to ask if they can use some of their yard. Being the older brother and leader of the Carnival project, it becomes Louis job. This is every bit as hilarious and clever as the first book in the series. It has a subtle yet strong message about the downfall of being judgmental, and believing what you hear about others, instead of finding out the truth. This easy to read chapter book is a gem!
August 1, 2017
"I'm the boss of me, not my fears."**
Louis and Ralphie Ratso are back and this time they are setting up the Big City FunTime Arcade. With the help of their friends, they clean up a dumpy patch of ground and, using recycled items, create arcade games and prizes. But it's going to take some bravery when their bell goes flying off the arcade game right into the window of the haunted house next door. Will Louie be able to face his fears to get it back?
Meanwhile, Ralphie has something he has to be brave about, as well. Someone has started a rumor that he likes Stinky Stanko. And everyone is teasing him. And when he goes on a search for the source of the rumor, he is surprised that it is "Stinky" herself, trying to win approval. You see, ever since kids started calling her Stinky, no one will come near her. It's then that Ralphie remembers that he was the one who started calling her that name. Will he be brave enough to admit what he's done and make it right?
A great book for early chapter book readers.
**Quotes come from an Advanced Reader Copy
Louis and Ralphie Ratso are back and this time they are setting up the Big City FunTime Arcade. With the help of their friends, they clean up a dumpy patch of ground and, using recycled items, create arcade games and prizes. But it's going to take some bravery when their bell goes flying off the arcade game right into the window of the haunted house next door. Will Louie be able to face his fears to get it back?
Meanwhile, Ralphie has something he has to be brave about, as well. Someone has started a rumor that he likes Stinky Stanko. And everyone is teasing him. And when he goes on a search for the source of the rumor, he is surprised that it is "Stinky" herself, trying to win approval. You see, ever since kids started calling her Stinky, no one will come near her. It's then that Ralphie remembers that he was the one who started calling her that name. Will he be brave enough to admit what he's done and make it right?
A great book for early chapter book readers.
**Quotes come from an Advanced Reader Copy
September 17, 2017
I will admit I have not read Infamous Ratsos, but I ordered it immediately after reading The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid. This close knit family of rats which consists of father Big Lou and brothers Louie and Ralphie can teach readers about being brave and facing your fears.
Louie and Ralphie have this great idea to create a Big City Fun Time Arcade on a junk lot. They enlist the help of friends such as Chad Badgerton, Tiny the mouse, and a rabbit named Fluffy. During their project, both Louie and Ralphie need to listen to their father's advice-tell your fear who's boss. Louie must overcome his fear of approaching the haunted house next to the lot. Ralphie needs to right a wrong for starting a rumor about a fellow classmate, Millicent Stanko.
The Infamous Ratsos is a great series for students transitioning into chapter books. Students will love the Ratso family. Special thanks to Kara LaReau and Candlewick Press for providing #bookexcursion with an advance reading copy of the book.
Louie and Ralphie have this great idea to create a Big City Fun Time Arcade on a junk lot. They enlist the help of friends such as Chad Badgerton, Tiny the mouse, and a rabbit named Fluffy. During their project, both Louie and Ralphie need to listen to their father's advice-tell your fear who's boss. Louie must overcome his fear of approaching the haunted house next to the lot. Ralphie needs to right a wrong for starting a rumor about a fellow classmate, Millicent Stanko.
The Infamous Ratsos is a great series for students transitioning into chapter books. Students will love the Ratso family. Special thanks to Kara LaReau and Candlewick Press for providing #bookexcursion with an advance reading copy of the book.
September 21, 2017
The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid
by by Kara LaReau; illustrated by Matt Myers
Candlewick Press
Candlewick
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 12 Sep 2017
I am reviewing a copy of The Infamous Ratso’s are not Afraid through Candlewick Press and Netgalley:
This is the story of Louie and Ralphie Ratso, they have a great idea they are going to take all the junk lying around and use the lot that is cleared out down the street to build a makeshift carnival which they are going to call Big City Funtime Arcade. All the kids say the house next to the lot is haunted but the Ratso’s are to Afraid.
But Ralphie has been distracted by the rumors in the school. Everyone says Ralphie likes Stinky as a girlfriend. But Stinky is just a mean nickname and he decides to start calling her by her real name Millicent.
This book would be great for early chapter readers either boys or girls as the story is entertaining and it has a good message.
I give The Infamous Ratso’s are not Afraid five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
October 31, 2017
I had the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this middle grade fiction book in exchange for this review. The Ratso brothers are certainly a pair that many elementary grade readers will be able to relate to. They decide that the annual Big City Carnival is so much fun that they want to make their own arcade in an empty lot in the neighborhood. They clean up the junk in the lot, make up a bunch of carnival games with their friends, and gather their old toys together to make prizes. Along the way they must overcome several fears, including their fear of the Haunted House next door to the empty lot.
This story reminds me of the summers when my sister and our friends would always try to make carnivals in our backyard. We would try to plan different games, prizes, and refreshments. But once we all put it together, there was no one else left in the neighborhood to attend. At any rate, kids will enjoy reading about this fun bunch of characters. The characters also learn important lessons about overcoming fears, treating each other kindly, and not starting rumors about each other.
This story reminds me of the summers when my sister and our friends would always try to make carnivals in our backyard. We would try to plan different games, prizes, and refreshments. But once we all put it together, there was no one else left in the neighborhood to attend. At any rate, kids will enjoy reading about this fun bunch of characters. The characters also learn important lessons about overcoming fears, treating each other kindly, and not starting rumors about each other.
April 23, 2018
Louie and Ralphie Ratso are back in another adventure and this time they want to clear an abandoned lot and create a year-round carnival for their neighborhood. While working on the lot Louie must overcome his fear of the rundown house next-door that everyone thinks is haunted and Ralphie must overcome his fear of being made fun of in order to apologize for a wrong he has committed. With encouragement from their father that facing their fears might have a good outcome, both boys are given the tools for success in their individual struggles and for the group project that benefits the whole community.
Kara LaReau and Matt Myers have once again teamed up for this beginning chapter book in the Infamous Ratso’s series. New readers will enjoy the story and the black and white illustrations that accompany it. I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Kara LaReau and Matt Myers have once again teamed up for this beginning chapter book in the Infamous Ratso’s series. New readers will enjoy the story and the black and white illustrations that accompany it. I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
May 19, 2018
2.5 stars. I read this aloud with my 4.5 year old son. We loved the first book, but this one was much less appealing. My son was still interested in the book, but I didn't really like the way it brought in middle school type drama of a kids teasing a boy who was nice to a girl no one liked by making jokes about them holding hands and liking each other. I understand my son is still younger than the intended audience, but it still doesn't seem like the most age appropriate drama to bring in and the point could have been made it many different ways. We still really liked the format with lots of illustrations throughout and there were so good aspects of facing your fears, but overall it was disappointing to me.
August 14, 2017
The Infamous Ratsos Are not Afraid was an excellent early reader chapter book with so many positive themes running through it. The story of Ralphie and Louie making over an abandoned lot into a cardboard carnival also showcased phenomenal relationships between brothers and father and sons. It also talked about bullying and how minds can be changed with simple conversations. This book had so many wonderful themes and I can't wait to share it with my students. This book would be great to share with classrooms at the beginning of the year to facilitate conversations about kindness and courage. It could also be paired with a Cardboard Challenge and Caine's Arcade.
December 15, 2017
Brothers Ralphie and Louie return in book two to build an Arcade that they can use all year round. They clean up a junkyard and use the junk to build the games. Over the course of the time Louie faces two fears- 1. a house haunted by a ghost (which turns out to be an old white squirrel with a run down house full of nuts. and 2. Rumors that he has started dating a skunk turned pariah since everyone calls her stinky. He sets the rumors to rest by sticking up for her and befriending her. More life lessons by the infamous ratsos....
July 1, 2018
Two brothers, Loui and Ralph, enjoy a carnival, then decide to clean up a junky lot in their neighborhood to make a carnival with their friends. Meanwhile, at school, Ralph is teased for liking Stinky Stank, whom we discover, he gave the nickname Stinky. Other sideline themes are their single dad and an old, ignored neighbor. Much packaged in these 86 pages to read like the big kids.
Monarch Nominee 2019
Monarch Nominee 2019
August 2, 2018
This is the second Ratsos book we have enjoyed as family read-alouds. The first book was how kindness is actually better than being "tough" and the message of this book is that it's okay to be afraid, but choose to be brave even when you're afraid.
The characters are cute and the storyline simple and cute enough that all our children (3-6 years) enjoyed the story and sat through the whole short book in one sitting.
The characters are cute and the storyline simple and cute enough that all our children (3-6 years) enjoyed the story and sat through the whole short book in one sitting.
August 23, 2017
I like humorous children's books, so I didn't find this book particularly appealing. The book seemed to be about bullying, but the message was a little fuzzy. On the other hand, I am donating the book to some foster children so if any other authors would like to donate some books, I will be glad to take them to the foster kids.
August 28, 2017
Such a heartwarming beginning chapter book. One of the best i have read for this age group in a while. Louie and Ralphie are the brothers Ratso. They help to clean up an abandoned property to create an arcade. They also learn some lessons about spreading rumors and being nice. Such a lovely read for a boy or a girl.
September 20, 2017
I LOVED this! The messages that it's okay to be afraid as long as you don't let it stop you from being brave, doing the right thing, and going out of your way to help someone else are so important and so well conveyed. Absolutely fantastic!
September 20, 2017
The brothers are back and up to good again. They decide to clean up an abandoned lot so they can play there with their friends. Love the short chapters and the great fatherly advice the boys get rom dad. Book two is a winner.
October 2, 2017
Still love the characters! Not as poignant as their first story but still has inportant lesson of reflective thinking, problem-solving, taking responsibility and recognizing and appreciating differences. I like these boys so much!
October 26, 2017
The Ratso brothers clean up an empty lot and challenge themselves to be brave. This would be a great first chapter book for students transitioning to chapter books.
I received a free ARC for an honest review of this book
I received a free ARC for an honest review of this book
December 2, 2017
Second in the series.
The Ratsos clean up a junk filled lot and create their own carnival with the help of their friends. They also meet the man in the "haunted" house next door.
Continued lessons in kindness and caring for each other.
The Ratsos clean up a junk filled lot and create their own carnival with the help of their friends. They also meet the man in the "haunted" house next door.
Continued lessons in kindness and caring for each other.
November 27, 2018
11/26/2018 ~ Better than book one. I love the concept of cleaning a neighborhood eyesore and turning the space into a fun zone. I think the message of facing one's fears is just strong enough. Delightful. I know I have elementary readers who will love this series.
January 23, 2019
This is a really cute read. I quite enjoy picking up books in my classroom and reading them while the kids are reading. This one was an easy one to put down and pick it up again days later without missing where you were.
June 27, 2025
Louie is afraid of the house that is supposedly haunted in town, and Ralphie is afraid of the rumors being spread about him and Stinky Stanco, a girl he goes to school with. They both learn to face their fears and show compassion to others. Great installment of the series.
August 1, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book.
I love the Ratsos! These books are adorable. Great books to recommend for second grade.
I love the Ratsos! These books are adorable. Great books to recommend for second grade.
September 4, 2017
I love this series and hope there are plenty more coming!
September 17, 2017
Excellent !! Won in a GoodReads contest.
November 5, 2017
Plan to show my kids Caine's Arcade when we're done reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews