The Infamous Ratsos: Ratty Tattletale

The Infamous Ratsos #5

by Kara LaReau, Matt Myers (Illustrator)

When Ralphie Ratso stands up to some kids who bullied his friend, they vow revenge. But will ratting them out make it worse?

Sid and Kurt have been picking on Ralphie's friend Tiny, and when Ralphie tells them to stop, the two boys get sent to the principal's office. Now Sid and Kurt are out to get Ralphie! They upend Ralphie's lunch tray, whip the ball at his head on the playground, and pelt him with peashooters when the teachers aren't looking--ping! Ralphie's brother, Louie, says he should tell a grown-up, but Ralphie--not wanting to be a Ratty Tattletale--decides to "fight fire with fire," only creating new problems for himself. It's time to tell Big Lou, his dad, who has a few wise ideas for putting things right.

Genres: Friendship, Chapter Books

96 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Kara 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.

Reviews

[Jennifer Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a tough tale that centers on characters dealing with bullies. It is tough because it does not sugarcoat the ways bullies can work, and it provides the main characters with some tough lessons on handling bullies. I appreciated how Ralphie stepped up when he saw his friend Tiny being bullied. While he kept his friend safe, he drew the attention of the bullies onto himself. While the secondary characters remain one-dimensional, the story goes in-depth with the mental head game caused by the threat of the bullies. Ralphie doesn't eat, can't sleep, and is always anxious in his attempts to handle this problem on his own. Ralphie's dad imparts lots of wisdom about not using violence and doing what is right. The ending wraps things up nicely, too nicely?

The black and white pictures show lots of forlorn moments, but provide enough illustration to show major events, break up the text, and support beginning readers. My favorite drawing is Ms. Porcupine with her hair rollers.

A strong choice for beginning readers.

I was provided a copy from Candlewick Press for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do you handle bullies? Big Lou, the Ratso brother's father, says that the best way is to walk away, or crack a joke, or, in the case of the two brothers, go to someone in authority.

The brothers ask if that isn't being, well, a rat, if they tattle on the bullies. Their father explains that they shouldn't have to put up with bullies, which is true. No child should have to put up with bullies.

Very simple story with a strong message. Good for young kids to know that this just doesn't happen to them, and know where to turn to get help.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This addition to the Infamous Ratsos series talks about bullying. Ralphie stands up for a friend who is being picked on and soon finds himself the target of the bullies. He worries about being a tattletale but learns that if he is telling a trusted adult so that someone is no longer being hurt that is the right thing to do and that is better than being cool. This early chapter book would be a good addition to those libraries that have a fan base for the Ratsos. Its large text and abundant space between the lines make it a great beginning chapter book for readers. I would recommend its purchase for most public libraries.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Ralphie stands up for a friend being bullied, he becomes the new target. His brother thinks he should tell someone, but Ralphie has heard it isn't cool to be a tattletale. What is the right thing to do?

A good lesson about when it is ok to be "uncool" and involve adults in issues, especially bullying. I really like the Dad's talk with Ralphie after things escalate to mild violence. I also like that Ralphie's heart was in the right place at the start in helping another kid he saw being picked on. Bullying books are relevant but not necessarily fun reads.

Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. Some shooting at each other with pea shooters.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this story for multiple reasons. Ralphie stands up to Kurt and Sid when they bully Tiny, but then they bully Ralphie instead. I liked that this story pointed out that talking to a teacher or other adult when someone is hurting you or someone else is not tattling. I love that the dad sets a good example for his sons and also makes sure there are appropriate consequences when they make bad decisions. And I also appreciated the dad talking about appropriate use of weapons. Learning how to use weapons for sport or hunting during scouts? Good idea. Buying a weapon playing with it in the street or at school? Not a good idea. Very good installment in the series.

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to read a beginner chapter book with proper vocabulary. It's ok to challenge young readers with a few tough words, but some authors forget their audience throwing in too many difficult words. This author has just the right amount. This is a story about bullying and how to handle it. There are many books on the subject already out there, but it is such an important subject, I don't think there can be too many. I like that Ralphie tries to handle his problems himself, but then learns that sometimes adults need to become involved. That's reality.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ralphie learns that sometimes bullies shift their target when you stand up to them and that it is okay to ask for help to deal with them. He stood up for Tiny and the two school bullies started harassing him. He tried to handle it on his own but this just escalated the whole situation. When he asked for help, he learned that involving adults is not tattling and is needed.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Ralphie Ratso stands up to two classroom bullies and becomes their target instead. Ralphie is determined to take care of this himself (and not get his older brother involved) but learns that sometimes you really do need to ask for help.

[Amber Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son loves the Ratsos and the Ratty Tattletale was one he could not put down! In this book the brothers and friends are dealing with some major tattletales and while trying to figure out how to deal with them, they manage to find more trouble...not surprising. But in true fashion, they find ways to right all the wrongs and come out on top!