A Rat in a Stripy Sock

by Frances Watts, David Francis (Illustrator)

A rain-swept day...
A heart-lifting flash of colour!
A story about the joy to be had in life′s simplest pleasures-especially when they are shared-and finding happiness in the most unexpected places.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Animals

24 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Frances Watts was born in Switzerland and grew up in Australia. She has published 20 books for children, including picture books and books for younger readers, including Goodnight Mice!, the winner of the 2012 Prime Minister’s Award for Children’s Fiction, and 2008 Children’s Book Council of Australia award-winner Parsley Rabbit’s Book about Books. Her latest book, The Raven’s Wing, is her first novel for young adults. Frances lives in Sydney and divides her time between writing and editing.

Reviews

[Morisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS A MUST-READ👏👏

I think this is a super fast-paced book, which I really liked, honestly, one of the best books I've read this year. I liked that they didn't focus too much on world-building, as it tends to be really boring; instead, it was concise and straightforward.

However, I did wish that all the rats had stripy socks since I believe that all rats should eat at fancy restaurants and follow their dreams.

This is such an underrated book.

I can't believe that I finished this in 1 sitting. Highly recommend.

[Aileen Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, A Rat In A Stripy Sock, written by Frances Watts and illustrated by David Francis, we follow the story of a grey rat sitting in the rain on a dreary day. However, his day turns completely around when he finds a stripy sock. That funny rainbow sock is all Rat needs to start dreaming. And Rat dreams big. Rat dreams of all the things one could do with a stripy sock.

It just goes to show, that it doesn't really take much in life to find joy. You simply have to look around you and take pleasure in what you find.

[Freddie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Frances Watts. A book that celebrates the value of colour and of standing out from the crowd is one that speaks to my very soul. We should all aim to be this joyous rat in a rainbow-striped sock on a bleak, rainy, grey day. Be yourself, follow your dreams and don't look back.

[David Schutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rats ARE my favourite animals, and this is a favourite Rat picture book. I bought it at the Post Office one day when I was waiting in line feeling rushed and exhausted. It brought an instant smile to my face and now sits on my bedside cupboard as a constant reminder to count my blessings, even on the greyest and wettest days.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet book about the possibilities and dreams that can result from a little flash of colour on an otherwise miserable day.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars. Rats are not my favourite characters but this picture book is a joy to read and re-read and has a positive message.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous book by a gorgeous team.