[ { RAT AND ROACH ROCK ON! } ] by Covell, David (AUTHOR) Feb-21-2013 [ Hardcover ]

by David Covell

“Rat, I am ready to ROCK!""Huh?" "You said I could sing in the band.""When?" "In the last book.""Oh. Right." Rat has finally agreed to let his friend Roach sing in his band... but not if Roach makes everyone wear shiny, sparkly outfits. No way! Roach can still sing, though, right? Wrong. He can't even get out a squeak! Just when Rat is at his tail’s end, he realizes that one thing might bring the sparkle and shine back to Roach's voice. Rat may look a little funny in his glitzy new outfit, but sometimes friendship is totally worth it.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Animals, Music

Hardcover

First published February 21, 2013

About the author

David Covell grew up in the wilds of Maine and only came home when it was time for dinner. After earning a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh he moved to Burlington, Vermont where his work for Burton Snowboards was instrumental in creating the design culture of alternative sports. Today, he works as a graphic designer in New York City, and his work has been seen around the world and in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Run Wild is David’s third picture book – one he hopes will inspire everyone to get outside and explore!

Reviews

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see Rat likes The Velveeta Underground but I'm betting Roach is no fan of Black Flag.

[Laima · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story book for young children ages 4-7.

Rat and Roach have a band but disagree on their choice of costume.

Roach freezes up on stage because he isn't wearing the sparkly outfit that makes him feel like singing. Rat helps out by agreeing to have the whole band change into sparkly outfits to make Roach feel better. The show goes on and all ends well.

This is what friends do for one another. This book teaches children that although friends don't always agree on everything they can still continue to be friends.

**The sign hanging on the wall says "Velveeta Underground" ... a cute reference to the group "Velvet Underground"**

I read this book for free on we give books.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute artwork.

[Becky B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rat and Roach have to figure out how to compromise their tastes in order to make the band a success.

There's some cheap humor in here (Rat offering Roach some underwear to snack on and then wearing them on his head on the next page) that is likely to thrill and distract young boys. The story was ok, but I felt like it could have been done more powerfully than the author chose.

The artwork is the best part of the book. The dull colors accented by the bright green and pink are eye-catching and sure to hold kids' interest; it also helps reinforce the different tastes of Rat & Roach.

If you've run out of picture book options or might go insane if you have to read a certain one just once more, this might be an ok choice. Otherwise, I'd skip it.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about 2 friends who like each other but don’t always like the same things. They have a band, and one wants to wear sparkles while the other wants to be dirty. They go up for a big show, and roach can’t sing because he doesn’t sparkle. Once everyone sparkles, the band is great. It’s a story about compromise and friendship. The illustrations are ok--they would be good for K-1st grade boys.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another friendship book, but this one shows how important it is to support each other. One friend can't always be the one to get his or her way.

Fun rock references like THE VELVEETA UNDERGROUND, THE RAT-A-TAT PACK, E. 11th St. & Ave. A (where I think there was a punk rock boom in East Village, right?)

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rat & Roach are ready to rock out with the band, but Rat nixes Roach's sparkly outfits in favor of grungy black. Without his shimmer, Roach shuts down. He can't bring himself to sing. He needs that bling, baby!

While it wasn't a real favorite of mine, I'm betting kids will like this one.

[Holly Letson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this on We Give Books (http://www.wegivebooks.org/books/rat-...). I did not care much for this story, because the Roach made the Rat-A-Tat rats give into his silly whims or he would not perform. I don't feel that this is a good lesson to be teaching kids.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a storytime about compromise and friendship

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about learning to give and take. Sometimes we may not want to do something - but we are willing because we care about the other person. Loved the textures and simple illustrations.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute, good story.

[Liz Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok for friends to be different from one another.