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Ratty
This heartwarming tale by bestselling author Suzanne Selfors is about the unlikely friendship between a boy who is cursed to look like a rat and a girl who loathes rodents. This instant classic is perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan, A Wolf Called Wander, and Flora & Ulysses.
Ratty Barclay wasn't supposed to be born a four-foot-tall, walking, talking rodent, but thanks to the Barclay family curse, he's had to live in hiding from the rest of the world. All he wants for his thirteenth birthday is to return to his family's abandoned estate on Fairweather Island to somehow break the curse. Then he'll finally get to live his life as a four-foot-tall, walking, talking, human boy.
Edweena Gup, the granddaughter of the Barclays' groundskeeper, has dedicated her life to being a Rat-Catcher Extraordinaire like her great-great-great grandmother before her. It doesn't matter that Fairweather Island has been rat-free for over a hundred years—she's determined to make sure everyone is prepared for their imminent return. And when she spots a human-sized rat lurking on the Barclay grounds, her worst fears are confirmed.
Though it seems like Ratty and Edweena are destined to be enemies, they have a lot in common—they're both lonely and misunderstood. But will they be able to overcome their fears of each other and maybe even become . . . friends?
Ratty Barclay wasn't supposed to be born a four-foot-tall, walking, talking rodent, but thanks to the Barclay family curse, he's had to live in hiding from the rest of the world. All he wants for his thirteenth birthday is to return to his family's abandoned estate on Fairweather Island to somehow break the curse. Then he'll finally get to live his life as a four-foot-tall, walking, talking, human boy.
Edweena Gup, the granddaughter of the Barclays' groundskeeper, has dedicated her life to being a Rat-Catcher Extraordinaire like her great-great-great grandmother before her. It doesn't matter that Fairweather Island has been rat-free for over a hundred years—she's determined to make sure everyone is prepared for their imminent return. And when she spots a human-sized rat lurking on the Barclay grounds, her worst fears are confirmed.
Though it seems like Ratty and Edweena are destined to be enemies, they have a lot in common—they're both lonely and misunderstood. But will they be able to overcome their fears of each other and maybe even become . . . friends?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2024
2845 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Selfors
67 books844 followersSuzanne Selfors lives on an island near Seattle where it rains all the time, which is why she tends to write about cloudy, moss-covered, green places.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 17, 2025
This was a cute middle grade novel full of charming characters and light humor. Ratty was born a human boy, but shortly after he changed into a human sized rat. His Uncle Max has raised him, but he is desperate to learn more about the family curse so he can break it and become a boy again. It’s not that he hates rats, he just is lonely and wants to fit in. Unfortunately for him the groundskeeper of their family estate is grandfather to the self-proclaimed rat catcher of the island, another 12 year old like him. This book was sweet and gives some good lessons in figuring out who you are as well as not judging a book by the cover. I gave it 3.5 stars rounded up because it was sweet.
April 28, 2024
This heartwarming middle grade novel had me laughing and tearing up as Ratty and Edweena learn to accept themselves, and others, just as they are! I devoured (or nibbled) this book in one sitting!
August 19, 2024
Ratty
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.42/10 overall
Characters - 8
The characters in this book were a bit exaggerated (especially Edweena), but they were generally likeable and had thought-out personalities and relationships.
Atmosphere - 8
I will say there is not a ton of description in this book (though I'm a fan of that style so it didn't bother me), but the town and their attitudes felt reasonable and the layout made sense.
Writing - 9
The word choice in this book was impeccable and really showed off the characters' thoughts and emotions. I really like the writing style that Mrs. Selfors used, alongside the amazing illustrations that were sprinkled throughout the book.
Plot - 8
Honestly, this plot was not entirely what I expected from the description. It was less of a fantasy and a bit more of a mystery almost. However, I still enjoyed the story a lot and couldn't anticipate what the ending was going to be.
Intrigue - 9
I was intrigued right off the bat by this book. A book about a boy who was cursed to spend his life as a four-foot-tall rat? You have my attention. I felt thoroughly engaged by this book and wanted to know what was going to happen.
Logic - 8
This book was quite logical. Everything wrapped up quite nicely and while you might have to stretch your imagination a modicum, the majority of events made sense. I was left with a few unanswered questions, but nothing that seemed crucial. Hey, if the characters don't know how everything works, that's just life.
Enjoyment - 9
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read most of it in the course of one day because I didn't want to put it down. I will be on the lookout for any future books that Mrs. Selfors writes. :)
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.42/10 overall
Characters - 8
The characters in this book were a bit exaggerated (especially Edweena), but they were generally likeable and had thought-out personalities and relationships.
Atmosphere - 8
I will say there is not a ton of description in this book (though I'm a fan of that style so it didn't bother me), but the town and their attitudes felt reasonable and the layout made sense.
Writing - 9
The word choice in this book was impeccable and really showed off the characters' thoughts and emotions. I really like the writing style that Mrs. Selfors used, alongside the amazing illustrations that were sprinkled throughout the book.
Plot - 8
Honestly, this plot was not entirely what I expected from the description. It was less of a fantasy and a bit more of a mystery almost. However, I still enjoyed the story a lot and couldn't anticipate what the ending was going to be.
Intrigue - 9
I was intrigued right off the bat by this book. A book about a boy who was cursed to spend his life as a four-foot-tall rat? You have my attention. I felt thoroughly engaged by this book and wanted to know what was going to happen.
Logic - 8
This book was quite logical. Everything wrapped up quite nicely and while you might have to stretch your imagination a modicum, the majority of events made sense. I was left with a few unanswered questions, but nothing that seemed crucial. Hey, if the characters don't know how everything works, that's just life.
Enjoyment - 9
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read most of it in the course of one day because I didn't want to put it down. I will be on the lookout for any future books that Mrs. Selfors writes. :)
March 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot, love it when characters are animals, and in this case, a boy gets turned into a rat. The story is fast and fun, with a very satisfying and sweet ending. Edweena Gup wants nothing else than to spread awareness against rats and have the pests gone from her island (the island has been clear of Rats for a long time and she wants to keep it that way) until... everything changes when she realizes not all is as it seems and instead of fighting the enemy she must protect him.
I also loved the illustrations and the cover has beautiful colors. Edweena is a great character filled with spirit and a good heart. Thank you so much publisher and Netgalley for this e-arc.
I also loved the illustrations and the cover has beautiful colors. Edweena is a great character filled with spirit and a good heart. Thank you so much publisher and Netgalley for this e-arc.
January 23, 2024
Wonderful chapter book for ages 7-12 but this Nana loved it as well. This engaging story hooks you in from the first page. The story has laugh out loud humor, a mysterious curse, an exciting climax and a satisfying ending resolution. Great writing and fun illustrations too!
July 2, 2024
Suzanne crafts an incredible story about a girl named Edweena Gup, who is determined to rid Fairweather Island of rats. But are there really any rats on the island? This delightful book is perfect for kids who enjoy mysteries, conquering fears, and forming unexpected friendships.
July 2, 2024
This is a favorite of 2024! It would make a great read aloud.
February 6, 2025
This would make such a fun read aloud in a middle grade classroom!
November 25, 2025
Grade 3-5 book about an unlikely pair. Ratty is a rat, born a human, but transformed into a rat because of a curse that has plagued his family for years. Ratty, along with his uncle head back to the island where all the unfortunate events had happened to his family, when they come across a rat-trapping expert, Edweena. She is determined to share her rat knowledge with her town, but never thinks she’d come face to face with one especially one that talks. But when a terrible accident occurs, sinkhole, the two must team up to save the town and the people they love.
February 20, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In 1995, 12-year-old Ratty and his uncle Max Barclay return to Fairweather Island in order to try to reverse the curse that Ratty is under; shortly after his birth, he turned into a rat. His parents abandoned him, and he's been raised in secret by his loving uncle. Ratty tends to many injured creatures, but wants to return to being human. His uncle is reluctant to go back, and isn't wrong. The family house has been cared for by Jasper Gup, whose granddaughter, Edweena, is visiting while her parents, who are famous treasure hunters, are traveling. Edweena was bitten by a rat when she was young, and has made it her life's work to educate others about the dangers of rats, and to set traps all over the Barclay estate. Max, of course, has her remove these, and once she does, she is alarmed to see a variety of rats streaming to the house! They have come to see Ratty, whom they consider their king. Ratty, for his part, helps the rats with various ailments, and Max has to buy a LOT of cheese to feed them, making Edweena even more suspicious. We find that Peter Barclay, who worked on a ship and was thrown overboard, washing up on Fairweather Island in the late 1800s, logged the cedar trees to extinction, and his family all did various things that caused damage to the island. There is a curse that has affected the family for generations, but it usually causes their death, not a transformation like Ratty's. Edweena finally meets Ratty, and the two find a surprising link in their past, and she learns that rats are not as horrible as she thought. When she skips the school trip to the sinkhole where Peter Barclay was killed 100 years ago to work on plans with Ratty, she is appalled to learn that her entire class, as well as Max and Jasper, have fallen into the sinkhole. Ratty has a solution to the problem, and when the people of the island find out his true identity, Ratty learns to make peace with the curse and who he is.
Strengths: Selfors always writes a good animal story; Wedgie and Gizmo still makes me laugh. Ratty, of course, is not all humorous, and there is a lot to unpack, both for Edweena and for Ratty. Edweena has family issues of her own, with her great-great-great-grandmother inventing a very effective rat trap. Max is a fantastic uncle who is willing to do anything for Ratty, and the interaction with the community is very satisfying. Naidu's illustrations really make this book; they remind me a little of Joe and Beth Krush's illustrations in Norton's The Borrowers and just give a delightful sense of setting and characters. I wish more middle grade books would incorporate this level of illustration.
Weaknesses: I wanted to know more about exactly how the curse turned Ratty into a rat, and expected something different at the end. I feel like I missed some greater message, somehow.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoy rodent themed fiction like Lieb's Ratscalibur , Fiedler's Mouseheart trilogy, or Moon's Delphine and the Silver Needle.
In 1995, 12-year-old Ratty and his uncle Max Barclay return to Fairweather Island in order to try to reverse the curse that Ratty is under; shortly after his birth, he turned into a rat. His parents abandoned him, and he's been raised in secret by his loving uncle. Ratty tends to many injured creatures, but wants to return to being human. His uncle is reluctant to go back, and isn't wrong. The family house has been cared for by Jasper Gup, whose granddaughter, Edweena, is visiting while her parents, who are famous treasure hunters, are traveling. Edweena was bitten by a rat when she was young, and has made it her life's work to educate others about the dangers of rats, and to set traps all over the Barclay estate. Max, of course, has her remove these, and once she does, she is alarmed to see a variety of rats streaming to the house! They have come to see Ratty, whom they consider their king. Ratty, for his part, helps the rats with various ailments, and Max has to buy a LOT of cheese to feed them, making Edweena even more suspicious. We find that Peter Barclay, who worked on a ship and was thrown overboard, washing up on Fairweather Island in the late 1800s, logged the cedar trees to extinction, and his family all did various things that caused damage to the island. There is a curse that has affected the family for generations, but it usually causes their death, not a transformation like Ratty's. Edweena finally meets Ratty, and the two find a surprising link in their past, and she learns that rats are not as horrible as she thought. When she skips the school trip to the sinkhole where Peter Barclay was killed 100 years ago to work on plans with Ratty, she is appalled to learn that her entire class, as well as Max and Jasper, have fallen into the sinkhole. Ratty has a solution to the problem, and when the people of the island find out his true identity, Ratty learns to make peace with the curse and who he is.
Strengths: Selfors always writes a good animal story; Wedgie and Gizmo still makes me laugh. Ratty, of course, is not all humorous, and there is a lot to unpack, both for Edweena and for Ratty. Edweena has family issues of her own, with her great-great-great-grandmother inventing a very effective rat trap. Max is a fantastic uncle who is willing to do anything for Ratty, and the interaction with the community is very satisfying. Naidu's illustrations really make this book; they remind me a little of Joe and Beth Krush's illustrations in Norton's The Borrowers and just give a delightful sense of setting and characters. I wish more middle grade books would incorporate this level of illustration.
Weaknesses: I wanted to know more about exactly how the curse turned Ratty into a rat, and expected something different at the end. I feel like I missed some greater message, somehow.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoy rodent themed fiction like Lieb's Ratscalibur , Fiedler's Mouseheart trilogy, or Moon's Delphine and the Silver Needle.
July 16, 2024
Read July 6, 2024 - July 13, 2024. Audiobook.
Picked this up on a whim because I remembered seeing the cover at the bookstore a couple weeks ago and if you know me, you know I love rats. So it stood to reason I'd enjoy this book! And while I did, it wasn't quite what I had hoped for.
Don't get me wrong, it was very cute. The characters were all clearly defined, and I could see a kid loving this (and the adult reading it to them enjoying the ride). Edwina was a hilarious character, and written very accurately as a child. I found myself really caring for the characters, and worrying about what might happen to them.
But... I kept feeling like I was waiting for the story to start. There was a lot of exposition, lots of teasing of potential things that might happen, but then the story would swerve a different direction.
I did really love the ending, because I love a good HEA, and I love that The reveal of that was also done quite well.
The narration was also fantastic. The voices really sold me on some of the characters, and I feel like I might not have been as invested if I'd read it in print.
All in all, this was a fun little palate cleanser of a book, and an enjoyable way to spend a couple afternoons. Good for younger kids who want a fairly safe story with a bit of excitement at the end!
And now back to my thrillers~
Picked this up on a whim because I remembered seeing the cover at the bookstore a couple weeks ago and if you know me, you know I love rats. So it stood to reason I'd enjoy this book! And while I did, it wasn't quite what I had hoped for.
Don't get me wrong, it was very cute. The characters were all clearly defined, and I could see a kid loving this (and the adult reading it to them enjoying the ride). Edwina was a hilarious character, and written very accurately as a child. I found myself really caring for the characters, and worrying about what might happen to them.
But... I kept feeling like I was waiting for the story to start. There was a lot of exposition, lots of teasing of potential things that might happen, but then the story would swerve a different direction.
I did really love the ending, because I love a good HEA, and I love that The reveal of that was also done quite well.
The narration was also fantastic. The voices really sold me on some of the characters, and I feel like I might not have been as invested if I'd read it in print.
All in all, this was a fun little palate cleanser of a book, and an enjoyable way to spend a couple afternoons. Good for younger kids who want a fairly safe story with a bit of excitement at the end!
And now back to my thrillers~
July 19, 2024
I always say that because I read so many books, the ones that are weird are the ones that stand out to me. That is certainly true for this one, because it is pretty strange but it's also one I'm likely to remember.
12-year-old, 4 foot tall, boy-turned-rat Ratty is the latest victim of the Barclay Family Curse. For generations, members of the Barclay family have died in mysterious ways - due to the curse. But Ratty is the first member of the family cursed in a different way, when he was born he was transformed into a giant rat. His parents abandoned him to live with his uncle Max who has spent his life traveling from place to place hoping to keep Ratty from being discovered. Now, though, Max and Ratty are returning to their ancestral home, Barclay Manor, on Fairweather Island. The island has been rat free since Ratty's great-great-great-grandfather declared the island his and exterminated all the rats. Not a great place for a giant rat boy to live. Especially since the granddaughter of Barclay Manor's caretaker, Edweena Gup, is obsessed with trapping and killing rats.
The premise is bonkers crazy, but the story is surprisingly sweet. A little reminiscent of the 2006 rom-com Penelope with Christina Ricci. The overall message of self-compassion, kindness, and friendship is delivered in a heartwarming and never too saccharine kind of way. This isn't a perfect book, though. There are a lot of details left unresolved, which seems to open up for a series, and I really wish this book was more of a complete story. The causes of the Barclay curse are pretty obvious throughout and I was kind of waiting for Ratty and Max to have an "aha!" moment and just say it -- it felt like it dragged on for too long.
But this story of environmental stewardship and friendship is still utterly charming and would work really nicely as a read aloud. Way better than I expected a book about a giant rat to be.
12-year-old, 4 foot tall, boy-turned-rat Ratty is the latest victim of the Barclay Family Curse. For generations, members of the Barclay family have died in mysterious ways - due to the curse. But Ratty is the first member of the family cursed in a different way, when he was born he was transformed into a giant rat. His parents abandoned him to live with his uncle Max who has spent his life traveling from place to place hoping to keep Ratty from being discovered. Now, though, Max and Ratty are returning to their ancestral home, Barclay Manor, on Fairweather Island. The island has been rat free since Ratty's great-great-great-grandfather declared the island his and exterminated all the rats. Not a great place for a giant rat boy to live. Especially since the granddaughter of Barclay Manor's caretaker, Edweena Gup, is obsessed with trapping and killing rats.
The premise is bonkers crazy, but the story is surprisingly sweet. A little reminiscent of the 2006 rom-com Penelope with Christina Ricci. The overall message of self-compassion, kindness, and friendship is delivered in a heartwarming and never too saccharine kind of way. This isn't a perfect book, though. There are a lot of details left unresolved, which seems to open up for a series, and I really wish this book was more of a complete story. The causes of the Barclay curse are pretty obvious throughout and I was kind of waiting for Ratty and Max to have an "aha!" moment and just say it -- it felt like it dragged on for too long.
But this story of environmental stewardship and friendship is still utterly charming and would work really nicely as a read aloud. Way better than I expected a book about a giant rat to be.
January 19, 2025
Even though it contains my biggest “writing misunderstood monsters pet peeve I still enjoyed the story, definitely appreciating the 209 page length. It was cute. It was simple it was exceedingly predictable and thus a highly comfort read.
July 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this Children's Lit book. (Although, I may be extremely biased because I am a rat/rodent fanatic haha.)
Ratty was a fun and heartwarming tale about a boy sized rat and his "rat-catcher" neighbor, Edweena. The book contained good messages about family, identity acceptance, overcoming biases, conquering fear, and environmentalist. Lastly, it's always fun when a kid's chapter book has illustrations, it makes the reading experiance that much better!
I would totally reccomend this chapter book to any young readers. I may be a rat lover, however I believe the story stands on its own, even for non-rat lovers.
Ratty was a fun and heartwarming tale about a boy sized rat and his "rat-catcher" neighbor, Edweena. The book contained good messages about family, identity acceptance, overcoming biases, conquering fear, and environmentalist. Lastly, it's always fun when a kid's chapter book has illustrations, it makes the reading experiance that much better!
I would totally reccomend this chapter book to any young readers. I may be a rat lover, however I believe the story stands on its own, even for non-rat lovers.
August 1, 2024
Unlikely friendship story! A rat-hater surprises herself by sticking up for a 4-foot rat-boy. Edweena could be a super annoying character (likened a bit to Anne of Green Gables) but for the sake of the story, it simply showed how passionate she was against rats. And of course they become friends while overcoming a family curse. The illustrations add just the cherry on top to help you wrap your head around the situation.
October 6, 2024
Juvenile Fiction. Fantasy. Ratty, 12 years old, is a 4ft rat hoping to return to a a human boy. He has encouraged his human uncle Max, who has raised him since a baby, to return to Fairweather Island to learn more about the curse affecting the Barclay family and how it could be reversed, so Ratty can become a human boy.
June 2, 2025
This was in the Maine Student Book Award nominee section at our local library. I kept pitching it to my kids, but they passed. It was at that moment that I realized I was the one that wanted to read it. It's pretty great and it would make a wonderful movie someday, in my opinion.
I should note that after I started it, both of my girls now want to read it. Success!
I should note that after I started it, both of my girls now want to read it. Success!
February 8, 2025
Can Ratty and his uncle solve the mystery of their family curse? If they break the curse, will Ratty transform back into a human boy instead of being a human-sized rat for the rest of his life? A humorous and poignant story about family and tradition… and rats!
December 26, 2025
If you’re looking for a shorter fantasy/magical middle grade, this is the book for you. I enjoyed the sweet storyline, even if it was a bit exaggerated. I would recommend it to those who enjoy stories with talking animals.
July 16, 2024
Cute!
July 25, 2024
DNF - 19%
The kids are just annoying to me. The audiobook narration also made them sound extra whiney
The kids are just annoying to me. The audiobook narration also made them sound extra whiney
August 17, 2024
One of the weirdest books I've read in a while. Who names their rat nephew Ratty?
September 4, 2024
It was a good read, and I liked how this book ends.
September 10, 2024
"Selfors' whimsical romp weaves friendship, family lore, local history, and environmental stewardship into a light mystery." [Booklist]
December 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ a sweet little read. Not super full of action or the most character development but it was enjoyable. Loved the characters.
January 9, 2025
I wanted to love it, but it fell flat for me personally. I felt like it was very repetitive. Repeating the same facts over and over like the author was just trying to hit a certain word count.
January 20, 2025
Fun book on differences
Being a Rat isn't sat you think it is. Ratty is out to change his life and others. Fun spin on differences.
Being a Rat isn't sat you think it is. Ratty is out to change his life and others. Fun spin on differences.
August 26, 2024
Simple, but fun and inventive.
February 14, 2025
At first, I had trouble getting through this one. I loved this author’s other work and so maybe my expectations were also too high. That being said, I still enjoyed it! I loved the message of being kind to others, even ones who are different. It’s also has a good message of standing up to your fears.
A critique I had was that the story tread close to the idea that you just have to accept yourself to be happy. I also didn’t love how Ratty’s existence is never explained. I think kiddos will find it puzzling.
Found in L4M (YT) Booklist Bundle.
A critique I had was that the story tread close to the idea that you just have to accept yourself to be happy. I also didn’t love how Ratty’s existence is never explained. I think kiddos will find it puzzling.
Found in L4M (YT) Booklist Bundle.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews