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The Infamous Ratsos #1
The Infamous Ratsos
Louie and Ralphie Ratso’s dad, Big Lou, always says that there are two kinds of people: those who are tough and those who are soft. Louie and Ralphie are tough, tough, tough, just like Big Lou, and they’re going to prove it. But every time they try to show just how tough they are, the Ratso brothers end up accidentally doing good deeds instead. What’ll Big Lou do when he finds out they’ve been acting like softies all over the Big City?
64 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2016
61 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Kara LaReau
46 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 262 reviews
January 23, 2018
Okay, I am a cynical, cranky, snarky type, but this book made me cry.
Early elementary age kids who read it, probably won't get that. They'll just be enjoying the humor as the Ratso brothers keep trying to emulate their "tough" dad, while each time their badness backfires on them, and they end up as the local good guys.
There are messages here, good ones about how "tough" doesn't need to equal "mean," and how "tough" guys can cry. They're not hammered home mercilessly. But they are there.
And in these mean, mean times, the final lines, the ones that made me cry, should be read in every classroom and household:
"Life is tough enough,"says Big Lou. "We might as well try to make it easier for one another, whenever we can."
Early elementary age kids who read it, probably won't get that. They'll just be enjoying the humor as the Ratso brothers keep trying to emulate their "tough" dad, while each time their badness backfires on them, and they end up as the local good guys.
There are messages here, good ones about how "tough" doesn't need to equal "mean," and how "tough" guys can cry. They're not hammered home mercilessly. But they are there.
And in these mean, mean times, the final lines, the ones that made me cry, should be read in every classroom and household:
"Life is tough enough,"says Big Lou. "We might as well try to make it easier for one another, whenever we can."
September 16, 2019
I don't tend to read elementary level chapter books for fun, but this one is part of my stepson's Battle of the Books competition, and I found myself liking it quite a bit. It's a snappy read about two rat brothers who try their hardest to cause trouble for their school and neighborhood - and end up doing the opposite. Lots of fun, I'll look for the rest of the books.
September 27, 2018
The Infamous Ratsos is the first book in a children's series about two mischievous brothers whose “tough” intentions don’t work out quite the way they planned. This chapter book is geared for kids 5-8, but I read it out loud with my 8 and 11 year old and we all loved it. I even teared up at the end. It’s just lovely. Kara writes with humor and heart, and I guarantee the lessons the Ratso brothers learn will speak volumes to your kids, too. The illustrations are whimsical, the chapters short, and the characters lovable. Five enthusiastic stars!
March 20, 2017
Interesting. I'm curious to see what other library staff friends think of this one.
Kids can be mean. And these kids, the Ratso brothers, think they need to be tough (mean) like their dad. The silliness of their mean-ness backfiring will be appealing to young readers, I think. And I can imagine parents reading this aloud and using it as a way to talk about feelings, bullies, and why people (including kids) do the things they do.
Books are places for kids to play out emotional situations in a safe way - and this book might just be an appealing, fun, interesting way to deal with some pretty intense feelings.
At the same time - I totally understand the reactions of people who just couldn't get past how mean the characters pranks are.
Kids can be mean. And these kids, the Ratso brothers, think they need to be tough (mean) like their dad. The silliness of their mean-ness backfiring will be appealing to young readers, I think. And I can imagine parents reading this aloud and using it as a way to talk about feelings, bullies, and why people (including kids) do the things they do.
Books are places for kids to play out emotional situations in a safe way - and this book might just be an appealing, fun, interesting way to deal with some pretty intense feelings.
At the same time - I totally understand the reactions of people who just couldn't get past how mean the characters pranks are.
September 22, 2016
Louie and Ralphie Ratso are determined to be tough and mean, just like their dad, Big Lou. But every time they try to do something nasty, it turns out to be anything but. How can the siblings stop doing good deeds on accident?! A short, sweet and fun beginning chapter book.
June 28, 2017
Whatever you do, do *not* tell your student or child the ending. Especially if s/he chose it for themselves.
I might have given the book five stars were it not for some unfortunate stereotypes. None are racist or a big deal, or even worth specifying, but I do wish authors and illustrators would think before using cliches that are inaccurate.
I might have given the book five stars were it not for some unfortunate stereotypes. None are racist or a big deal, or even worth specifying, but I do wish authors and illustrators would think before using cliches that are inaccurate.
July 27, 2016
Hang tough with the delightful Ratso brothers. Charming and heartfelt.
October 5, 2017
The Ratso brothers want to be tough just like their dad. Every time they think up something tough to do, the people involved thank them! Whether it's stealing a tiny hat from a big bully in front of a teacher who gives it back to its owner or making what they think is the most disgusting sandwich ever for the new girl who ends up loving it, they end up looking kind and helpful instead of their intended "tough". When their dad finds out, he commends them for their actions and encourages them all to do good things together instead of trying to be tough all the time.
Good, funny, and great for those reading their first chapter books.
Good, funny, and great for those reading their first chapter books.
July 29, 2017
Fun book for the beginning chapter book crowd. The two brothers, Ralphie and Louie, want to demonstrate how brave and tough they are...except their plans never seem to go the way they expect. Sweet ending. This reminds me a bit of the series The Bad Guys: Episode 1.
February 4, 2017
The infamous ratsos want to be tough like their father, so they make plans to do things that will show everyone how tough they are. However, they always accidentally help people, making them frustrated and more determined to show everyone they are tough.
February 28, 2018
Perfect for kids just ready to move out of the easy reader format with a super sweet plot.
December 5, 2018
Goodness gracious this is adorable. This could be such a good opportunity to talk about toxic masculinity as well as the need for kindness. Very sweet early reader that everyone can enjoy!
January 31, 2019
Cute story! I can't wait to hear more about the Ratsos. Monarch 2019 nominee.
June 29, 2020
This is a battle of the books selection for next year for 3-4th grades. It was a little bit silly, but I think overall it had a good message. Kids don't seem to care much about that, but I think they will still find the story fun.
January 31, 2018
This book is a great read for children. The two brothers look up to their father and through out the book try to do things that they think make them "tough" to impress their dad. However, most of their ideas are ways to hurt someone, but their ideas end up helping people instead. In the end, they find that their dad is very proud of his children and the impact their good deeds had on the community.
Great lesson on how being tough does not mean being hurtful, but instead can mean being helpful.
Great lesson on how being tough does not mean being hurtful, but instead can mean being helpful.
April 7, 2017
Good beginning chapter book about two brothers trying to be extra tough and mean, but always managing to do the right thing instead!
June 16, 2016
More Heart Than I Expected
So, the premise is that the Ratso brothers are trying to be as tough as their tough guy Dad, but every mean/tough trick they try turns out to have a happy ending. This, needless to say, is very frustrating for these punk wannabees. Now, that's an interesting premise with a lot of potential, but boy is it loaded with maybe even more potential pitfalls.
All the Ratsos too nasty? Is Dad a bully jerk? Are the pranks too mean? More to the point, does the author have the chops to keep this light and lively and on track to a happy ending?
SPOILERS, BUT DON'T TELL ANY LITTLE KIDS. For me, the answer is that the Ratsos are pretty good kids, Dad turns out to be a decent guy, and the pranks are garden variety silly more than mean. We accidentally clear a neighbor's walk; soaping windows for the widow lady actually cleans them; stealing a hat actually recovers it for the kid from whom it was initially stolen. You get the idea. By the end, Dad learns a lesson about niceness and opens his heart.
And the author gets the tone just right. The Ratsos really are nice boys. Their undertaking to be tough is handled lightly, with a cheerful undercurrent. The worst their meanness gets is borderline silly. The interaction between the two brothers, (a fifth grader and a third grader), is actually pretty funny and loaded with deadpan humor. Indeed, the only awkward bit revolves around the Ratsos' Mom. She's gone and it's not clear why, but it feels like Mom left Dad because he was too much of a tough guy/jerk. That isn't a featured element at first, but figures into Dad's awakening as a nice guy by the end. It does add an element of real world sadness otherwise absent from the story, and I thought it added a bit of rueful weight, but that may not be an authorial choice that everyone applauds.
So, a nice find and a cheerful and well crafted story that had a bit more depth and heart than expected. Well worth a look for a younger reader. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
So, the premise is that the Ratso brothers are trying to be as tough as their tough guy Dad, but every mean/tough trick they try turns out to have a happy ending. This, needless to say, is very frustrating for these punk wannabees. Now, that's an interesting premise with a lot of potential, but boy is it loaded with maybe even more potential pitfalls.
All the Ratsos too nasty? Is Dad a bully jerk? Are the pranks too mean? More to the point, does the author have the chops to keep this light and lively and on track to a happy ending?
SPOILERS, BUT DON'T TELL ANY LITTLE KIDS. For me, the answer is that the Ratsos are pretty good kids, Dad turns out to be a decent guy, and the pranks are garden variety silly more than mean. We accidentally clear a neighbor's walk; soaping windows for the widow lady actually cleans them; stealing a hat actually recovers it for the kid from whom it was initially stolen. You get the idea. By the end, Dad learns a lesson about niceness and opens his heart.
And the author gets the tone just right. The Ratsos really are nice boys. Their undertaking to be tough is handled lightly, with a cheerful undercurrent. The worst their meanness gets is borderline silly. The interaction between the two brothers, (a fifth grader and a third grader), is actually pretty funny and loaded with deadpan humor. Indeed, the only awkward bit revolves around the Ratsos' Mom. She's gone and it's not clear why, but it feels like Mom left Dad because he was too much of a tough guy/jerk. That isn't a featured element at first, but figures into Dad's awakening as a nice guy by the end. It does add an element of real world sadness otherwise absent from the story, and I thought it added a bit of rueful weight, but that may not be an authorial choice that everyone applauds.
So, a nice find and a cheerful and well crafted story that had a bit more depth and heart than expected. Well worth a look for a younger reader. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
November 28, 2017
In this funny and surprisingly heartfelt story, Louie and Ralphie Ratso want to be tough just like their dad, Big Lou. But their plan backfires when every prank they try to pull ends up helping someone instead! I was sold on this book from the moment I heard the plot summary. It's such a fun idea, and my smile grew a little more every time another one of the Ratsos' plans went awry - in the best possible way! The Ratso brothers have some great dialogue too as they try to insist how tough they are. Ralphie's "'I wish we were going to the principal's office'" made me snort out loud!
The illustrations fit the story well (although, granted, the Ratsos do look a little more like dogs than rats). The hatched shading lines and detailed cartoony style give them a bit of a gritty look, perfect for the inner city setting and "toughness" themes.
If I could make one change to the story, it would be to have the Ratso brothers gradually start to get a good feeling inside after accidentally helping someone. As it stands, some readers and parents might find the Ratsos a bit too mean, and their transformation at the end a little too sudden. Making Louie and Ralphie start to realize how good it feels to be helpful would smooth out those issues a little and remind readers why we want to help people in the first place.
Overall, though, this book is an excellent reminder to be kind to one another, and that being tough doesn't mean you have to be mean and hide your feelings. I have to conclude with another line from the book here because it hit so strongly with me: "'Life is tough enough,' says Big Lou. 'We might as well try to make it easier for one another, whenever we can.'" Powerful stuff!
The illustrations fit the story well (although, granted, the Ratsos do look a little more like dogs than rats). The hatched shading lines and detailed cartoony style give them a bit of a gritty look, perfect for the inner city setting and "toughness" themes.
If I could make one change to the story, it would be to have the Ratso brothers gradually start to get a good feeling inside after accidentally helping someone. As it stands, some readers and parents might find the Ratsos a bit too mean, and their transformation at the end a little too sudden. Making Louie and Ralphie start to realize how good it feels to be helpful would smooth out those issues a little and remind readers why we want to help people in the first place.
Overall, though, this book is an excellent reminder to be kind to one another, and that being tough doesn't mean you have to be mean and hide your feelings. I have to conclude with another line from the book here because it hit so strongly with me: "'Life is tough enough,' says Big Lou. 'We might as well try to make it easier for one another, whenever we can.'" Powerful stuff!
July 1, 2017
I'm glad I saw this on Betsy Bird's list of 2016 chapter books because I never would have picked it up on my own and I'd have missed an unexpectedly touching story.
The Ratso brothers have to be tough like their dad. And being tough means you have to act tough and do things so that others will see how tough you are. Things like taking a kid's hat on the playground. But somehow their tough acts always get turned around into nice things for other people, like when they take that kid's hat they realize that that kid had swiped the hat from a smaller kid and now the Ratsos are heroes who stood up to a bully! What will the Ratsos do when their dad finds out all the "soft" nice things they've been doing around the neighborhood?
This early chapter book hit the right notes for me. It's funny how every "tough" thing they try somehow gets turned around into something kind for someone. And the book really ends on a touching note when their dad finds out what they've been doing.
This book has a lot to add on classroom discussions about citizenship and about bullying or being kind. It might be a great tool to use one on one with kids who are acting out because of situations at home.
The Ratso brothers have to be tough like their dad. And being tough means you have to act tough and do things so that others will see how tough you are. Things like taking a kid's hat on the playground. But somehow their tough acts always get turned around into nice things for other people, like when they take that kid's hat they realize that that kid had swiped the hat from a smaller kid and now the Ratsos are heroes who stood up to a bully! What will the Ratsos do when their dad finds out all the "soft" nice things they've been doing around the neighborhood?
This early chapter book hit the right notes for me. It's funny how every "tough" thing they try somehow gets turned around into something kind for someone. And the book really ends on a touching note when their dad finds out what they've been doing.
This book has a lot to add on classroom discussions about citizenship and about bullying or being kind. It might be a great tool to use one on one with kids who are acting out because of situations at home.
January 17, 2018
It was ok, it was not what I expected though. I expected something about a circus. Instead it was about two brothers and their dad. It talked a little bit about the loss of their mom and how their dad had to be tough. It is great thought to see how two brothers help each other out.
May 30, 2016
Hang Tough!!
Received at BEA Chicago!!
Louie and Ralphie are the Ratso brothers and they are nothing but tough tough tough. Always following in the footsteps of big old dad, Big Lou.
There are only two types of people in this world... toughs and softies and the Ratsos want to be tough.
So, they decide to get tough with everyone. Scheming and planning so people will call them the toughest.
Well, every prank they pull turns out to be something nice and they keep getting nicer than the last. Whew! These brothers need to step up their game.
Big Lou finds out about all this niceness and these brothers are terrified.....
The message of this story is cute. The cover alone stands out and grabs your full attention.
An early chapter book for kids and even adults with a wacky sense of humor. Kids will fall in love with these crazy Ratsos.
Received at BEA Chicago!!
Louie and Ralphie are the Ratso brothers and they are nothing but tough tough tough. Always following in the footsteps of big old dad, Big Lou.
There are only two types of people in this world... toughs and softies and the Ratsos want to be tough.
So, they decide to get tough with everyone. Scheming and planning so people will call them the toughest.
Well, every prank they pull turns out to be something nice and they keep getting nicer than the last. Whew! These brothers need to step up their game.
Big Lou finds out about all this niceness and these brothers are terrified.....
The message of this story is cute. The cover alone stands out and grabs your full attention.
An early chapter book for kids and even adults with a wacky sense of humor. Kids will fall in love with these crazy Ratsos.
August 4, 2016
I pulled this book off my friend's shelf and I'm so glad I did! The Infamous Ratsos is a delight and will be a hit with young readers. Louie and Ralphie just want to be bad, but they're so bad at it. It's like a backwards Amelia Bedelia for "toughies."
I loved the presence of the father, "Big Lou," and the break down of tough masculine stereotypes- it added a lot of heart to this fun story.
There are great illustrations on every page or so.
In the dedication, the author mentions that her grandfather inspired the Ralphie character, which leaves me curious... I couldn't help but wonder how this story came to be as I read along!
I loved the presence of the father, "Big Lou," and the break down of tough masculine stereotypes- it added a lot of heart to this fun story.
There are great illustrations on every page or so.
In the dedication, the author mentions that her grandfather inspired the Ralphie character, which leaves me curious... I couldn't help but wonder how this story came to be as I read along!
August 9, 2016
My 7-year-old son loved this book and found it hilarious. It also sparked some interesting conversations (both during and after the book, as he kept thinking about it) about what "tough" really means! I meant to only read him a few chapters this morning, but he insisted on hearing the whole thing over breakfast, and I was enjoying it so much, too, that it was easy to agree. :)
December 1, 2017
The Infamous Ratsos
What a cute little series for early readers. The first book in the series is The Infamous Ratsos and it consists of two brothers who live with their father in the city. Their father Big Lou is tough and they want to be like him so they try to be tough also. They think of ways that they can look tough to others and perform these tasks but unfortunately these tasks backfire on them. Individuals begin to like the brothers and this prompts the brothers to try even harder on their task but nothing is going their way. I thought it was comical reading the brothers antics to achieve this status. Each time they would try harder to be tougher but nothing was working. The ending was great and I loved how this family came together.
In The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid, we have the same brothers Louie and Ralphie from the first novel but now we are introduced to some of their friends. In this novel, the brothers don’t want the carnival to end so they decide to create their own carnival with help from their friends. They can get their supplies in a lot in their neighborhood that is piled high with junk but there is a problem. Next to that lot is a Haunted House! The brothers see movement in one of the windows in that house which scares them but before their carnival can open, someone will have to see what is inside that old, mysterious house. I enjoyed seeing their friends helping out getting the carnival ready and taking an active part in the games. I enjoyed the brothers in this novel as they had fun, they had to handle some challenging situations and they worked together. This was a fun, entertaining book that had me laughing as these friends discovered the world outside their doors.
Inside these novels you will find a lot of words with an illustration on about every other page (1/2 page or a full page black-and-white illustration). The text is larger in size for early readers and I think children will enjoy these books for their subject matter, the illustrations and their ability to read the text.
What a cute little series for early readers. The first book in the series is The Infamous Ratsos and it consists of two brothers who live with their father in the city. Their father Big Lou is tough and they want to be like him so they try to be tough also. They think of ways that they can look tough to others and perform these tasks but unfortunately these tasks backfire on them. Individuals begin to like the brothers and this prompts the brothers to try even harder on their task but nothing is going their way. I thought it was comical reading the brothers antics to achieve this status. Each time they would try harder to be tougher but nothing was working. The ending was great and I loved how this family came together.
In The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid, we have the same brothers Louie and Ralphie from the first novel but now we are introduced to some of their friends. In this novel, the brothers don’t want the carnival to end so they decide to create their own carnival with help from their friends. They can get their supplies in a lot in their neighborhood that is piled high with junk but there is a problem. Next to that lot is a Haunted House! The brothers see movement in one of the windows in that house which scares them but before their carnival can open, someone will have to see what is inside that old, mysterious house. I enjoyed seeing their friends helping out getting the carnival ready and taking an active part in the games. I enjoyed the brothers in this novel as they had fun, they had to handle some challenging situations and they worked together. This was a fun, entertaining book that had me laughing as these friends discovered the world outside their doors.
Inside these novels you will find a lot of words with an illustration on about every other page (1/2 page or a full page black-and-white illustration). The text is larger in size for early readers and I think children will enjoy these books for their subject matter, the illustrations and their ability to read the text.
April 15, 2018
The Infamous Ratsos is Penelope’s April book club pick for the Bookworms Book Club at the Kewaunee Public Library for children from 1st grade through 3rd grade. Penelope loves going to book club and also loves selecting new books to read afterwards. My mother-in-law Gert takes Penelope to book club at 3:30 PM after school since I’m still working. Penelope loves to come home with a pile of books afterwards. We read her official book right away this time as last month we waited until the last minute!
The Infamous Ratsos is about two brothers, Ralphie and Louie Ratso, who want to be tough just like their Dad. They go through a series of escapades where they try to do naughty things that they think will make them look tough, to only end up accidentally doing good deeds instead. The book was pretty funny and had great pictures.
The part Penelope and I liked the best was at the end of the book when their father, Big Lou, learns about all of their good deeds and they talk about how they want to be “tough” like their Dad. He talks about how they should not be like him, but that he should be trying to be more like them, able to take care of themselves and find the time for good deeds. He says it’s been tough trying to make it after their Mom has been gone. “Being tough all of the time is so. . . so. . . tough, “says their father.
This book made me laugh and I’ll admit slightly emotional at the end. It was a fun read for Penelope, but I loved that it had a message.
Overall, The Infamous Ratsos is a fun book with a big heart.
Book Source: The Kewaunee Public Library
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2018...
The Infamous Ratsos is about two brothers, Ralphie and Louie Ratso, who want to be tough just like their Dad. They go through a series of escapades where they try to do naughty things that they think will make them look tough, to only end up accidentally doing good deeds instead. The book was pretty funny and had great pictures.
The part Penelope and I liked the best was at the end of the book when their father, Big Lou, learns about all of their good deeds and they talk about how they want to be “tough” like their Dad. He talks about how they should not be like him, but that he should be trying to be more like them, able to take care of themselves and find the time for good deeds. He says it’s been tough trying to make it after their Mom has been gone. “Being tough all of the time is so. . . so. . . tough, “says their father.
This book made me laugh and I’ll admit slightly emotional at the end. It was a fun read for Penelope, but I loved that it had a message.
Overall, The Infamous Ratsos is a fun book with a big heart.
Book Source: The Kewaunee Public Library
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2018...
September 2, 2017
Sometimes children misunderstand adults’ actions and manners. They also believe that being cool and tough is better than being nice and soft. The Infamous Ratsos is about two brothers who want to be tough like their father. The Ratso brothers think their father is tough, and they want to be like him. They believe that being tough means doing bad things to their peers and neighbors, which can cause troubles. Despite their efforts to be tough, their actions result in good deeds for their classmates and neighbors. In the end, they realize that their father is not tough. He holds his emotions tightly to hide grief over his wife leaving.
This book is a chapter book with some illustrations. While reading this book, at first I felt bad because these boys try to bully others. The results of their actions are good, but the original intentions were bad even though they are young, fifth grade and third grade respectively. In authentic worlds, when considering bad intentions and misinterpretations of being tough can cause negative results to others, the Ratso brothers’ misconduct can influence readers in various ways. I wonder children’s reactions after reading this book. The discrepancy of adults’ perspectives and children’s perspectives on the same book might be interesting issue for researchers. (I hope I conduct this study someday!)
This book is a chapter book with some illustrations. While reading this book, at first I felt bad because these boys try to bully others. The results of their actions are good, but the original intentions were bad even though they are young, fifth grade and third grade respectively. In authentic worlds, when considering bad intentions and misinterpretations of being tough can cause negative results to others, the Ratso brothers’ misconduct can influence readers in various ways. I wonder children’s reactions after reading this book. The discrepancy of adults’ perspectives and children’s perspectives on the same book might be interesting issue for researchers. (I hope I conduct this study someday!)
January 15, 2017
This is a difficult one to review. My first reaction was fairly negative and then I read others's reviews and wondered if I was being too harsh. So I waited a week and read it again, trying to keep an open mind.
But the bottom line is that although the Ratso brothers and dad seem to appreciate the value of kindness in the end, the boys' pranks just bordered too much on meanness for me. Their intent is to be mean (albeit because they are mistakenly confusing it with toughness), and their transition to accepting that kindness is better just feels too easy. They perform the same act (stealing a hat) as a character the book presents as a clear bully, and yet we are asked to see the Ratsos differently.
Maybe I'm reading too much into a beginning chapter book meant to be funny and lighthearted, but I was left with a great feeling of unease. I didn't feel like the characters grew enough to warrant the positive ending. There just wasn't enough evidence for me. And I'm uncomfortable with sending this message to young readers without that clear growth and understanding on the part of the characters.
But the bottom line is that although the Ratso brothers and dad seem to appreciate the value of kindness in the end, the boys' pranks just bordered too much on meanness for me. Their intent is to be mean (albeit because they are mistakenly confusing it with toughness), and their transition to accepting that kindness is better just feels too easy. They perform the same act (stealing a hat) as a character the book presents as a clear bully, and yet we are asked to see the Ratsos differently.
Maybe I'm reading too much into a beginning chapter book meant to be funny and lighthearted, but I was left with a great feeling of unease. I didn't feel like the characters grew enough to warrant the positive ending. There just wasn't enough evidence for me. And I'm uncomfortable with sending this message to young readers without that clear growth and understanding on the part of the characters.
June 27, 2017
Children, more than anyone else, are quick to indignation about life's unfairness. Often such ire is about getting in trouble for actions meant to be helpful that led to unintended consequences. Louie and Ralphie have the opposite problem: no matter what they do in the pursuit of causing trouble, they get praised for being considerate and kind.
Their problems stem from an innocent misunderstanding. The 3rd and 5th graders lost their mother a little while back, and they're being raised by their truck-driver father. Big Lou has responded to this difficulty by stoically praising the virtues of toughness. His boys have taken the message to heart, aspiring above all else to be "tough." And, in their minds, that means causing trouble. Thus their repeated disappointment at failing to gain a reputation as troublemakers despite their constant schemes.
While each outcome vexes the boys, it amuses readers--both the surprise twists themselves and the brothers' disgusted reactions to recognition that kids would normally love. This is a short, easy, accessible read that is funny and uplifting.
Their problems stem from an innocent misunderstanding. The 3rd and 5th graders lost their mother a little while back, and they're being raised by their truck-driver father. Big Lou has responded to this difficulty by stoically praising the virtues of toughness. His boys have taken the message to heart, aspiring above all else to be "tough." And, in their minds, that means causing trouble. Thus their repeated disappointment at failing to gain a reputation as troublemakers despite their constant schemes.
While each outcome vexes the boys, it amuses readers--both the surprise twists themselves and the brothers' disgusted reactions to recognition that kids would normally love. This is a short, easy, accessible read that is funny and uplifting.
April 18, 2018
The Ratsos brothers want to be tough, just like their father! They feel that to show that they are tough, they cannot display their emotions and must prove their toughness through practical jokes on others. However, each time they attempt to do anything remotely mean, their plan backfires on them and leaves their victim better off than when they started. This earns the brothers praise for their kindness, but they feel this doesn't make them tough. Their father also sees the good deeds his sons have done, and himself praises them and concedes that he wishes he could've shown his emotions more after the passing of their mother. Together, they all be tougher by being kind to those around them.
This is an important novel for younger readers, boys especially, as it tackles harsh issues such as toxic masculinity and loss. Oftentimes, boys are told that they shouldn't show emotions or be kind to others as it can impact their 'toughness'. However, this is the opposite. Dealing with one's emotions and showing compassion towards other despite dealing with hardships is extremely brave, and LaReau depicts this in an accessible way for children.
This is an important novel for younger readers, boys especially, as it tackles harsh issues such as toxic masculinity and loss. Oftentimes, boys are told that they shouldn't show emotions or be kind to others as it can impact their 'toughness'. However, this is the opposite. Dealing with one's emotions and showing compassion towards other despite dealing with hardships is extremely brave, and LaReau depicts this in an accessible way for children.
January 23, 2018
The Infamous Ratsos is a humorous, early chapter book by Kara LaReau with illustrations by Matt Myers. The book depicts how two brothers, Louie and Ralphie, want to be tough, tough, tough… just like their dad, Big Lou. However, instead of achieving infamy as the toughest rats in the Big City, the brothers end up being not only really nice and kind, but they are also thoughtful and helpful. I found the book’s ending particularly touching because Big Lou admits being tough all the time is… well… tough. In fact, he wishes he was more like Louie and Ralphie! Overall, I found this to be a touching, yet humorous read beginning readers will likely enjoy. Finally, the illustrations add some extra interest and humor.
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