In his inimitable New York voice, Pulitzer Prize winner Jimmy Breslin gives us a look through the keyhole at the people and places that define the Mafia—characters like John Gotti, Sammy "the Bull" Gravano, Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso (named for his weapon of choice), and Jimmy "the Clam" Eppolito—interwoven with the remarkable true-crime saga of the good rat himself, Burt Kaplan of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, the star witness in the recent trial of two NYPD detectives indicted for carrying out eight gangland executions. Through these unforgettable real-life and long-forgotten Mafia stories, Jimmy Breslin captures the moments in which the mob was made and broken.

Emmy was a good girl. At least she tried very hard to be good. She did her homework without being told. She ate all her vegetables, even the slimy ones. And she never talked back to her nanny, Miss Barmy, although it was almost impossible to keep quiet, some days. She really was a little too good. Which is why she liked to sit by the Rat. The Rat was not good at all . . . Hilarious, inventive, and irresistably rodent-friendly, Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat is a fantastic first novel from acclaimed picture book author Lynne Jonell.

Shares the author's experiences with her pet rat Iris, offering anecdotes of her antics and other rat owners and discussing how to care for rats, health concerns, life spans, and eating habits.

Friends. Enemies. And friends again! This is a story of two friends. Rat and Roach. They get along great! Except when Rat makes a mess . . . Or Roach cooks too fancy . . . Or Rat HUGS TOO TIGHT!! In fact, why are these two friends? Rat and Roach aren't so sure either, but they're more unhappy when they aren't friends. Here is a book that shows friendship in a whole new, wonderful, hilarious light.

In the shadowy recesses of an attic, where the sun’s rays play hide and seek with the dust of ages, resides a rat of remarkable repute. His name is Budda Brie—a moniker that echoes with the charisma of a fabled hero. “A Good Rat” by Dandy Ahuruonye is a whimsical and enchanting tale that transports readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the mundane is infused with magic and wonder. Introduction Dandy Ahuruonye’s “A Good Rat” is a delightful narrative that blends fantasy with a touch of reality, creating a story that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The protagonist, Budda Brie, is no ordinary rodent. He is a Groccolli robot, a marvel of whiskered engineering, whose existence defies the mundane laws of rat-dom. With fur as grey as twilight shadows and eyes that sparkle like digital constellations, Budda Brie is a character that leaps off the page and into the reader’s imagination. Review The story unfolds in an ancient attic, a setting that Ahuruonye describes with such vivid detail that one can almost feel the dust motes pirouetting in the slanting sunbeams. This attic is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, filled with forgotten treasures and secrets waiting to be uncovered. It is here that Budda Brie embarks on his adventures, accompanied by his confidant, Giggles McWhisker—a mouse with a penchant for puns and a tail that twitches like a Morse code machine. One of the most memorable aspects of “A Good Rat” is Ahuruonye’s masterful use of language. His prose is rich and lyrical, painting pictures with words that linger in the mind long after the book is closed. For instance, when describing Budda Brie’s love for cheese, Ahuruonye writes: “Budda Brie didn’t nibble; he savoured. Each morsel was a symphony of flavour, a sonnet composed by dairy deities.” Such lines not only add depth to the character but also immerse the reader in the sensory experiences of the story. The relationship between Budda Brie and Giggles McWhisker is another highlight of the book. Their conversations crackle with wit and whimsy, providing both humour and insight. They discuss everything from the weather (“mostly cloudy with a chance of cheese showers”) to philosophy (“whether the moon was made of Gouda or Swiss”), and their banter is a joy to read. Through their interactions, Ahuruonye explores themes of friendship, empathy, and self-awareness, making the story not just entertaining but also meaningful. The plot of “A Good Rat” is filled with delightful escapades and conflicts. One particularly amusing episode is the Cheese Heist Hullabaloo, where the cheddar wedge accuses the brie wheel of favouritism. “You’re always the toast of the party,” grumbles the cheddar, to which the brie retorts, “Well, you’re too sharp for your good.” Such exchanges are peppered throughout the book, adding a layer of humour that will appeal to readers of all ages. But “A Good Rat” is not just about light-hearted fun. It also delves into deeper themes, such as the importance of forgiveness and understanding. In one poignant scene, the old cuckoo clock apologises to the broken teacup, and the moth forgives the spider for stealing its silk. These moments of reconciliation and empathy are beautifully woven into the narrative, making the story resonate on an emotional level. In conclusion, “A Good Rat” by Dandy Ahuruonye is a charming and enchanting tale that will captivate readers with its rich prose, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. It is a book that celebrates the magic in the mundane and reminds us of the importance of friendship, empathy, and self-awareness. Whether you are a child or an adult, this story will leave you with a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart. As Budda Brie himself might say, "Emotions are akin to the array of cheeses. Some are sharp, slicing through indifference; others are mellow, soothing the palate of the soul."

The ultimate survivors that have flourished in the most difficult of circumstances, rats have a long history of being the smartest rodent in the room Rats are growing more and more popular as pets for adults and children alike. Having raised and trained rats for over forty years, Miriam Fields-Babineau, in her book Rat Training, teaches rat owners to harness that intelligence through a reward and clicker system of training. An avid proponent of reward-based positive-training techniques, the author explains how to create a successful learning environment for your rat as you teach him how to come on command, jump through a hoop, walk on a leash, stand on his hind legs, and much more. Illustrated with color photographs by Evan Cohen and Virginia Broitman, Rat Training includes tips on what to look for when buying a rat, how to care for your new pet, and how to acclimate your rat to other household pets. In the chapter called "Rat Manner," the author describes how rats think and their social organizations and behavior. Fields-Babineau has trained rats for various purposes, including working in movies, and her chapter called "The Great Rat Race" describes the demands of rat shows and acting careers for rats. The chapter called "Scurry and Hurry" is devoted to agility training and trick training (such as shoulder riding). Resources and glossary included.

“I Was a Rat!” So insists a scruffy boy named Roger. Maybe it’s true. But what is he now? A terrifying monster running wild in the sewers? The Daily Scourge is sure of it. A victim of “Rodent Delusion”? The hospital nurse says yes. A lucrative fairground freak? He is to Mr. Tapscrew. A champion wriggler and a budding thief? That’s what Billy thinks. Or just an ordinary small boy, though a little ratty in his habits? Only three people believe this version of the story. And it may take a royal intervention—and a bit of magic—to convince the rest of the world. Set against the backdrop of a Royal Wedding—and a playful parody of the press, I Was a Rat! is a magical weaving of humor, fairy tale, and adventure.