Customer Reviews

Walter: The Story of a Rat

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those nearly perfect children's books: a fable really, in the manner of THE LITTLE PRINCE. It's a story of a rat and a writer, but it's really a story about the vulnerability and fragility of friendship and love. Tender, funny, literate--this is my universal Christmas gift this year.

Although this near-perfect book has been marketed as a "children's" book, it would be loved and treasured by anyone who loves books and reading. I would compare it to "Charlotte's Web" and the Narnia books as a book that will appeal to children older than seven as a story, but it will mean something deep and touching to their parents. There's a slight hint of melancholy to the book -- a pleasant melancholy -- as there is in "Charlotte's Web." I will be giving it to everyone on my Christmas list this year. My copy is going on my shelf of very special books you read and re-read throughout your life, next to E.B. White, the Narnia books, and "The Little Book Room," by Eleanor Farjeon.

Excellent book for young readers. My son is eight. He was delighted with all aspect of Walter: The Story of a Rat. The reading level is a step up from early chapter books; ie. Magic Tree House, Magic School Bus. Vocabulary and plot are challenging and intriging. Well worth the read.

I LOVED this story--it touched my heart and imagination beyond what I can express. It is a wonderful book--I hope there will be sequels--I would love to see these two friends have many adventures together, and I wish they lived next door.

So simple, yet not. This lovely story presents a one of a kind opportunity to share many important topics with a child in an way that he/she can be easily relate. There are so many themes and underlying nuances. What a wonderful way to explore the fragile nature of human insecurities and prejudices - this book should be on every 5th grade teacher's reading list. I can't wait to share it with my niece Allison.

A beautifully written story about a very special friendship between two lonely souls that will touch your heart. Barbara Wersba proves little words can express deep emotions.
Wonderful illustrations!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The drawings were warmly detailed and delicate. I felt the story so heartwarming. It explains how Walter and Miss Pomeroy, who were both living lonely existences for different reasons, took the 'risk' of putting themselves in each other's lives in hopes of making that wonderful connection we call friendship.

The exchange of notes was sweet - and the first note back from Miss Pomeroy "i know" actually gave me goosebumps.

Towards the end of the book there is a drawing of Walter and Miss Pomeroy together. It was so poignant is made me cry. I highly recommend this sweet story. I would think it would be especially helpful to a child who is introverted and afraid to make new friends.

I loved this book!It is a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations. Having kept pet rats for years, I was thrilled to find such a lovely tale with a rat as an endearing creature.So often they are portrayed as evil,dirty animals. Refreshing and brilliant!

Long before a gourmet rodent named Remy stole our hearts in "Ratatouille", a bookish rat named Walter scampered into existence courtesy of author Barbara Wersba and Donna Diamond. Walter is special because - unlike any of his friends or relatives - he discovered at a young age that he knows how to read. And as any of us who truly love books can easily attest, once you start reading, it is impossible to ever stop. Fortunately, Walter has taken up residence in the Long Island house of Miss Pomeroy, a lonely woman who just happens to be an author. Over the course of 60 pages - combined with a smattering of priceless pen and ink drawings - the author weaves a gentle tale of friendship in which these two unique souls come to be aware of one another. I started reading this enchanting tale myself one evening at the dining room table while my husband was cooking dinner and I kept interrupting him so often with the charming turns of phrase that he finally suggested I read it out loud to him. To date, it remains a favorite story to both of us and I have subsequently bought many copies for young people - and adults! - who would appreciate Walter's honesty, simplicity, curiosity and kindness.

Christina Hamlett
Author of "Movie Girl"

"Walter: The Story of a Rat" is a GREAT book. I bought it for my great-nephews for Christmas, thinking a rat book would appeal to boys. I read it before sending it to them and loved it so much I ordered another copy for myself. This story has some great lines that were very unexpected, especially in a children's book, but were entirely realistic in a book about a rat. I had heard that rats make good pets; anyone who reads this book will want to add a rat to their family.