THE WEDDING OF THE RAT FAMILY

by Carol--Adapt. Kendall ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1988

From the author of The Gammage Cup, a lengthy elaboration of a Chinese folk tale. A rat family dwelling in a moldly cave is so proud that they seek the most powerful husband for their daughter. The Sun says the cloud that covers him is stronger than he--but Wind blows Cloud, and the Great Wall stops Wind. When the Wall says that the nibbling of rats causes him to tumble down, the overweening rats turn to the cats, who welcome the overture--requesting a fine procession of fat rats to attend the wedding ceremony. After the inevitable occurs, poor relatives Dusty Answer and Nimble Nail inherit the cave, have the wit to clean it out, and prosper--marrying more sensibly. Kendall tells her satirical tale with humor and panache, not stinting on such euphonious words as ""illustrious,"" ""myriad,"" and ""aspired"" (usually clear in context). Watts' lively illustrations are full of comic detail; his rats are appropriately greedy and cunning. Very much in the spirit of Andersen at his most ironic, this would be appropriate to share aloud, or for middle-grade children to read to themselves.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry/Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S