July 7, 2011
Dateline: Vancouver, British Columbia

Awww, Rats!

My little children’s book, Awww, Rats! : The Secret of the Enchanted Compost Heap, is slowly taking shape. With luck, we’ll have books by Christmas.

Awww, Rats! is a tale of three eccentric brothers who set out to live a simple life and end up changing the world. They first appeared to Suzanne Summersgill (my co-author) in a dream in 2008. Next morning she excitedly told me all about them. Once inside our heads they spun a curious tale and would not leave us alone.

Curiouser and curiouser, 2008 was a Year of the Rat--the first in a cycle of twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. It represents earth and is a time of renewal in many ways. People born in a rat year exhibit classic rat-like tendencies, traits we could use today if we are to get down to business and clean up our planet. Rats work hard. They are thrifty, cunning, enterprising, and clever at adapting to their environment. Rats are born leaders who don’t give a snicker what others think. Their quick wits, generosity, and sunny natures make them fun to hang with.

That’s our pack o rats, alright! Easy-going Orville (the youngest) is nicknamed “Reduce” because he never buys a thing. Where others see trash he sees treasure. Wilber (in the middle) is a master of Reuse. He even fashions a fan belt from old pantyhose. Older brother Ratzo is a whiz at Recycling, and tends the most prolific garden in the province. Every year Ratzo wins the coveted first prize in the Tintown Ladies’ Garden Club contest. Every year his neighbors try to best him, but no one can. Ratzo always wins. No one can figure out his secret, until one day his compost heap blows up and changes everything.

Coming soon to a market near you, Awww, Rats! Whimsically illustrated in four-color, 50+ pages. For ages 7 to 11, and curious adults. Probably around $16. Pre-order  at Linda@HunterInk.com.

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