The Infamous Ratsos: Project Fluffy

Large type, lots of comedic black-and-white illustrations, and reading-level-appropriate text suit the book to newly independent readers. The Ratso brothers’ third outing is good, anthropomorphic fun.—Kirkus ReviewsAs with the previous entries, the characters act as stand-ins for young readers navigating real-world situations, this time concentrating on friendship, loyalty, and responsibility, threads that are woven subtly throughout the chapters. Best of all, LaReau trusts readers to draw their own conclusions about the characters and their feelings…Here readers find big ideas expressed in simple words and actions, creating a fine addition to a solid series.—The Horn BookA pleaser for fledgling chapter-book readers, rather more heavily and explicitly agenda-driven than previous episodes, but chock full of positive values and life lessons.—Booklist

Kara LaReau is the author of numerous picture books, as well as the middle-grade series The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Matt Myers is the illustrator of E-I-E-I-O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm with a Little Help from a Hen by Judy Sierra, and Pirate’s Perfect Pet by Beth Ferry, as well as many other books for young readers. Matt Myers lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.