Dirty Rats? Hardcover – Picture Book, February 10, 2015

I can't believe I purchased this book! What a disappointing read this was. As someone who has been a pet rat parent for over 20 years, rats are so much more than what this book discussed.The author failed to mention that a rat grooms itself more than your dog and cat. The author fails to mention that a pet rat can be litter box trained and can be taught new tricks. The author fails to mention that pet rats can be trained to come when they are called. The author fails to mention that Queen Victoria, Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller and Michael Jackson are among famous people who owned pet rats. The author failed to mention that rats are trained by APOPO to sniff out land mines and TB in Africa and are more efficient than humans in doing so. The author fails to mention that public health officials can use rats to determine public health issues which could become present in society.There are NUMEROUS other books out there that are SO much better than this book.

Dirty Rats begins by sharing what most of us think about rats but goes on to show how they are not all bad but help in areas such as seed dispersal and medical research. This is a good title to use in the classroom to help students learn to compare and contrast.

This would be an interesting read aloud to a k-2nd grade class that is comparing what they think they know about a topic to information they read in a text. I'd start by generating a list (shared writing) of what students think they know about "rats." Read aloud the book. Then return to the list. It may be true that rats eat trash (the author does not dispute this), but, as the author reveals, there are lots of species of rats in the world and many of these rats do not eat trash.The first four 2-page spreads would make for an interesting discussion about "point of view" with students --their point of view and the author's. From there, the point of view of the author (as well as the author's purpose) could be explored.Four out of five stars - at first read, I thought the author was trying to make the point that rats are mistaken for being awful. While she does explore rats around the world who are more appealing than say those we find in the NYC sewers, she does not address facts or misconceptions about the particular urban rats many of us are more familiar with and that she portrays at the beginning and end of the book. As a result, I was puzzled about whether I was supposed to just know more about different kinds of rats (and broaden my perspective while holding onto old views) or whether I was supposed to change my mind about urban sewer rats. Probably the former. It would have been nice - given the age of the proposed audience-if this had been made clearer. Not a deal breaker, though. I'd still use the book and maybe even discuss this with more savvy students. Maybe it's an opportunity to research further :)

I have to admit I'm still not a big fan of rats but this interesting picture book does cast the critters in a new, more positive light. The illustrations here are above average while the information is actually quite solid too. All in all, this book will help underscore the positive role or aspects of a rat's existence. I just hope my granddaughter doesn't decide she wants a pet rat after reading this....I might not be ready for that!

Do you have a student who's working on a science report and needs fun, interesting information? Or, do you have a child who doesn’t like to read? If so, Dirty Rats? by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Adam Gustavson might be the answer! Here’s why:First: the illustrations are awesome – they are fun, colorful, and eye-catching. Between the mousetrap covered with mouse-shaped blood, the dark-creepy tunnel, and the vicious dog chasing a rat, these illustrations will keep even your pickiest reader turning the pages.Second: the text. The text is simple, yet chock full of interesting facts. For instance, did you know that there is a rat that can hop six feet at a time? You probably know that rats are used in labs for scientific research, but did you know there's special type of rat that is used to locate explosives in minefields? There's even a rat that is poisonous to touch! This book includes many interesting details that can be integrating into a school report.This is a perfect gift book for picky readers or a great addition to any library. Personally, I recommend it for ages 5 and up. Even adults will enjoy it!

I like this book. Growing up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania where the rats were the size of our barn cats, I could identify right away with the cover illustration AND the question the title asks. In fact it's the question in the title that drew me into the book. I identified with how in the beginning of the book the author portrays rats as most humans view them...dirty and living in dirty places. But then we learn that not all rats are like that. Rats can be helpful (lab rats) and clean (fish-eating rat) and cute (kangaroo rat). Plus we learned how important rats are to our ecosystem, especially ones that live in the wild in fields or forests. I love nonfiction picture books and this one rates high on my list. A great addition to a class library or library at home.

Everything (almost) that you wanted to know about rats but were too faint-hearted to ask. The illustrations are awesome and fun, conjuring up pre-determined icky rat scenarios.But following, there is a countering argument for each 'dirty rat' scenario, complete with a (perhaps) little known rat in its habitat, with a paragraph of detailed information on the goodness of said rat. Rounded out with six more rat species, and an afterward to learn more about rats. Ideal for an elementary non-fiction book report.