The Infamous Ratsos series is the perfect argument against early readers needing gentle, sweet characters. The Ratsos are tough, learning how to be friends, how to consider others. The writing style is simple and accessible

Continued appreciation for the series, and the topics chosen to be discussed in them. In this title, the Ratsos are playing outdoors when their ball lands on the property of a house that’s rather dilapidated.

Dares are given for someone to go and retrieve the ball. and one of the Ratsos has to muster up the courage to go collect it.

Alas, the Ratsos are a little shy of courage, but it leads to a revelation and a discussion with Dad about what courage, bravery and strength really look like. It also leads to a connection with an elederly neighbor who has a reason for the dilapidated house.

Wonderfully written and a title that must be shared.

I haven't read the first one, so I have nothing but this one to judge it by. I liked the story. Fun story 3rd-5th graders will, enjoy. I like the Ratsos. The brothers are pretty funny and resourceful. Maybe the story will inspire kids to create their own fun. Sure would be nice to see more siblings getting along so well. Loved their carnival and the haunted house! Good, quick read kids will enjoy!

This is a cute series for those kiddos who are just starting to get into chapter books.

I had the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this middle grade fiction book in exchange for this review. The Ratso brothers are certainly a pair that many elementary grade readers will be able to relate to. They decide that the annual Big City Carnival is so much fun that they want to make their own arcade in an empty lot in the neighborhood. They clean up the junk in the lot, make up a bunch of carnival games with their friends, and gather their old toys together to make prizes. Along the way they must overcome several fears, including their fear of the Haunted House next door to the empty lot.
This story reminds me of the summers when my sister and our friends would always try to make carnivals in our backyard. We would try to plan different games, prizes, and refreshments. But once we all put it together, there was no one else left in the neighborhood to attend. At any rate, kids will enjoy reading about this fun bunch of characters. The characters also learn important lessons about overcoming fears, treating each other kindly, and not starting rumors about each other.

Such a heartwarming beginning chapter book. One of the best i have read for this age group in a while. Louie and Ralphie are the brothers Ratso. They help to clean up an abandoned property to create an arcade. They also learn some lessons about spreading rumors and being nice. Such a lovely read for a boy or a girl.

The Ratso brothers clean up an empty lot and challenge themselves to be brave.

I loved the first in the series and so did my third graders. This is sure to be a hit too! I love that the characters all reveal their softer sides and that this gets rewarded.

The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid

by by Kara LaReau; illustrated by Matt Myers

Candlewick Press

Candlewick



Children's Fiction

Pub Date 12 Sep 2017

I am reviewing a copy of The Infamous Ratso’s are not Afraid through Candlewick Press and Netgalley:

This is the story of Louie and Ralphie Ratso, they have a great idea they are going to take all the junk lying around and use the lot that is cleared out down the street to build a makeshift carnival which they are going to call Big City Funtime Arcade. All the kids say the house next to the lot is haunted but the Ratso’s are to Afraid.

But Ralphie has been distracted by the rumors in the school. Everyone says Ralphie likes Stinky as a girlfriend. But Stinky is just a mean nickname and he decides to start calling her by her real name Millicent.

This book would be great for early chapter readers either boys or girls as the story is entertaining and it has a good message.

I give The Infamous Ratso’s are not Afraid five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Such a heartwarming beginning chapter book. One of the best i have read for this age group in a while. Louie and Ralphie are the brothers Ratso. They help to clean up an abandoned property to create an arcade. They also learn some lessons about spreading rumors and being nice. Such a lovely read for a boy or a girl.

The Infamous Ratsos Are not Afraid was an excellent early reader chapter book with so many positive themes running through it. The story of Ralphie and Louie making over an abandoned lot into a cardboard carnival also showcased phenomenal relationships between brothers and father and sons. It also talked about bullying and how minds can be changed with simple conversations. This book had so many wonderful themes and I can't wait to share it with my students.

Louie and Ralphie each get to face down their fears in this sequel. When their dad tells them they need to face their fears and not let their fears be their boss, Louie and Ralphie take his advice to heart and make good decisions. A good message for early readers.

I love the Ratsos! Three books are adorable. This would be perfect for emerging readings that want a cute, short story. Second grade would be perfect.