This was a cute book. My two kids really enjoyed both the story and the illustrations.

Thank you NetGalley for the book in exchange for the review.

Really cute book. My kids loved the story line and the sweet illustrations. We hope to read more by Marcus Ewert.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mr. Pack rat is a hoarder. He wants everything to build his midden. The pictures in this book are very vibrant and eye catching. The text flows well. Some great lessons for kids on deciding what is important to keep and what they can let go of.

This book really took us by surprise. First, I somehow got the wrong impression of this book from its description and thought it was a non-fiction book about pack rats. It’s not. Rather, it’s a really cute kids story with a fun chant (always a favorite since it means lots of chiming in) and a beautifully subtle message. Every once in a while, I stumble across a book that backs up what I’m trying to teach as a parent in a way that reaches kids so much better than all the lectures in the world.

This story is focused on the fact that acquiring stuff doesn’t make you happy. In fact, eventually the stuff can get in the way of happiness. We’ve spent the last year as a family working on “stuff,” and the kids instantly identified with and loved this book. It’s not the first book I’ve read to them with this message, but it was the one that conveyed it the best. Highly recommended!

This book was such a good book. I read it and enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend it to anyone.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read and the illustrations were sweet. While I'm sure it's probably more of a story that is useful to adults with a hoarding problem I do think the messages around finding happiness not in material things can be a strong message to young children too.

A rat realizes that he doesn't need to hoard everything he sees. It's better to have a few cherished items rather than taking everything. A good lesson for kids (and adults!).

Based on the title alone, one can guess what is coming: a message about satisfaction and greed. The magic magnet was a bit surprising, mostly because it was unnecessary. Still, a solid story with a sensible message.

Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants that is a very lyrical book with very cute, simple illustrations. It is a funny and insightful story of how it wont all bre great even if we had a genie like Aladdin..

Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That is about a selfish rat that takes whatever he wants without thinking about anyone else. He doesn't consider the consequences or hesitate before destroying the environment and stealing. He wants what he wants, and that's all that matters.

I didn't like that Mr. Pack Rat kept saying things were boring. I think it sends the wrong message to kids--that they need material things to be happy. I know that's the point of the story, but I still think the rat's opinions could have been expressed in a better way. Eventually the rat comes to the same conclusion, it just took a near-cataclysmic event for that to happen.

There was a good message for kid's at the end, but I wish there had been consequences for Mr. Pack Rat's actions. He didn't even apologize to the person he stole from. Yes, he returned the items, but admitting you were wrong is incredibly important. Apologizing is too.

As an avid fan of mice and rats (much to the dismay of most who know me), I was excited to share this book with the toddler and preschooler in my life! We loved the colorful, nature-inspired illustrations and enjoyed picking out the details in the pictures as we learned about Mr. Pack Rat and his... collections.

Liked the book, but didn't love it. I did adore the message though: things won't make you happy, appreciating what you have will! Children and adults could benefit from reading this together.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Mr. Pack Rat is building his first home and as he heads outside, he sees things that make him happy and wants them in his home. Luckily, his family has a magic magnet that brings him whatever he wishes for, and every time he heads out into the world, he brings home more and more things that he thinks will make him happy. But. The more he asks for, the more congested his home gets, making him less and less happy. After a very close call, Mr. Pack Rat realizes that all of the things he brought home actually made him happier where they originally were, and he returns them.

Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That is a parable for children that illustrates how owning things doesn’t lead to true happiness. The illustrations were phenomenal, definitely the high point of the book for me. And I do believe that lesson is one worth sharing with small children. However, though I can’t put my finger on the exact reason why, the story didn’t wow me. But I could look at the illustrations all day.

Love the illustrations here and this is a great story for kids. It's engaging and involves magic, and teaches kids about excess and what true happiness is.

A cute and fun children's book filled with whimsical illustrations by Kayla Stark. Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That has a moral that will be easy for children to understand, and that we adults sometimes to remind ourselves of also - that happiness does not come from things.


An enjoyable read that will appeal to the young, and the young at heart.

Overall, nice story with fun artwork. I felt like there was some disconnect between the setup, where we learn about a midden and the lovely monochromatic choices the rat made, and the the jarring introduction of the magical object.

Good illustrations. Its about a rat who learns that having more things does not necessarily lead to happiness. Be content with what we have.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

This is such a cute book. It teaches us that no matter how much we wish for everything we want, it will not make us as happy like if we were just to enjoy what we have. Such a cute book with a great premise and great art! A job well done!

I enjoyed this story and particularly the ending. I also learned a new word, midden. The theme was a good one and the details made the story terrific. I think children will enjoy this simple story.

Charming artwork and lovely prose make this story about a pack rat who learns to appreciate a clutter-free life a joy to read. Readers will learn valuable lessons about avoiding greed and selfishness, and they will rejoice with Mr. Pack Rat in enjoying the world around them for what it is rather than for what it can give them. This heartwarming story about friendship and mindfulness will have children laughing and cheering on its tiny hero.