The Highway Rat

The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson is a delightful picture book published by Alison Green Books in 2016. This 32-page story features a villainous rat who gallops along the highway, demanding food from various animals, including a rabbit and a squirrel. The narrative unfolds in a playful rhyme, making it an engaging read for young audiences.
Readers will find a humorous adventure filled with vibrant illustrations that capture the antics of the Highway Rat and his interactions with other animals. The story emphasizes themes of adventure and kindness, culminating in a clever twist involving a cunning duck. This edition is designed for toddlers, featuring shiny foil highlights on the cover, making it an appealing gift choice.
Official synopsis Publisher
The rollicking adventurous picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Manand Zog.
‘Give me your buns and your biscuits!
Give me your chocolate eclairs!
For I am the Rat of the highway,
and the Rat Thief never shares!’
Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food. Clover from a rabbit; nuts from a squirrel – he even steals his own horse’s hay.
Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck?
- Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
- A fabulous, rollicking rhyme, in the style of the famous Alfred Noyes poem, ‘The Highwayman’, from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
- Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
- Adventure, friendship and learning to be kind are at the heart of this story
- The Highway Rat has been adapted into a popular animated film starring voices from David Tennant (Highway Rat), Nina Sosanya (Duck), Rob Brydon (Horse), Tom Hollander (Squirrel) and Frances de la Tour (Rabbit)
- The animated film of Tabby McTatstars voice artists including Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) as the narrator, Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) as Fred, Sope Dirisu (Gangs of London) as Tabby McTat, alongside Cariad Lloyd, Joanna Scanlan and Susan Wokoma.
- Look out for Jonty Gentooby Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler in 2024.
Praise for The Highway Rat:
‘A classic picture book … great to read aloud’ BBC Radio 4 ‘Front Row’ ‘Donaldson’s ear for rhyme is unequalled and Scheffler’s busy, funny illustrations make this ideal for reading aloud’ Daily Mail
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