I Was a Rat!: Or, the Scarlet slippers [Paperback]

With the feel of a Grimm's Fairy Story, but with a thoroughly modern twist, Philip Pullman's I Was a Rat is an intriguing, sparkling story by an author who never ceases to amaze.

When Old Bob the Cobbler and his Washerwoman Wife, Joan, find a strange little boy on their doorstep, the search for his true parentage begins. But the child, who insists that he was once a rat, a condition diagnosed as "rodent delusion" by the doctor, finds coming to terms with being a normal little boy rather confusing. Taken to the Palace by the Philosopher Royal--who decides that he is indeed a "curious and interesting case", his fame spreads and he finds himself back on the streets, facing ridicule on the pages of the Daily Scourge where he is maligned as a monster, and finds his life threatened because of his reputation.

Set against the backdrop of a Royal Wedding--which in itself gives Pullman the opportunity to take a wry and effective sideways glance at the way the press can manipulate public feeling, and with the addition of a smart twist to the tale which allows the newly-wed Princess Aurelia to show her true colours--I Was a Rat is pure pleasure from beginning to end. Pullman delivers yet another opportunity to prove that his startling ability to effortlessly transport readers to another dimension is a force to be reckoned with. (Ages 7 to 11) --Susan Harrison

An intriguing and exciting tale about a rat who turned into a little boy and couldn't change back again, in this fairy story from Master Story-teller Philip Pullman. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Roger insists that he was a rat. Maybe it's true. But what is he now? A terrifying monster rampaging in the sewers? Or just an ordinary boy, though a little ratty in his habits? Only three people believe this version of the story. Only one of them knows who Roger really is.

An intriguing and exciting tale about a rat who turned into a little boy and couldn't change back again, reissued in a new paperback edition. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

I WAS A RAT!

So insists Roger. Maybe it's true. But what is he NOW? A terrifying monster rampaging in the sewers? The Daily Scourge is sure of it. A money-spinning fairground freak? He is to Mr Tapscrew. A champion wriggler and a downy card? That's what Billy hopes. Or just an ordinary small boy, though a little ratty in his habits?

Only three people believe this version of the story. Only one of them knows who Roger really is. And luckily a story about her can sell even more newspapers than one about a rat-boy...

Philip Pullman is one of the most highly acclaimed children's authors of the decade. He has been on the shortlist of just about every major children's book award in the last few years, and has won the Smarties Prize (Gold Award, 9-11 age category) for THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER and the prestigious Carnegie Medal for NORTHERN LIGHTS. He was the first children's author ever to win the Whitbread Prize for his novel THE AMBER SPYGLASS. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.