Ratty's Big Adventure

Description

In this beautifully illustrated picture book from Lara Hawthorne, a mysterious creature from a secluded volcano crater explores the outside world for the very first time . . . but is it not what he expects it to be! Will his adventure teach him there is no place like home? Ratty, an ENORMOUS wooly, vegetarian rat, lives deep inside the crater of an ancient volcano nestled in the rainforest. One day, he spies a particularly delicious-looking fruit high in the treetops, and sets out to reach it. From this high vantage point a spectacular view stretches before him - the world outside his mountain crater. In this big outside world, Ratty imagines, the fruit must be much sweeter, the bird songs more beautiful and the other animals far more interesting and sophisticated, and so he sets off in search of better things. But when is he is asked to attend a dinner party by a crocodile who seems just a bit too friendly, Ratty realises that perhaps there is no place like home after all. Inspired by the recent scientific breakthroughs of Mount Bosavi, in which over 40 new species of animals and plants were identified, Lara Hawthorne seamlessly combines story and fact in this picture book which celebrates the diversity of life, and being thankful for what you have! For fans of the BBC's The Lost Land of the Volcano, with insights from entomologist Dr George McGavin, who was part of the original expedition team.

Lara Hawthorne (Author, Illustrator) Lara Hawthorne graduated from Falmouth University in 2013. Her first picture book, Herb, was published in 2014 and she was selected to illustrate Carol Ann Duffy's The King of Christmas (Picador, 2016). Inspired by nature, myths and legends, Lara creates wonderful small worlds with her distinct watercolour style. She currently lives in Bristol, UK.

The illustrations reflect the diversity of wildlife in Ratty's part of the world; Mount Bosavi in Papau New Guinea. From enchanting exotic birds to countless colourful butterflies, the illustrations will certainly grab children's attention and spark plenty of questions and curiosities. The story follows Ratty on his adventure outside of his home, the journey takes a turn and Ratty realises that there is no where he would rather be than back in his safe and familiar home, away from danger. This book features insight into the extinct, collapsed volcano; Mount Bosavi, which is a perfect place for wildlife to flourish without being disturbed. The book outlines the journey of a team of researchers finding their way into the volcano. At the end of the book there are also facts on the Bosavi Wooly Rat (Ratty) and some of the unique creative native to Mount Bosavi, which are featured throughout the book for children to spot. This book would certainly make a fantastic project into a unique part of the world. * Early Years Educator * Ratty's Big Adventure follows an enormous rat as he leaves his home inside an ancient volcano, scales treetops looking for food and spots the vast expanse beyond his home. As he sets out on a grand adventure he realises there's no place like home. Laura Hawthorne's delightful book is inspired by recent scientific discoveries of over 40 new species of plants and animals in Mount Bosavi in Papua New Guinea. * Big Issue *