The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau and Matt Myers
Hi, Kara LaReau! Welcome to Watch. Connect. Read. Thank you for being the first guest of 2017. I’m grateful you dropped by to celebrate books and finish my sentences.
Kara LaReau: Greetings
to the Infamous Mr. Schu! Thanks so much for inviting me!
Bikers for Books is a group of amazing guys
and gals who come together to raise reading awareness. Just like The Infamous
Ratsos, the B4B gang might look a little bit tough and gruff on the outside,
but they all have hearts of gold. I’m so thrilled they liked the book — they
not only appreciate its message of kindness, they live it every day!
I think Louie and Ralphie Ratso would LOVE
hanging out with Bikers for Books. I think it’s important for kids (especially
boys) to see examples of men who aren’t afraid to be sensitive and thoughtful
and tender. I’ve never been a fan of gender norms; now that I have a son, I’m
even more eager to do what I can to dispel them!
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Illustration Credit: Matt Myers |
Matt Myers’ illustrations are a perfect
combination of funny and sweet. I don’t know how he does it! The details he’s
included give the experience of reading the book an extra, extra-special level
of enjoyment. I swear I find something new every time I look at it. (Matt, if
you are reading this, thank you again. You are a genius.)
Click here to download a discussion guide. |
Reading is a way of stepping into someone
else’s shoes. I’m all about trying to present stories from different
perspectives; in the case of The Infamous Ratsos, it’s from the point of view
of two boys who are on the road to becoming bullies…until their lives
(fortunately!) take a turn in the right direction. I think it’s important for kids
(of all ages) to read about characters who make bad choices, so they can learn
from them without making those bad choices themselves!
Mr. Schu, you should have asked me what I’m
working on now. I’ve just seen Matt’s (amazing) revised sketches of the next
Infamous Ratsos story, The Infamous
Ratsos Are Not Afraid (just as the first book was about toughness, this one
is about fear and courage). Also, I have a middle grade novel (my first!)
coming out on January 10th; it’s called The Jolly Regina, and it’s the first in a trilogy called The
Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters. I’m just seeing the first round
of sketches for Book Two, illustrated by another genius artist, Jen Hill.
I’m working on Book Three now.
Whew! Thanks so much for letting me take a
little break to visit with you!
Thank you, Kara! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Kara! Happy New Year!
Borrow The Infamous Ratsos from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.
Curiosity City DPW is giving away 24 copies of The Infamous Ratsos. Click here to enter the drawing.
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