The Highway Rat

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+

Published by Alison Green Books, 2011

Funny
Picture books
Poetry and rhyme

About this book

'Give me your buns and your biscuits! Give me your chocolate éclairs! For I am the Rat of the highway, and the Rat Thief never shares!'

A rollicking rhyme in the style of Alfred Noyes' famous poem 'The Highwayman', this is the story of the villainous Highway Rat, who gallops along the highway stealing food from other animals - clover from a rabbit, nuts from a squirrel, and even his own horse's hay. But when he encounters a cunning duck, will the dastardly Rat finally get his comeuppance?

With distinctive illustrations full of fun and character by Julia's long-time collaborator Axel Scheffler.

About the author

Julia Donaldson is one of today's most popular writers. Her bestselling titles include The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom. Although she is best-known for her picture books, Julia also writes longer novels, plays and songs. She lives in Glasgow and spends a lot of time on stage performing her brilliant sell-out singalong shows!

Julia Donaldson was the Children's Laureate 2011-13.

About the illustrator

Axel was born in Hamburg, Germany. At school he was good at art, but didn't think of a career in illustration until he won a cuddly purple cow in a drawing competition. He moved to England in 1982 to study illustration at the Bath Academy of Art, and then set up home in London.

He was the illustrator for Julia Donaldson's first picture book, A Squash and a Squeeze - the start of a hugely successful partnership. Their bestselling modern classic, The Gruffalo, has sold millions of copies. His books have been translated into 42 languages.

More books like this

Room on the Broom

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

2 to 9 years
Stick Man

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

4 to 9 years
Tabby McTat

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

4 to 9 years
The Gruffalo

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

2 to 7 years
The Gruffalo's Child

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

2 to 9 years
The Smartest Giant in Town

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

4 to 9 years
The Snail and the Whale

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

2 to 9 years
Tiddler

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

2 to 9 years
A Squash and a Squeeze

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

4 to 9 years
Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

4 to 9 years
Room on the Broom and Other Songs

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

4 to 9 years
The Gruffalo Song and Other Songs

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

4 to 9 years

Explore our Bookfinder