Books About Rats · 68 titles considered

The Best Rats Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about rats? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Rats

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1996

The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat

By Nurit Karlin · I Can Read series

A witch's pets and belongings get into chaos when she is out of the house.

32 pages· 561 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,959 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: A big orange tabby cat refuses to budge from a mat, much to the rat's dismay. In this playful rhyming tale, the rat tries everything to move the cat. Will cleverness or persistence win the day? Perfect for young readers, this story combines humor with phonetic fun, encouraging kids to sound out words while enjoying the cat and rat's amusing antics. Dive into this delightful squabble and discover if the rat can finally get the cat off the mat!

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1971

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

By Robert C. O'Brien, Zena Bernstein (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Rats of NIMH series

A mouse seeks help from intelligent rats to save her sick son.

Newbery Medal (1972)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1971)

233 pages· 53,663 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 187,433 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse, faces a dire dilemma: move her family or risk their lives. Her son Timothy is too ill to travel. Enter the rats of NIMH, a group of ingenious creatures with a plan that could save them all. As Mrs. Frisby navigates this unexpected alliance, she discovers secrets that could change everything. Can she trust these extraordinary rats, and what will she learn about courage and sacrifice along the way? Dive into a tale of survival, intelligence, and unexpected friendships.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2024

The Beginning

By Kate DiCamillo, Carmen Mok (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Orris and Timble series

A rat must decide whether to save an owl, risking an unexpected friendship.

80 pages· 1,722 words· Est. 20 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,030 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Orris, a solitary rat, treasures his quiet life in an old barn. But when a naive owl gets trapped, Orris faces a dilemma: rescue the natural enemy or maintain his solitude? As he contemplates the noble choice, Orris wonders if he's ready for the unexpected consequences of friendship. This tale of humor and heart explores the power of doing the right thing and the bonds that can form against all odds.

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom

By Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the The First Cat in Space series

The Moon Queen is poisoned. Can First Cat find the antidote in time?

272 pages· 7,229 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,315 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: The Moon Queen's life hangs by a thread after being poisoned by soup. With trust scarce in her court, she and First Cat embark on a perilous quest for the antidote. Meanwhile, LOZ 4000, a toenail-clipping robot, seeks new purpose, unaware of the secret forces plotting against them. Amid villainous cowboys, high-speed chases, and falling pianos, can this unlikely trio reunite and save the Moon Queen? And who is behind the sinister plot? Dive into a universe of chaos and laughter where nothing is as it seems.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza (Graphic Novel)

By Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The First Cat in Space series

A bioengineered cat must save the moon from ravenous rats. Can it succeed?

320 pages· 8,071 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,541 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a universe where rats devour the moon, a bioengineered cat is Earth's last hope. Joined by the regal Moon Queen and a toenail-clipping robot, this unlikely trio embarks on a lunar adventure. Can they save the moon in time, and will the First Cat in Space ever taste pizza? Discover a world of cosmic chaos and unexpected heroism.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Hopper's Destiny

By Lisa Fiedler, Vivienne To (Illustrator) · Mouseheart series

A mouse must choose between destiny and freedom as chaos reigns underground.

368 pages· 70,174 words· Est. 10 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 434 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Hopper, a courageous mouse, faces chaos in Brooklyn's subway tunnels. With Queen Felina's army threatening and Pinkie's coup in Mūs Village, Hopper is captured by exterminators and taken above ground. As he navigates the bustling world of Brooklyn, he questions his foretold destiny to restore peace underground. Can Hopper embrace a fate he never desired, or will he forge a new path? The stakes are high, and the tunnels' future hangs in the balance.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2006

Gregor and the Marks of Secret

By Suzanne Collins · The Underland Chronicles series

Mice vanish mysteriously, leading Gregor to a dark prophecy.

343 pages· 61,419 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 42,319 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the Underland, Gregor faces a new crisis as mice mysteriously vanish. Teaming up with Queen Luxa, he embarks on a perilous mission to uncover a sinister truth. As the mystery deepens, Gregor's destiny as a warrior is tested, and the path to a final prophecy emerges. Can he unravel the dark secrets before it's too late?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Oh, Rats!

By Tor Seidler, Gabriel Evans (Illustrator)

A squirrel's city adventure begins with a hawk's grip and a daring plan to save his new home.

320 pages

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 138 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Phoenix, a squirrel with a once-glorious tail, finds himself in Manhattan after a hawk's grip fails. Mistaken for a rat, he's taken in by wharf rats Lucy and Beckett. When their pier home faces demolition, Phoenix must join a daring plan to thwart the humans. Can this unlikely hero save his new friends and find his place in the bustling city?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Ratpunzel (Graphic Novel)

By Ursula Vernon · Hamster Princess series

A princess and prince chase a stolen hydra egg, uncovering secrets in a tower guarded by a mysterious rat.

229 pages· 18,948 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 994 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Princess Harriet Hamsterbone is bored with royal life until her friend Prince Wilbur seeks her help to recover a stolen hydra egg. Their quest leads them to a witch's tower, where a rat with an unusual tail holds the key to the mystery. Can Harriet unravel the secrets and save the day? This adventure promises unexpected twists and a fresh take on fairy tales.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Return of the Forgotten

By Lisa Fiedler, Vivienne To (Illustrator) · Mouseheart series

A missing rodent, a rogue brother, and a hidden secret threaten the fragile peace in Atlantia's tunnels.

320 pages· 63,342 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 317 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the perilous subway tunnels of Atlantia, Hopper faces a dire challenge: his brother Pup, now a rogue, is suspected of kidnapping young Hope. As Hopper seeks to mend their bond, Firren grapples with a haunting secret that could unravel their world. With danger lurking and loyalties tested, can Hopper save his family and uncover the truth before it's too late? The fate of Atlantia hangs in the balance.

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Rats Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about rats for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1699

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Ages 0–2 · 2009

A mole rat defies tradition by wearing clothes. What will the colony say?

Sale price

$1999

Shared Space

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A tidy mouse faces chaos when a messy neighbor moves in. Can they find harmony?

Series

Sale price

$1799

The Highway Rat

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A snack-stealing rat faces unexpected consequences.

Series

Sale price

$699

The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid

Ages 5–8 · 2017

Two brothers turn a junkyard into an arcade, but their fun is threatened when a bell breaks a window in the supposedly haunted house next door

Sale price

$1799

The New Neighbors

Ages 3–7 · 2018

New neighbors spark panic. Can a sweet surprise change minds?

Sale price

$1899

Year of the Cat

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Rat's trickery left Cat without a zodiac year. Can an apology mend their friendship?

Sale price

$1799

Cyril and Pat

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A squirrel and a rat defy expectations to prove friendship transcends differences.

Sale price

$1799

The Cat and the Rat and the Hat

Ages 3–7 · 2021

Cat and Rat's rivalry over a hat spirals into chaos.

Sale price

$1799

Sweety

Ages 3–7 · 2019

An awkward mole rat seeks friends who share her quirky passions.

Sale price

$1599

This Is the House That Jack Built

Ages 5–8 · 2002

Jack's house of cheese attracts chaos with a rat and a cat.

Series

Sale price

$595

Patty Cat

Ages 4–7 · 1996

Unlock the magic of reading with playful vowel adventures.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Nat the Cat Has a Hat

Ages 3–5 · 2025

A cat's envy over a hat tests friendship boundaries.

View all rats picture books

Browse by age

Rats Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about rats for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

Raffie on the Run

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A subway rat braves New York City to rescue his lost brother.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$599

The Rat

Ages 6–9 · 2013

Discover the quirky world of rats, where tails balance and teeth chew through anything.

#21 in Series

Sale price

$799

The Wild Wild West

Ages 7–10 · 2005

A mouse travels to the Wild West to face a challenge from an evil gunmouse.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$699

For Your Paws Only

Ages 8–11 · 2005

A group of mice must stop a group of rats from taking over the world.

Series

Sale price

$599

Class Pets

Ages 5–7 · 2013

Missy must outsmart a rival to save her class pet plans.

Sale price

$599

The Tale of Despereaux

Ages 7–10 · 2008

A brave mouse, a princess, and a scheming rat collide in a tale of courage and destiny.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$599

The Infamous Ratsos

Ages 5–8 · 2016

Two brothers try to prove themselves as tough in their neighborhood, but their actions keep having unintended consequences

#5 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

Suit Your Selfie

Ages 7–12 · 2017

Join the Pearls gang for jokes, jabs, and puns in a hilarious adventure.

Series

Sale price

$999

Racso and the Rats of NIMH

Ages 9–12 · 1986

A boastful rodent faces a crisis that tests his heroism.

Series

Sale price

$1699

Ratscalibur

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy-turned-rat must wield a magical sword to save a kingdom from evil crows.

Series

Sale price

$999

R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH

Ages 8–12 · 1990

Lost in the woods, two siblings must protect their secretive rescuers to find their way home.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1799

Pizza Dreams Do Come True

Ages 5–9 · 2025

A rat's pizza quest leads to unexpected culinary adventures.

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Rats

Great books, picked for their age.

Rats Picture Books

Rats Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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