Yeah, my kids saw Ratatouille the other night with The Ex. They actually haven't said much about the movie at all, so I'm thinking it didn't make much of an impression. However, like the author of this Chicago Tribune article, I'm more enamored of some of the great rats from literature. Great rats of literature? Hmm. The article mentions Templeton from Charlotte's Web and the Water Rat from Wind in the Willows. Personally, I love that Templeton: sarcastic and selfish, he nevertheless has a warm heart. Sort of. But he's a complex character, not unlike ourselves. Which makes him interesting.
The Water Rat I find almost a bit boring. He's drawn to the lure of travel, of the distant seas, but in the end he opts for home. I found that disappointing, perhaps from my own wish, at 11, to escape and travel. Who knows?
But let's get some real opinions from real kids, shall we? Mine saw the movie and together we've read both of the books mentioned.
Serena, 7: I liked Ratatouille. I don't remember the others. Templeton? I didn't like him. Mole and Rat and Toad? Oh yeah I remember that. Um, that rat's the same as Ratatouille. Can I have an apple now?
Nathaniel, 11: Oh, Templeton, definitely. I liked him. He was, what did you say? Complex. Yeah. The Water Rat? He was boring. I didn't like him. I liked Toad, he was funny. Can I use the computer now?
And there you have it: so maybe my kids aren't so into literature. But it's not too late for yours! Try those books for some real rats, interesting rats, and see for yourself.
