crystal_reading's review
3.0
Review copy via publisher
I have like the Ratsos up to this point. I appreciate that this is humorous and fun, but the content just doesn't match up for the target audience. Why are we having boyfriend/girlfriend how do I get her to like me stuff in a book designed for someone who is new to reading chapter books? I'm just not sure why this is the best storyline for the primary grades. It bothered me for most of the book. Also, even if romance was needed in primary grades, it was very traditional and the gender roles/stereotypes were not great. It resolves in a way that made sense, but I just don't think this is something 5-8 year olds need in their lives.
I have like the Ratsos up to this point. I appreciate that this is humorous and fun, but the content just doesn't match up for the target audience. Why are we having boyfriend/girlfriend how do I get her to like me stuff in a book designed for someone who is new to reading chapter books? I'm just not sure why this is the best storyline for the primary grades. It bothered me for most of the book. Also, even if romance was needed in primary grades, it was very traditional and the gender roles/stereotypes were not great. It resolves in a way that made sense, but I just don't think this is something 5-8 year olds need in their lives.
readingthroughtheages's review
4.0
I hope there are many more Ratsos Brothers adventures in our future!
bookdragon_library's review
4.0
This book follows a good arc for early reader books... simple story, easy to understand characters, short chapters peppered with a few illustrations. There is an under-lying message of getting to know someone else and what they like in order to be their friend versus just talking about yourself. It was nice to have the connection to the Ratso brothers mom and hear a story about her and their father.
A good one for reading aloud with 5- to 8-year-olds.
A good one for reading aloud with 5- to 8-year-olds.
librarianryan's review against another edition
4.0
This books are just so much fun. This early chapter book revolves around Louie and his brother Ralphie. There is a poetry contest happening at schools and the boys are determined to enter and win. But Louie gets distracted when his friend Chuck wants help wooing the cute bunny Fluffy. A great book for beginners, but still an enjoyable read for seasoned vets.
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