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Junior
Hodder Children's Books
Paperback £4.99, ISBN: 0340854855
Reviewed by Stella Barnes
[Armadillo 5.1 Spring 2003]
Hannibal's Rat is a fast-moving adventure story centred on a family of mice. Scratchbelly, the hero, is comfortably settled when new people take over the house. A young mouse, lively Number Three, is spotted and as a result Hannibal, a vigorous ex-farm cat appears. Scratchbelly, though, is 'a believer in talking to the enemy' (the dialogue is a delight) and undertakes two missions in order to placate Hannibal. Part one describes how Scratchbelly lures a rat indoors so that Hannibal can demonstrate his prowess. (Hannibal needs to prove he is indispensible) In part two Scratchbelly risks his life in a venture to oust the newly-acquired Red Setter. Dangers are real and there are casualties. No sentimentality, but joie de vivre, lively characters, and superb humour. An ideal book for adults and children to share.