Kindle
$5.38
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$18.18
Paperback
$6.99
Buy used:
$18.18
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 29 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Used: Acceptable | Details
Sold by -OnTimeBooks-
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Acceptable
Comment: Shipped fast and reliably through the Amazon Prime program! Book may contain some writing, highlighting, and or cover damage.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Matt Myers
+ Follow
Kara LaReau
+ Follow
See all
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Infamous Ratsos Hardcover – August 2, 2016

by Kara LaReau (Author), Matt Myers (Illustrator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 230 ratings
Editors' pick Best Books Ages 6-8
See all formats and editions
A 2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book

Louie and Ralphie Ratso are no softies! Readers are sure to chuckle as the determined Ratso brothers’ plans to act tough go hilariously awry.

Louie and Ralphie Ratso’s dad, Big Lou, always says that there are two kinds of people: those who are tough and those who are soft. Louie and Ralphie are tough, tough, tough, just like Big Lou, and they’re going to prove it. But every time they try to show just how tough they are, the Ratso brothers end up accidentally doing good deeds instead. What’ll Big Lou do when he finds out they’ve been acting like softies all over the Big City? Perfect for emerging and reluctant readers, this clever and surprisingly warmhearted chapter book shows that being tough all the time can be really tough.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    5 - 8 years
  2. Book 1 of 5
    Infamous Ratsos
  3. Print length
    64 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  6. Lexile measure
    580L
  7. Dimensions
    6 x 0.5 x 8 inches
  8. Publisher
    Candlewick
  9. Publication date
    August 2, 2016
  10. ISBN-10
    0763676365
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0763676360
  12. See all details
Next page
New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade. New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2–4—Everyone in the Big City knows the Ratsos. Third grader Ralphie and fifth grader Louie live with their father, Big Lou, in the animal metropolis. Their mother's unexplained absence has the family resorting to "toughness" as a means of survival. Big Lou tells his sons to "hang tough." These half-pints surmise that talking about your feelings, making friends, and being kind are only for "softies." They plan to show how tough they are by pulling pranks on their classmates and neighbors. But all of their antics backfire, leading to unwanted consequences. This animal protagonist tale is lighthearted and fun. The writing is straightforward and easy, while the pen-and-ink artwork is detailed. These characters are complex enough to interest newly independent readers, and the story resolution is heartfelt and solid. The father-son dynamic is realistic and honest. Young readers will feel for the family as they learn to deal with the absence of a loved one. This slender novel packs a strong message of overcoming loss through love and kindness. VERDICT A solid purchase; a chapter book that entertains and uplifts.—Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library

Review

Louie and Ralphie Ratso are determined to be as tough as their truck-driver father, but the rats’ efforts go hilariously awry in this funny, thoughtful, and smart chapter book...LaReau packs substantial comedy and poignant emotion into each chapter (the boys’ mother has “been gone for a little while now”), adeptly amplified by Myers’s spot art.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

LaReau keeps the action high and completely appropriate for readers embarking on chapter books...The humor springs from their foiled efforts and their reactions to their failures. Myers' sprightly grayscale drawings capture action and characters and add humorous details, such as the Ratsos' "unwelcome" mat. A nicely inventive little morality "tail" for newly independent readers.
—Kirkus Reviews

The father-son dynamic is realistic and honest. Young readers will feel for the family as they learn to deal with the absence of a loved one. This slender novel packs a strong message of overcoming loss through love and kindness. A solid purchase; a chapter book that entertains and uplifts.
—School Library Journal

Generous black-and-white illustrations evoke setting (a rundown city neighborhood) as well as reinforce the storyline and the light tone of the text, with its natural vocabulary. Here’s a beginning chapter book with heart.
—Horn Book

Action and real emotion are packed appealingly into this rumbustious tale for readers ages 5-8.
—The Wall Street Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick; Illustrated edition (August 2, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0763676365
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0763676360
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 8 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 580L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.5 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 230 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Matt Myers

    Matt Myers

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Matt Myers is the author and illustrator of Hum and Swish. Matt has illustrated many other books for children, including Battle Bunny, A Dog Named Doug, and the Infamous Ratsos series. When he's not painting or writing, he likes to build things, dig in the dirt, and hang out with his chickens. Matt lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can find him online at myerspaints.com, and on Instagram and Twitter @myerspaints.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Kara LaReau

    Kara LaReau

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Kara LaReau was born and raised in Connecticut. She received her Masters in Fine Arts in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, and later worked as an editor at Candlewick Press and Scholastic Press. Currently, she lives in Providence, Rhode Island with her husband, their son, and their cat. You can learn more about Kara by visiting her website, karalareau.com.

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
230 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Laura niehus
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024
Verified Purchase
The book was awesome and amazing great storytelling I like the tiny guy because he reminds me of my brother who is tiny!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Infamous Ratsos is an adorable book for early chapter book readers
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2018
Verified Purchase
The Infamous Ratsos is an adorable book for early chapter book readers. Louie and Ralphie want to be tough rats, just like their dad. But in their quest to be tough, they “accidentally” do a series of good deeds for others. They shovel snow, clean windows, and even make lunch for a new girl at school. Louie and Ralphie are afraid of what their dad will think when he finds out that his sons are “softies.” They’re pleasantly surprised by their dad’s reaction.
This is such a fun book. There is just the right mix of comedy and emotion. I love the positive message it sends about how it’s okay not to be tough all the time. Kids will love the Infamous Ratsos!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for older struggling readers!
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
I work with struggling readers and they love these books. They are lower level, high interest books. They are entertaining and the kids feel confident reading them. Plus, the stories are absolutely adorable!
Helpful
 Report
Miss Jean
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun read for a 5 year old book lover!
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2016
Verified Purchase
This was a surprise book for my 5 year old grandson. He wasn't sure about a book with 'Ratsos' in the title but he read it and re-read it and then read it every day.
Helpful
 Report
Alana F.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
Set in the city, about two brothers who lost their mother, which made their dad tough and cold. They all learn how to cope and the dad becomes really cool. Lots of fun mischief that goes wrong and turns out working for the greater good. I like how some deep things are spun in a fun way so they aren’t heavy, but good for kids to think about. My son is 7 btw. Might be good for another year of reading
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Cupcake Sparklepants
5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2021
Verified Purchase
My daughter loved that whenever the ratsos were trying to get into trouble, they actually were being helpful.
And that they were really helpful to those that were in need of help.
And they helped the new girl at school to make her feel at home.
Helpful
 Report
Anushka A. Gehi
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
My 7 year old really liked it!
Helpful
 Report
Vince H.
5.0 out of 5 stars great twist from naughty to nice
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
This was a fun read where the characters are trying to be bad and end up making people happy along the way. I read it to my kids, now I am planning to read it to my 2nd-grade class this year.
Helpful
 Report