Interesting. I'm curious to see what other library staff friends think of this one. Kids can be mean. And these kids, the Ratso brothers, think they need to be tough (mean) like their dad. The silliness of their mean-ness backfiring will be appealing to young readers, I think. And I can imagine parents reading this aloud and using it as a way to talk about feelings, bullies, and why people (including kids) do the things they do. Books are places for kids to play out emotional situations in a saf...

Whatever you do, do *not* tell your student or child the ending. Especially if s/he chose it for themselves.I might have given the book five stars were it not for some unfortunate stereotypes. None are racist or a big deal, or even worth specifying, but I do wish authors and illustrators would think before using cliches that are inaccurate.

Fun book for the beginning chapter book crowd. The two brothers, Ralphie and Louie, want to demonstrate how brave and tough they are...except their plans never seem to go the way they expect. Sweet ending. This reminds me a bit of the series The Bad Guys: Episode 1.

Goodness gracious this is adorable. This could be such a good opportunity to talk about toxic masculinity as well as the need for kindness. Very sweet early reader that everyone can enjoy!

This book is a great read for children. The two brothers look up to their father and through out the book try to do things that they think make them "tough" to impress their dad. However, most of their ideas are ways to hurt someone, but their ideas end up helping people instead. In the end, they find that their dad is very proud of his children and the impact their good deeds had on the community. Great lesson on how being tough does not mean being hurtful, but instead can mean being helpful.

It was ok, it was not what I expected though. I expected something about a circus. Instead it was about two brothers and their dad. It talked a little bit about the loss of their mom and how their dad had to be tough. It is great thought to see how two brothers help each other out.

Okay, I am a cynical, cranky, snarky type, but this book made me cry.Early elementary age kids who read it, probably won't get that. They'll just be enjoying the humor as the Ratso brothers keep trying to emulate their "tough" dad, while each time their badness backfires on them, and they end up as the local good guys.There are messages here, good ones about how "tough" doesn't need to equal "mean," and how "tough" guys can cry. They're not hammered home mercilessly. But they are there.And in th...

Louie and Ralphie Ratso are determined to be tough and mean, just like their dad, Big Lou. But every time they try to do something nasty, it turns out to be anything but. How can the siblings stop doing good deeds on accident?! A short, sweet and fun beginning chapter book.

Hang tough with the delightful Ratso brothers. Charming and heartfelt.

Cute story! I can't wait to hear more about the Ratsos. Monarch 2019 nominee.

Good beginning chapter book about two brothers trying to be extra tough and mean, but always managing to do the right thing instead!

I don't tend to read elementary level chapter books for fun, but this one is part of my stepson's Battle of the Books competition, and I found myself liking it quite a bit. It's a snappy read about two rat brothers who try their hardest to cause trouble for their school and neighborhood - and end up doing the opposite. Lots of fun, I'll look for the rest of the books.

Pleasant enough, and it is kind of funny that the brothers keep trying to get into trouble but end up doing good things for people. Also, I sort of want to know where the mother is. A very early reader, so perfect for some of my struggling 6th graders.

The Ratso brothers want to be tough just like their dad. Every time they think up something tough to do, the people involved thank them! Whether it's stealing a tiny hat from a big bully in front of a teacher who gives it back to its owner or making what they think is the most disgusting sandwich ever for the new girl who ends up loving it, they end up looking kind and helpful instead of their intended "tough". When their dad finds out, he commends them for their actions and encourages them all

Perfect for kids just ready to move out of the easy reader format with a super sweet plot.

This is a battle of the books selection for next year for 3-4th grades. It was a little bit silly, but I think overall it had a good message. Kids don't seem to care much about that, but I think they will still find the story fun.

In this funny and surprisingly heartfelt story, Louie and Ralphie Ratso want to be tough just like their dad, Big Lou. But their plan backfires when every prank they try to pull ends up helping someone instead! I was sold on this book from the moment I heard the plot summary. It's such a fun idea, and my smile grew a little more every time another one of the Ratsos' plans went awry - in the best possible way! The Ratso brothers have some great dialogue too as they try to insist how tough they ar...

The Infamous Ratsos is the first book in a children's series about two mischievous brothers whose “tough” intentions don’t work out quite the way they planned. This chapter book is geared for kids 5-8, but I read it out loud with my 8 and 11 year old and we all loved it. I even teared up at the end. It’s just lovely. Kara writes with humor and heart, and I guarantee the lessons the Ratso brothers learn will speak volumes to your kids, too. The illustrations are whimsical, the chapters short, and...

The infamous ratsos want to be tough like their father, so they make plans to do things that will show everyone how tough they are. However, they always accidentally help people, making them frustrated and more determined to show everyone they are tough.

More Heart Than I ExpectedSo, the premise is that the Ratso brothers are trying to be as tough as their tough guy Dad, but every mean/tough trick they try turns out to have a happy ending. This, needless to say, is very frustrating for these punk wannabees. Now, that's an interesting premise with a lot of potential, but boy is it loaded with maybe even more potential pitfalls.All the Ratsos too nasty? Is Dad a bully jerk? Are the pranks too mean? More to the point, does the author have the chops...