City Rat

A children's book intended for both young and possibly older readers. Zippy is a rat that lives among the trash and waste in the urban underbelly. Rats are very resourceful and protective creatures; often shy about venturing alone, especially during the daytime (Company= safety). One day while out exploring sewer tunnels with friends, Zippy is whisked away from his family and the familiar nest to a foreign neighborhood where he encounters adventure, loneliness, and friendly creatures- others, not so friendly.

Writing this book upon first moving to New York City; I wanted to demonstrate themes of being alone in a new city and without your "common people". Zippy overcomes this by being a resilient creature! In addition; rats are animals too- and should be cherished in there own right.- I hoped the illustrations would show rats at home in the often trashy, dirty spaces they occupy. We do share the same dietary habits and living spaces after all!

**The neighborhood is loosely based off my home; Greenpoint, Brooklyn.