Title: Ragweed
Author: Brian Floca
First published January 1, 1999
208 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780380801671 (ISBN10: 0380801671)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
Ragweed is a brave mouse who is ready to explore the world. Leaving behind his comfortable home and family in the countryside, he embarks on an adventure to the big city by train.
Excited to discover the magic of the city, Ragweed immerses himself in the vibrant culture, makes new friends, and enjoys the music. However, his happiness is short-lived as he discovers a group of cunning, carnivorous cats, led by the purring president of F.E.A.R. (Felines Enraged About Rodents), Silversides.
The group’s mission is to keep cats on top, people in the middle, and mice on the bottom. Will the courageous Ragweed and his new friends, Clutch, Dipstick, Lugnut, and Blinker, be able to unite and fight against their feline foes?
Join Ragweed on his musical journey as he battles to save his friends and himself from the claws of the enemy.
About the Author
Meet Brian Floca, a talented author and illustrator who has won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for his book Locomotive, and has also been recognized with Robert F. Sibert Honor for Moonshot and Lightship, among other picture books.
He has illustrated numerous books for young readers and is based in the vibrant city of Brooklyn.
Editoral Review
Brian Floca’s Ragweed is a children’s novel that was first published on January 1, 1999. Floca is an esteemed author, illustrator, and illustrator of children’s books.
He has won several awards, including the prestigious Caldecott Medal, the Sibert Medal, and the Orbis Pictus Award for Nonfiction.
Ragweed is a classic animal adventure story that is set in a suburban landscape. The focus of the plot is on a young mouse named Ragweed.
It follows his journey as he leaves his home in the countryside to explore the big city in search of adventure. Along the way, he meets a wide variety of animals, including a skateboard-riding mole, a streetwise raccoon, and a fierce cat gang.
The setting of the novel is a world of rodents, where the mice and rats have their own societies, cultures, and languages. The story is told in a lighthearted and humorous tone, making it a fun and engaging read for both children and adults.
One of the strengths of Ragweed is its vivid and detailed character development. Floca has created a cast of memorable and relatable characters, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks.
Ragweed is a lovable and adventurous protagonist, while the cat gang is a formidable and menacing group of villains.
In addition to its entertaining plot and characters, Ragweed also has significant cultural and historical significance. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle for survival in a hostile environment.
It also touches on issues of class, race, and prejudice, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages.
However, one of the weaknesses of the novel is its pacing. The story moves at a brisk pace, which may be overwhelming for some readers.
Additionally, the plot can be predictable at times, with some of the major twists and turns telegraphed well in advance.
Despite its flaws, Ragweed is a delightful and engaging novel that is sure to capture the imaginations of young readers. It is a perfect choice for children who are looking for an exciting and adventurous read, and adults who are looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Overall, I highly recommend Ragweed to anyone who is looking for a fun, entertaining, and thought-provoking read. It is an excellent example of the best of children’s literature and deserves to be recognized as a classic of the genre.
On a scale of one to five, I give it a solid four stars.