“Bad Rats” is a Celebration of cReATivity!

Josiah has an important question.

In fact, all of the young rats in Professor Perimeter’s class — a class designed to teach ‘bad’ rats to be more “normal,” — have the same pressing question. Josiah, a bright eyed aspiring painter; Sarah, a ballet dancer with grace down to the tip of her tail; and Priscilla, a singer with a voice far bigger than expected and who is particularly fond of bright scarves, all want to know, “Why am I bad?”

The rats are considered bad because, in this audio visual fable, Professor Perimeter, who was once a young dreamer too, feels imagination and talent invite unwanted attention that could possibly put the young rats in danger (presumably from the blundering humans.) After all, with minds full of color and music, how can there be enough room in those noggins for the facts and figures of staying safe and sound?

Professor Perimeter is misguided, but luckily for everyone, he doesn’t stay that way. In the end, Josiah and his wee whiskered friends are able to show Perimeter that their uniqueness is integral to their survival and should be wholly cherished, not corrected.

Bad Rats is Kidwick Book’s latest storybook with a companion audio CD, and was created, written, directed and produced by Eric Drachman and his trusty crew: illustrator James Muscarello, composer Giovanna Imbesi and her musicians for the audio CD, Evan Drachman (cello), Richard Dowling (piano), Roxanne Morganstern (vocals), and Joel Hamilton (bass). The CD, a staple of all Kidwick’s books, is a full sound experience that perfectly complements the written copy with pizazz; a lovely marriage between music and voice work.

As for the cast, Eric Drachman narrates and plays Professor Perimeter while his talented six-year-old nephew, Eli Drachman, plays Josiah. Dalia Piatigorsky-Roth plays Priscilla but Roxanne Morganstern sings Priscilla’s big triumphant scat-tastic jazz song. Together, the actors bring a special message to readers and listeners of all ages.

The idea for Kidwick Books was born from Drachman’s desire to give his nieces and nephews unique, original gifts. Since then, he has found his niche in children’s literature. Drachman had written several enchanting tales including the charming book, Leo the Lightning Bug, which has sold more than 160,000 copies throughout the United States.

Walt Whitman wrote, “I celebrate myself and sing myself.” Bad Rats is a delightful parable that reminds us all to do just that.

To add this Rat-tastic storybook and other great tales to your store’s shelves, visit www.kidwick.com