Red Storybook – King Rat - Tapa blanda

The two stories in this book by this highly respected author explore well-known childhood fears.

Josh’s trip to the pantomime is spoilt when he is terrified by one of the characters – King Rat – and has to be taken out of the theatre. Even after meeting the kindly old actor who plays King Rat, the power of the theatre is too great for Josh who ‘disgraces’ himself for a second time. However, when given a bravery flag (a red spotted hanky) he manages to stay – and enjoy – the panto even helping another scared young child. A warm and moving story. In the second story Josh discovers that his older sister, Poppy, is afraid of what might come down the chimney in the fireplace in her new bedroom – proving that even older siblings are not as infallible when it comes to childhood fears!

'Crash' went the drums.
'Flash' went the lights!
'Puff' came the green volcano!
And up shot King Rat with that horrible voice...

Josh's first visit to the theatre is a night to remember but not because of the magic of seeing his sister acting and dancing in 'Dick Whittington'. It's the night Josh meets King Rat and only a red-and-white spotted handkerchief can help him overcome his fears. But then Josh finds out that even big sisters get frightened – not of actors dressed up in scary costumes, but of what might come down the chimney on a cold, dark night!