The Tale of the Swamp Rat

I first encountered "The Tale of The Swamp Rat" as a galley at an industry tradeshow, before the book itself was actually released. I read through the first couple of pages, and was hooked immediately by Carter Crocker's natural narrative style. Since then, I've read the entire book and relished every sentence. I often use this book as a teaching aid, to help my creative writing students understand just what "style" can mean to a story. Of course, it's the style and great characterizations of the swamp creatures that make this book so good. Some of my creative writing kids have complained that the story is a little slow; this is definitely a book for readers who love words and understand how magical they can be when woven together in just the right way.

The Tale of the Swamp Rat belongs on the shelf next to Winnie the Pooh and Wind in the Willows. It is rich in detail, well developed characters, and a plot where the villain gets his just desserts. Grab some kids and use them as an excuse to sit down and read a lovely story. It truly is a tale for kids of all ages.

This is a wonderful book! 5 stars most definitely!! It is about an orphaned swamp rat named Ossie. He is taken in by a freindly alligator named Old Will. Ossie is very observant and shy. So shy in fact that he doesn't talk-at all. This is a book that anybody, anywhere, any age will love!

Carter Crocker's Tale of the Swamp Rat is the perfect book for those long winter afternoons. With his down-home style, Crocker makes it easy to walk in the pawprints of little Ossie on his adventures through the fascinating wetlands of the South. In the tradition of Watership Down, Swamp Rat transforms the world of the swamp into a stunning place of legends, villains and heroes. Give it to your favorite young readers, or better yet, sit down and read it together by the fire this holiday season.

Carter Crocker's Tale Of The Swamp Rat tells of a place where all kinds of folk live ? a gater so old that some think he is filled with wisdom, a prophet bird who stirs up folks with his answers to problems, and a swamp rat who is orphaned at an early age and must make his way through hard times to become the leader of the pack. Add a down-home, folksy story-teller's voice and you have an animal story kids will relish.