The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents

Terry Pratchett's Carnegie Medal-winning novel reimagines the Pied Piper tale with his signature wit and depth. It follows Maurice, a cynical talking cat, a group of highly intelligent rats, and a human boy named Keith as they run a profitable scam. When they arrive in Bad Blintz, they uncover a deeper, more sinister plot involving corrupt rat catchers and a terrifying, mentally controlling 'rat king.' This book explores themes of identity, morality, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil, all wrapped in a fast-paced, humorous, and surprisingly poignant adventure. Perfect for middle-grade readers aged 10-14, it offers rich characters and thought-provoking questions.

Winner of the 2001 Carnegie MedalOne rat, popping up here and there, squeaking loudly, and taking a bath in the cream, could be a plague all by himself. After a few days of this, it was amazing how glad people were to see the kid with his magical rat pipe. And they were amazing when the rats followed hint out of town.They'd have been really amazed if they'd ever found out that the rats and the piper met up with a cat somewhere outside of town and solemnly counted out the money.The Amazing Maurice runs the perfect Pied Piper scam. This streetwise alley cat knows the value of cold, hard cash and can talk his way into and out of anything. But when Maurice and his cohorts decide to con the town of Bad Blinitz, it will take more than fast talking to survive the danger that awaits. For this is a town where food is scarce and rats are hated, where cellars are lined with deadly traps, and where a terrifying evil lurks beneath the hunger-stricken streets....Set in Terry Pratchett's widely popular Discworld, this masterfully crafted, gripping read is both compelling and funny. When one of the world's most acclaimed fantasy writers turns a classic fairy tale on its head, no one will ever look at the Pied Piper -- or rats -- the same way again!