One of the questions authors are asked most frequently is this one: Where do you get your ideas from? Much of the time, an author will say they receive story inspiration from ‘everyday’ sources – from the little things that happen each and every day of their lives.
In the case of author Frances Watts and A Rat in a Stripy Sock, the inspiration came from a trip to Paris Frances
And thus a story was born.
So, what could a grey rat, living near a grey garbage bin on the grey rainy streets do with a rainbow stripy sock? Well, quite a lot.
He could eat at the very best restaurants whilst resplendently garbed in that multi-coloured sock. He could live in the finest house on the street. He could play beautiful music to stir the soul. He could follow his dreams… the picture of the rat floating away in his sock, clinging to a clutch of coloured helium balloons, is just priceless.
Quirky, whimsical illustrations by David Francis work beautifully with this colourful storyline, adding movement and charm to our adorable rat’s story, which reminds us it’s often the simplest things in life that can inspire us and make us most happy.
Title: A Rat in a Stripy Sock
Author: Frances Watts
Illustrator: David Francis
Publisher: ABC Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2010
ISBN: 9780733326615
Format: Hardcover
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book
