THE INFAMOUS RATSOS by Kara Lareau.  Illus. by Matt Myers.  Somerville, MA:  Candlewick Press, 2016.  ISBN 978-076367636-0 hc. $14.99     Gr. 1-3      J Intermediate Reader

Louie and Ralphie Ratso are tough - just like their dad, Big Lou.  Nobody messes with them because they're as tough as their reputation.  However, things aren't working out for the Ratsos.  Every time they try to pull a trick on someone, it unintentionally turns out to be a good deed.  When they steal a hat from the class bully, it turns out he had stolen it from Tiny, the smallest kid in class, making them instant heroes.  When they soap the windows of Mrs. Porcupini's apartment, she has them hose off the soap and thanks them for the cleanest windows in town.  Their dad finds out about their string of good deeds and surprises them with his anything-but-tough reaction.  Myers' artwork earned a 2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award for the Ratso series which continues with "The Infamous Ratso Are Not Afraid" (2017).
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI