The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid

The newly reformed Ratso brothers, Louie and Ralphie, are now trying to make life easier for their friends and their community. Except for a little backsliding by Ralphie (for which he atones by the end), they're on their way, with Louie once again proclaiming a really big idea: clean up an unsightly vacant lot and turn it into a community arcade. Working in cooperation with their classmates, they begin the job, but a pretty big hitch in their plans looms. The lot is located next to a creepy, maybe even haunted, house, and Louie, as project supervisor, must approach the scary resident. Ratso patriarch Big Lou steps in with wise advice: "It's OK to be afraid," he tells Louie, adding, "I try to be brave...by reminding myself that I'm the boss of me, not my fears." Louie faces his fears, goes to the haunted house, and discovers a way to help another creature. Myers's black-and-white illustrations not only move the plot along and give expressive faces to the animal characters but also conclude the tale on a light note with a couple of delightful puns. The relatable situations, familiar characters, progressive plot, and easy-to-read text (plus a little romance) create a satisfying follow-up to the Geisel Honor-winning The Infamous Ratsos (rev. 9/16). betty carter