Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Kasza (A Mother for Choco, 1992, etc.) depicts two friends successfully renegotiating an unequal relationship. Meek little Rat patiently endures his best friend always taking the role of the good guy'' when they play cowboys, his grabbing a tiger's share of any treat, and being sent for hard-to-reach flowers; but when Tiger kicks down Rat's block castle, it's the last straw- -fortunately. Rat angrily tells Tiger what a bully he is and refuses to make up until the contrite Tiger (he's nice, just oblivious) has taken his turn as the bad guy, let Rat divide a doughnut (unevenly!), and fetched him a pretty flower. Friendship is restored; but, lest it all seem too easy, on the last page there'sa new kid''—a rhino—who seems to need the same lesson. Kasza's lively, deftly painted animals are as expressive as ever. An appealing package for an ever-important message. (Picture book. 3-8)"

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-- Children will root for the underdog in this familiar scenario. Because of his larger stature, Tiger tends to bully his friend Rat, forcing him to play the bad guy in cowboy games, allotting him only a tiny piece of their shared doughnut, and sending him into the brambles to pick a flower. After each episode, Rat philosophically states, ``What could I say? I'm just a tiny little rat.'' Finally, the rodent reaches his limit, speaks his mind, and is immediately fearful of the consequences. But Tiger is shame-faced, not angry, and makes amends to restore the balance in their friendship. Bright, watercolor illustrations set against a white background depict appealing characters with wonderfully expressive features. A simple text and repetitive plot elements make this a good choice both for story times and for beginning readers. --Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library

Horn Book (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Rat is expected to accede to his friend Tiger's most unreasonable demands, such as jumping off a cliff to pick Tiger a flower he wants. When Rat breaks off their friendship, he suffers from mad, sad, and scared ambivalent feelings, but finally peace is achieved. From then on, they take turns at everything and split their treats fairly. Kasza's bright and cheerful watercolors lighten the mood.