Celebrate the rollicking adventurous picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo and Zog with this 15th anniversary edition!

‘Give me your buns and your biscuits!
Give me your chocolate eclairs!
For I am the Rat of the highway,
and the Rat Thief never shares!’

Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food. Clover from a rabbit; nuts from a squirrel – he even steals his own horse’s hay.

Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck?

• The shiny foil border on the cover makes this the perfect gift for little ones
• This special anniversary edition includes exclusive bonus material – a letter from Julia Donaldson and original sketches from Axel Scheffler
• A fabulous, rollicking rhyme, in the style of the famous Alfred Noyes poem, ‘The Highwayman’, from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Adventure, friendship and learning to be kind are at the heart of this story
• The Highway Rat has been adapted into a popular animated film starring voices from David Tennant (Highway Rat), Nina Sosanya (Duck), Rob Brydon (Horse), Tom Hollander (Squirrel) and Frances de la Tour (Rabbit)
• The animated film of Tiddler stars voice artists including Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) as the narrator, Lolly Adefope (Ghosts) as Miss Skate and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip).

Praise for The Highway Rat:

‘A classic picture book … great to read aloud’ BBC Radio 4 ‘Front Row’ ‘Donaldson’s ear for rhyme is unequalled and Scheffler’s busy, funny illustrations make this ideal for reading aloud’ Daily Mail

The rollicking adventurous picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

‘Give me your buns and your biscuits!
Give me your chocolate eclairs!
For I am the Rat of the highway,
and the Rat Thief never shares!’

Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food. Clover from a rabbit; nuts from a squirrel – he even steals his own horse’s hay.

Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck?

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A fabulous, rollicking rhyme, in the style of the famous Alfred Noyes poem, ‘The Highwayman’, from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Adventure, friendship and learning to be kind are at the heart of this story
• The Highway Rat has been adapted into a popular animated film starring voices from David Tennant (Highway Rat), Nina Sosanya (Duck), Rob Brydon (Horse), Tom Hollander (Squirrel) and Frances de la Tour (Rabbit)
• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
• Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

‘A classic picture book . great to read aloud’ BBC Radio 4 ‘Front Row’ ‘Donaldson’s ear for rhyme is unequalled and Scheffler’s busy, funny illustrations make this ideal for reading aloud’ Daily Mail