Olivia Henry has made a magical book about rats who move in and who then turn the tables on the humans who meet with a rather grizzly end. The story has a basis in real life as a family of rats paid a visit to Olivia's home last summer. However, in Olivia's book each member of the family has different thoughts as to what the rats might be doing in the attic whether belly dancing or playing drums. Poison is laid but the rats carefully collect it and poison the humans. All this proves the saying ' Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you'.
The work is charming but the approach to storytelling means the final twist comes as a surprise; you just don't see it coming. The drawings are a lovely mix between rigorous observation and whimsy. Olivia uses what has for now become her trademark mix of media and eclectic use of type.
See more of Olivia's work on her blog http://oliviashappyapples.blogspot.com/
