Author: Scheffler, Axel
For children c 0-2 years
Published on 12 February 2026 by Scholastic (Alison Green Books) in the United Kingdom.
Paperback | 32 pages
280 x 249 x 5 | 218g
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
