Helen looks like a boy, is homeless, and really likes Beatrix Potter. None of these things made me think that
The Tale of One Bad Rat would be an interesting graphic novel to read... but it was! The book starts off with Helen passing her time in a London tube station, her only companion a pet rat. Something has happened to Helen that makes it hard for her to open up to people, and that also led her to run away, but we don't know what that is yet. Instead, we are treated to glimpses of her past through flashbacks, and read and look on as she tries to make it on her own.
Eventually, she finds help in the form of two kind old folks, who provide safe room and board, while allowing Helen to work at their pub in the countryside. Helen learns that Beatrix Potter, her idol, once stayed at their inn, and finally confronts her past. While at first, the book sat on my shelf for awhile because I wasn't sure I would find it interesting (see first line of the review), once reading it, I immediately cared for Helen and wanted to see her situation improve. It does, but I won't tell you how!
* * * * (four stars)
