PICTURE STORYBOOKS. This is a tale about a rat who follows his dreams and goes to sea, with pictures by the illustrator of "The Gruffalo". Sam, the river rat, dreams of going to sea. Day and night, whatever he is doing, his thoughts turn seawards. His neighbours tell him to think of practical matters like fixing his fence and getting his garden in order. But Sam decides to build his own boat. His neighbours are sceptical, "You'll be swallowed by a shark," they warn. By spring his boat is ready and Sam sets off on his voyage. The neighbours tell each other that that's the last of Sam. But as they return to their vegetable patches, Sam is skimming over the wild green waves, and one day a passing seagull drops a note that reads, "Dear friends, please do not worry, I am happy. Love, Sam." Written in lyrical prose by Phyllis Root and illustrated in bright bold colours by Axel Sheffler, this book is the story of a river rat who follows his heart and realizes his dreams. Ages 4+.