Ratburger facts for kids
Ratburger is a super fun children's book! It was written by the famous author David Walliams and has cool pictures by Tony Ross. This book was the fifth one David Walliams wrote.
Contents
What the Story is About
The story is all about a young girl named Zoe. Her mom passed away when Zoe was just a baby. Now, Zoe lives in a council flat with her dad and her stepmom, Sheila, who is quite lazy. Life isn't easy for Zoe. A classmate named Tina Trotts often bullies her, and her teacher, Miss Midge, isn't very kind. Zoe also feels a bit uneasy about Burt, a man who sells burgers from his van to kids at school.
Zoe's New Pet and a Mystery
For her birthday, Zoe's dad gives her a hamster. Zoe names her new pet Gingernut. Sadly, Gingernut dies in a strange way, and Zoe thinks Sheila might be responsible. Soon after, Zoe finds a rat that has snuck into her room. She is amazed to discover that this rat is super smart and can even dance to music! Zoe names the rat Armitage, after a plumbing company name she sees on a toilet.
However, Armitage is seen by Zoe's headmaster and her history teacher, Miss Midge. Miss Midge insists that Zoe should be suspended from school.
Seeking Help and a Friend's Return
Zoe goes to see Raj, who owns the local sweet shop. She tells him everything that has happened. Raj is surprised about Zoe's suspension and is a bit scared of Armitage. He tells Zoe it would be best to set the rat free. Zoe does let Armitage go, but he comes back! This shows Zoe that Armitage really wants to live with her.
Burt's Secret and a Big Discovery
Sheila finds out about Zoe's suspension. She tries to make Zoe give Armitage to Burt, who is pretending to be a pest-control man. Zoe says she doesn't have a rat, but Burt sniffs Armitage out. Zoe is sent to her room. She tries to escape by digging a hole through her wall into the next flat. But guess what? It leads right into Tina Trotts' bedroom!
After escaping from Tina, Zoe follows Burt and watches him. She makes a shocking discovery: Burt's burgers are made from rats he has caught! Burt finds Zoe and finally tells her why he hates rats so much. He used to work in a lab. A rat bit him, which made him spill acid into his eyes, causing him to go blind.
The Big Showdown
Zoe finds her dad at his local pub. Zoe's dad goes with her to the warehouse where Burt keeps his rats and his burger-making machine. They can't tell which of the trapped rats is Armitage, so Zoe and her dad free all of them!
Then, Burt and Sheila arrive with Armitage. They threaten to throw Armitage, Zoe, and her dad into the burger-making machine. During the struggle, Burt and Sheila lose their balance and fall into the machine. They are turned into burgers, which the freed rats then eat!
New Beginnings
Zoe and her dad escape in Burt's van, taking Armitage with them. Later, Zoe's dad changes the van into an ice cream truck. He starts his own company called Armitage's Ices. This lets him follow his dream of making and selling ice cream with new, exciting flavors he invented. The ice cream becomes very popular with the local schoolchildren, and his business is a big success!
Meanwhile, Zoe learns that Tina is being bullied by her own father. Tina says sorry to Zoe for bullying her, and the two girls become friends. The next day, Zoe's suspension from school is lifted. Zoe and Armitage even perform at the school talent show with Tina!
Book to Screen: The Adaptation
An "adaptation" is when a book is turned into a movie or TV show. On February 22, 2017, David Walliams shared on Twitter that Ratburger would be coming to Sky UK.
The TV film was shown on Sky One at 6:00 PM on December 24, 2017.
Who Starred in the Film
Here are some of the actors who played characters in the Ratburger film:
- Talia Barnett as Zoe
- David Walliams as Burt
- Sheridan Smith as Sheila
- Mark Benton as Gary
- Tillie Amartey as Tina Trotts
- Nigel Planer as Headmaster
- Ben Bailey Smith as Charlie Jacob
- Sarah Hadland as DC Grey
- Harish Patel as Raj
- Sophie Thompson as Miss Maxwell
- George Kent as Harry
- Charlotte Marsh as Jemma
- Jocelyn Jee Esien as WPC Budd
- Sophie Riley as Jade
- Sally Plumb as Linda
- Andi Peters as Presenter
- Robyn Payne Cooper as Kayleigh
- Chris Ellison as Landlord
