Once upon a time, there was a rat named Ratty who loved to wear hats. One day, he saw a beautiful hat in a store window and wanted it badly. But, alas! He had no money. So, he came up with a plan to steal the hat.

He snuck into the store, grabbed the hat and quickly ran out. But, little did he know that the store was guarded by a cat named Catty. Catty chased Ratty through the streets, but Ratty was too quick. He eluded Catty by jumping over cans, mats, and even a man with a bat.

Finally, Ratty made it home with his prize and put on the hat. He looked in the mirror and laughed, "I'm the smartest and best dressed rat in town!" But just then, Catty burst through the door and said, "Not so fast, Ratty. That hat belongs to the store and you stole it!"

Ratty knew he was in trouble, but he didn't want to give up his beloved hat. So, he thought fast and said, "Catty, I have an idea. Let's have a fashion show and see who looks better in the hat."

To everyone's surprise, Catty agreed and the two had a wild and funny fashion show. In the end, they both looked so silly in the hat that they couldn't stop laughing. They decided to return the hat to the store and have a permanent tie for the title of "Best Hat Wearer."

And so, Ratty and Catty became the best of friends, always finding new and silly ways to have fun together.

Reflections

1. Why did Ratty steal the hat?
2. How did Ratty escape Catty?
3. How did Ratty and Catty become friends?
4. What could Ratty and Catty have done instead of having a fashion show?
5. Do you think it was right for Ratty to steal the hat? Why or why not?