The story of "The Rat That Wanted To Be Cute" was originally just a quickly made up story created by a father trying to teach a life lesson to his seven-year-old daughter in an interesting and humorous way. The story went on to became a family favorite and at his daughter's and niece's urgings, the father decided to try to teach one more lesson and show you can do anything if you set your mind to it...even write a children's book. We hope you will enjoy this story, the delightful illustrations and the lessons behind it! "The Rat That Wanted To Be Cute" Little Whiskers is an oddly intelligent brown rat with a white patch of fur on his belly who is "different" from other creatures in a nearby park. He wants to fit in with the squirrels, pigeons, and ducks and be accepted by humans who feed the "cute" animals, but rats are not invited at feeding time. He wants desperately to be part of the action, and thinks he can achieve that by being "cute." He goes to great efforts, dressing up in various costumes he finds in the attic of his house. The costumes have been stored there by the home's human resident, a magician whose pets wear costumes as part of his acts. When one costume does not achieve the desired "cuteness", the rat adds more costumes and tries again ... and then adds even more. Eventually the rat looks so odd that he frightens everyone he encounters at the park. Once Little Whiskers becomes frustrated enough to shed all of his costume layers, he ends up looking harmless .. and even cute.. in the eyes of his be holders, just by being himself