18 River Rat

River Rat written by Diana Freeman illustrated by Samer Hatam

Brothers and twins, Jay and Raj, enjoyed building different and unusual things together. Yesterday the brothers had built a raft using the tools and wood they had found around their home. Today they thought of a way they could make the raft even better they would add a mast to it. Working together, they carefully carried the mast over to the raft and attached it. "Next, we need to pick something to use for a sail," said Raj. "I know, how about a sheet?" asked Jay. The twins thought that was a great plan and so they went to check if it was okay with their parents before using a sheet that did not belong to them. The brothers named the raft River Rat.

When the River Rat raft was ready, the twins decided it was time to sail it down the river and under the bridge. The boys talked to their parents and told them their plan and how they would stay safe. Once they had their life jackets on, the twins pushed River Rat into the river behind their house. The water had branches floating in it and wasn't very clear.

For a while, the boys paddled happily, going further down the river. All of a sudden, the wind blew in a different direction, making the sail swing around and push hard against Jay. Splash! He fell off the raft and into the water! Jay came up gasping. He'd lost his paddle and it floated quickly down the river, further away from him. Luckily, he was safe because he had his life jacket on.

Raj had a plan. He quickly lay down on the raft, moving really carefully, so that it didn't tip over. Raj reached out to Jay. Lying in the water, Jay let the river carry him along until he got close to the raft. He was able to reach Raj's hand and by working together, slowly and carefully, they got Jay safely back onto the raft. Jay felt very cold and wet but at least he was safe!

Now they only had one paddle, but the wind blew in the right direction and was able to carry them down the river. Raj used the paddle to move them away from the land and into the middle of the river. With the wind helping them along, the River Rat was going really fast. Both Raj and Jay were having fun. "There's the bridge!" yelled Jay.