A brand new edition of the Carnegie-medal-winning book, from master story-teller Terry Pratchett. With magical illustrations from Laura Ellen-Andersen Even wizards produce leftovers. But a wizard´s rubbish is laced with magic, and for the rats that forage this rubbish, the magic has changed them - they can speak and read, and have rather grand ambitions for a comfortаble retirement. Which is perfect for a con-cat like Maurice. He has his own magical talents, and wants to get rich quick. Together with the rats, and young (rather simple) Keith, the ´piper´, they work the towns to create their very own plague of rats - then lure them away for cash. But in the run-down town Bad Blintz, this little con goes wrong, and suddenly these educated rodents aren´t playing to the piper´s tune . . .