Rad!

Rad!
Author(s)
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Genre(s)
Age Range
4+
Release Date
May 05, 2020
ISBN
978-1419741012
Buy This Book
     

In this family-oriented picture book, one brave cat discovers how rad trying new things can be!

Esther, Chester, Hester, and Sylvester are stoked to shred at the skate park! But unlike his daring brothers and sisters, Lester is a total fraidy-cat. Skateboarding doesn’t come easily to him—and with only nine lives to spare, why should he risk one on the half-pipe? When Lester sees how much fun his family is having, he decides to give it a shot anyway . . . only to wipe out! With the encouragement of his supportive siblings, Lester gets back up and tries again.

In this family-oriented picture book, one brave cat discovers how rad trying new things can be!

Esther, Chester, Hester, and Sylvester are stoked to shred at the skate park! But unlike his daring brothers and sisters, Lester is a total fraidy-cat. Skateboarding doesn’t come easily to him—and with only nine lives to spare, why should he risk one on the half-pipe? When Lester sees how much fun his family is having, he decides to give it a shot anyway . . . only to wipe out! With the encouragement of his supportive siblings, Lester gets back up and tries again.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
simple and colorful picture book
(Updated: June 04, 2026)
Overall rating
 
3.5
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
4.0
RAD! is a simple but colorful book about trying new things. The book follows five cats, Esther, Chester, Lester, Hester, and Sylvester. Each page features one word spoken by each that adds up to a brief story. Lester is afraid to skateboard with the others. After trying to convince him fails, they go to skateboard. Lester watches them and changes his mind. Even though he wipes out, he continues skateboarding until he too declares "Rad!"

What I loved: The text is rhythmic which can be fun, as it features a single word followed by says and one of the cat's names. There are bright colors on every page and definitely 90s vibes throughout. The simplicity will appeal to some readers, though the vernacular is a bit old, such as gnarly and righteous. I also appreciated that all the cats are wearing helmets.

What left me wanting more: The text will be too simple for some readers and the story happens behind the words, which may need to be explained to some children.

Final verdict: Bright colors make this a cute read for young readers who appreciate repetition and books with little text.
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