A tempting boat trip tests an alley--rat's loyalty to her best friend Priscilla, who lives in an alley behind a restaurant. Her best friend, Rosy, lives across the gutter near an ice cream store. After a busy week of stealing food scraps and scaring people, the two rodent pals decide to take Monday off together, so they can relax over Rosy's new puzzle. Then Priscilla is invited out on a boat trip on Monday. What else can a rat do but accept? She can call up Rosy and tell a little fib. Maybe Priscilla could say she just remembered that she had already agreed to the trip. Maybe she could say she's sick. After all, she can do a puzzle with Rosy any old time; a boat trip is really special. So why does Priscilla feel so ratty? A not--too--sweet tale about honoring your friends, Priscilla and Rosy introduces young readers to a refreshing new heroine who, despite her all--too human flaws, manages to do the right thing in the end. Linda Hendry's inspired illustrations add the perfect touch of droll humor to Sharon Jennings witty and endearing story.