RATS TO THE RESCUE

African pouched rats and their Cambodian handlers work together to find hidden land mines left over from a long-ago war.

This story stars Malen, who’s told that land mine discovery is “too difficult” and “not meant for young women.” People say similar things about Magawa, a giant African pouched rat: “too difficult,” “not meant for rats.” Malen, who grew up in Cambodia, where hidden explosives have rendered much of the land unsafe, doesn’t listen. Neither do the Tanzanians who train Magawa, one of many HeroRATS who have a “smelling superpower”: They can sniff out explosives. After finishing their training, Magawa and other “deminer” rats journey to Cambodia, where they work with Malen and her colleagues. For this book, co-author Riley worked with Meas, a staff member at APOPO, an organization that trains animals to detect land mines. (APOPO is an acronym of its Dutch name.) Lee’s illustrations depict the mine-discovery process: the ropes that demarcate the areas to be searched, as well as the harnessed rats that sniff in an orderly way until they find explosives to be dug up. The focus of this gently told narrative is the search; actual mine clearing happens offstage. Details of the “long war” are left to the backmatter, which includes a timeline and a map and notes that these clever rats and their brave handlers are searching for American bombs dropped during the Vietnam War, as well as Khmer Rouge mines from the 1970s. Readers will also find background on the real Malen and Magawa here.

An unusual subject, sensitively handled.