“What is up with these things, they sell so fast,” huffed the sales clerk at FAO Schwarz as she ran my credit card.
She brandished one at a mother who was shopping with two sons in tow.
“Ugh,” said the mom, cringing at the miniature infestation surrounding the checkout counter.
The “things” in question are rats–stuffed toys but rats nonetheless.
Whether they’re cuddly or ratlike depends on your view–not only of rats in general but of these particular rats. They look sort of adorable, as if they could be squirrels–until you get to the tail, whereupon their distressingly ratlike qualities are readily apparent.
Hansa Toys of Germany makes les rats, which have been changing over the years. One version is small and cute, sort of like prairie dogs (that’s one above). Another variant grew–a whole lot. You can spot the family resemblance in the various rodents, but the big ‘uns are creepiest of all.
Want your own? Visit FAO Schwarz, 840 N. Michigan Ave. (312-587-5000). They’re $6.