Bryn Savage

Ingo Siegner, author-illustrator of the hit series, Der kleine Drache Kokosnuss, has also written and illustrated more complex series for elementary schoolers. Eliot und Isabella follows two juvenile rats, one from the city and one from the country, on wild adventures. Less silly and cliche-filled than the Kokosnuss series, Eliot and Isabella still has the same adventurous spirit, which keeps young readers on the edge of their seats.

The main character, Eliot, is a young rat, who sees himself as a poet — he composes little rhymes and verses at every opportunity. When a flood washes Eliot far out into the countryside, he meets the rat girl Isabella. The two become inseparable best friends, having adventure after adventure on their way back to the city and beyond. Throughout the series, they also battle a rat boy bully, Bocky Bockwurst, and his gang.

While there are not as many books as in the Kokosnuss series or many of the others I recommend, this is definitely worth a read. My son and I got a kick out of Siegner’s wordplay, the humorous contrast between neurotic Eliot and cool Isabella, and the fast pace.

1. Eliot und Isabella und die Abenteuer am Fluss — Eliot is swept away by a flood and meets Isabella. Together they battle their way home through a forest full of dangers — and Bocky Bockwurst.
2. Eliot und Isabella und die Jagd nach dem Funkelstein — Bear Bruno has accidentally swallowed a precious gemstone. Eliot and Isabella must warn him before Bocky, the terrifying cat Schredder, and even an eagle catch up.
3. Eliot und Isabella und das Geheimnis des Leuchtturms — Holiday on the island of Ratzekoog turns sinister when the old lighthouse starts haunting — and Bocky’s gang is hot on their tails.
4. Eliot und Isabella im Finsterwald — Off to the Finsterwald to collect Isabella’s Grandpa Pucki for the forest festival — but he’s gone. It smells suspiciously of Bockwurst.
5. Eliot und Isabella in den Räuberbergen — A camping trip in the mountains runs into trouble when the dangerous gang boss Don Ratzo arrives alongside Bocky’s crew.
6. Eliot und Isabella und der Trüffeldieb — On their way to Aunt Philomena’s fishing hut, Eliot’s beloved spotted bag is stolen. The trail leads into a seaside city full of twists.
7. Eliot und Isabella und das geheimnisvolle Ungeheuer will be released in August 2026.