There are a family of rats that have to take their uncle named “Skinny” somewhere via a boat. I believe he may be sick and they go down the river to take him to the doctor. I also think he is wearing one piece pajamas with the button flap in the rear, and either he or the driver has on a crinkled top hat. I wish I could recall more about the story. I read this book as a child sometime around 1982-1985. I would really love to get this book for my daughter.
Stump the Bookseller
New format, same book stumper solving.
The Clumpets Go Sailing.
From an Amazon reviewer: This wonderful children’s story is a tale of a backwoods family hearing-tell that their Uncle Skinny is sick. Mrs. Clumpet, the best soup-maker around whips up a batch to be carried downstream by their makeshift boat. But they all fall asleep and are being carried toward the waterfall! What will become of the Clumpets? What will become of Uncle Skinny’s soup?
P.S.: You can see/hear the story read aloud on Youtube.