The Rabbit and the Shadow - Hardcover

Rutten, Mélanie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802854850 ISBN 13: 9780802854858

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2018

Synopsis

An imaginative story about growing up and growing together

Three strangers meet in the forest, each on their own quest: the cat is looking for his ball, the angry soldier is searching for peace, and the rabbit is learning how to grow up. They decide to hike to the top of a volcano together, and along the journey they help each other confront their own fears and insecurities. Though the paths they take are bumpy and tangled, eventually they all manage to find just what they’re looking for.

Perfect for fans of the Frog and the Toad series, this stunning ensemble book offers a coming-of-age tale about fear, dreams, journeys, and family. 

About this title

About the Author

Mélanie Rutten was born in Belgium but spent her childhood in Africa and Central America. Her children's books have won numerous awards and have been translated into several lan-guages. Her inspiration for The Rabbit and the Shadow came from conversations she had with her own children. She lives near Brussels. Visit her website at www.melanierutten.com.

Reviews

K-Gr 3—This French import features a baby rabbit, deposited on a doorstep; a stag who adopts him; an angry soldier with a secret; a cat who can't finish a recurring dream; an inquisitive book; and a bear, who also appears as a shadow. The first of 10 episodes portrays the tenderness and laughter that develop between the stag and rabbit. Eventually, readers sense that with love comes fear of the pain of separation. The stag worries about the rabbit growing up and leaving, and the rabbit contemplates being alone when the stag dies, although he is comforted by the image of the Great Bear that "danced around her little one and watched over him" in the sky. When Rabbit is rescued from a hole and hauled off by the solider, guardian and child each grapple with their feelings. During the journey, the rabbit and soldier are joined by the other characters; as the group encounters new experiences and participates in the push-and-pull of multiple interactions—listening and fighting and forgiving—they learn more about themselves and one another. Ultimately, Stag and Rabbit enjoy a loving reunion. Rutten's expressive watercolor-and-ink compositions vary from two or more close-up vignettes on a page to a lush, expressionistic, Eden-esque landscape covering three-quarters of a spread. Here, the addition of reds and pinks contrasts with darker scenes. VERDICT At 56 pages, this circuitous, introspective narrative is probably best appreciated by children with "old souls" inclined to ponder big questions.—Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library

Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802854850
• ISBN 13: 9780802854858
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 54