The Flat Rabbit - Hardcover

Oskarsson, Bárdur

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1771470593 ISBN 13: 9781771470599

Publisher: Owlkids, 2014

Synopsis

When a dog and a rat come upon a rabbit flattened on the road in their neighborhood, they contemplate her situation, wondering what they should do to help her. They decide it can't be much fun to lie there: she should be moved. But how? And to where? Finally, the dog comes up with an inspired, and unique, idea and they work together through the night to make it happen. Once finished, they can't be positive, but they think they have done their best to help the flat rabbit get somewhere better than the middle of the road where they found her.

Sparely told with simple artwork, The Flat Rabbit treats the concept of death with a sense of compassion and gentle humor – and a note of practicality. In the end, the dog and the rat's caring, thoughtful approach results in an unusual yet perfect way to respect their departed friend.

About this title

About the Author

Bardur Oskarsson is a Faroese children’s writer, illustrator, and artist. He has won several literary awards, and his works have been translated into Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic, French, German, and English.

Reviews

Gr 1–3—Spare illustrations by the author are the highlight of this quirky picture book dealing with the death of a neighbor. Pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures in blue and brown show a pot-bellied dog and a kinky-tailed rat contemplating a dead rabbit lying in the street, clearly flattened by a large vehicle. The two ponder what they should do with the dead animal: "Where could they move her? And what if somebody found her and ate her?" Deciding on a plan to send her to a better place, they tape her to a kite and sail her aloft. Readers might cringe as the rat and dog gently peel the dead rabbit, pink tongue lolling, off the pavement. Although the author may have intended to spark readers' compassion, the bizarre decision about what to do with the rabbit is odd and may have trouble finding an appreciative audience.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"Good grief! Would you look at her!" said the rat when she spotted the rabbit.

"Um... yes. I was just wondering what she was doing there," replied the dog, a bit startled. It had been so quiet until the rat came along.

"She is totally flat," said the rat. For a while they just stood there looking at her.

"Do you know her?"

"Well," said the dog, "I think she's from number 34. I've never talked to her, but I peed on the gate a couple of times, so we've definitely met."

Edition details

• Publisher: Owlkids
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1771470593
• ISBN 13: 9781771470599
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40