The Marathon Rabbit

Encouraged by his two small friends, a rabbit decides to run in the City Marathon, to the dismay of race officials and an Olympic competitor, and to the delight of most of the runners

Kindergarten-Grade 3 A rabbit in an orange "carrot power" sweatsuit wears a note stating that he wants to register to for the City Marathon. After a moment's deliberation, the head official gives him the nod. During the race several spectators observe that the rabbit has a great stride; he pulls away from the pack and takes the lead in the 20th mile, then wins the race. All of the other runners, race officials, and spectators are humans and behave realistically, with the exception of their deadpan acceptance of the rabbit. The breezy watercolor illustrations, full of action and color, have a realistic tone as well. Within such a realistic framework, it's jarring to encounter a lone element of fantasy, especially since that element is the story's main thread. It is a silly combination, and whether the silliness will strike children as bothersome or as fun will depend on their sense of humor and perhaps their attitude about running. Children of marathon runners will most likely be the ones to appreciate, root for and love The Marathon Rabbit.Liza Bliss, Central New England College, Westborough, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.