Rabbit Is Frightened Of Many Things, But BEARS…
Bears Are By Far At the Top Of His List!
- Author: Lydia Lukidis
- Illustrator: Tara J. Hannon
- Publisher: Blue Whale Press (July 2019)
- Pages: 32
- Ages: 4 – 7
Synopsis: (publisher)
“This adventure offers an effective brain exercise in graphic storytelling for young readers. . .” —Kirkus Reviews
Rabbit is afraid of many things, but most of all he’s afraid of gigantic, monstery, BEARS! The very nervous Rabbit is soon confronted by his worst fear who appears to be far more interested in making new friends than causing Rabbit any real harm. Despite his apprehension, Rabbit agrees to join his jovial new acquaintance for dinner, but wait a minute . . . is Bear planning to “have” Rabbit for dinner? In this tender story about a very nervous rabbit and a lovable bear, Rabbit discovers that things aren’t always as scary as they seem, and sometimes you may just have more in common with others than you think.
My Thoughts:
This may seem like a plot you’re somewhat familiar with. But let me assure you the text and illustrations make this one very fun book. However, it’s not just fun, if you choose to talk about the story on a deeper level there’s plenty of material for that.
We learn on the first page that Rabbit is afraid of many things but bears are the most feared. When the page is turned there are signs posted that list scary things about bears such as pointy teeth and super sharp claws. Yet another sign posted nearby is a Survival List: Bug Spray, Bandages, Flashlights, and carrots. So what does Rabbit learn and say on his hunt for water?
Bears are scary, oh yes they are! With their pointy teeth and long, sharp claws,” Rabbit chanted on his way to fetch water for carrot stew.
The signs are all Rabbit needs to be even more convinced that bears are very frightening.
But on the way to fetch water for carrot stew Rabbit finds himself upside-down. He’s been caught in a snare. And who should show up but a bear! We can assume Rabbit is terrified. But there is no escaping the rope that is wrapped around his leg.
Rabbit who was toting a basket of carrots as he searched for water is now apt to find himself part of Bear’s carrot stew! Will Bear help Rabbit? Or were the warning signs absolutely true?
My thanks to Lydia Lukidis and Blue Whale Publishing for a review copy of this book. It was offered for my honest review.
What Concerned Me:
For me, the following is a plus for the story but could be interpreted as a concern for some.
This story can be discussed from several directions. Occasionally signs and warnings are completely true and worth heeding. And in this case, while I don’t think bears normally include rabbits in their diets, they will eat rabbits. Okay, nitpicky, but kids shouldn’t ignore all warnings.
Now for the other side. You may hear or read something that you take to the bank as the gospel truth. Can this warning stereotype a group but not apply to all? The “truth” may come from a biased source. So is it really the truth? It may be best to experience and make your own decisions.
This may sound like rambling. And maybe it is but I hope you understand my point. However, I did say earlier that this book has discussion points if you want to take it there. You have the choice to read and laugh or take the story a little deeper.
What I Liked Most:
I absolutely love the illustrations that accompany this wonderful text. Each illustration beautifully helps show what the text is describing.
There is so much more to discuss in this book than what I noted above. Bear doesn’t just save the day, something happens that lets Rabbit feel self-worth as well.
I wouldn’t hesitate at all to add this to my child’s library.
Book Extras
Activity Book – Be sure to check this out. It’s great!
About The Author And Illustrator
From Blue Whale Publishing
Lydia Lukidis is a children’s author with over thirty-four books and eBooks published, a dozen educational books as well as numerous short stories, poems and plays. She writes fiction and nonfiction for ages 3-12. Her background is multi-disciplinary and spans the fields of literature, science and puppetry.
Lydia is passionate about spreading the love for literacy. She regularly works with children in elementary schools across Quebec through the Culture in the Schools program giving literacy and writing workshops. In addition to her creative work, she enjoys composing educational activities and curriculum aligned lesson plans.
You can learn more about Lydia by visiting lydialukidis.com.
Tara Hannon has always loved to illustrate. As a child, her wish lists included only one desire: more art stuff! Now that she is an adult, her wish lists really haven’t changed—the more art stuff the better! She is truly grateful to be doing what she loves for a living.
Tara’s illustrations have been described as whimsical, playful, and quirky. She works happily from her home studio in Crownsville, Maryland.
When Tara is not illustrating, she can be found playing in the sand with her two daughters, jogging, and drinking strong coffee. It is her dream to find a way to do all of these things at once.
