A new author-illustrator creates an appealing coney (rabbit) society in 17th-century Flanders, with unique enterprises like a ``pad repair shop'' and an ``ear care center'' and respectable coney burghers eating salad in timbered houses. One day, ``Holbun the Younger'' discovers that the ``pride of Conage,'' a huge tree, is actually a giant carrot. With no hesitation but considerable inventiveness, lovingly detailed in the precise illustrations, the coneys contrive to pull it up. A ``feeding frenzy'' ensues; the hole is made into a public fountain. There's no moral in this wry tale, not even implicitly: the coneys are delighted with their feat, and there are no unfortunate repercussions--which could make for some interesting discussion. Meanwhile, R†tz de Tagyos's bright, clean colors, varied use of frames and points of view, and Macaulay-like detailing of his fantastical technology mark an intriguing debut. (Picture book. 5-9)
