LITTLE RABBIT AND HIS FRIENDS

Denizens of the forest join together to save their friend from a toothy predator.

After a raven informs Wren that a fox is out to eat the titular rabbit, Wren hurries to Mouse to share their concern. The two then proceed to inform a hedgehog, a nuthatch, a squirrel, and a mother pig. Their worries about Little Rabbit are mixed with fretful feelings about their own safety. When Mama Pig refuses her help, the others bid the rabbit farewell. The fierce and toothy fox confronts the tearful rabbit, but all is not lost, as Little Rabbit’s friends, including the formerly reluctant pig, band together and chase away the fox. Herrenberger’s message is clear: There is safety in numbers when confronting danger. His watercolor depictions of the animals are beautifully and realistically detailed and show a wide range of emotions. While books that deal with the very timely problem of bullying are important, the fact that the tale is set in the natural world raises at least one concern. It is, after all, quite reasonable, even necessary, that a fox will pursue a rabbit for a meal, and therefore caregivers may need to address that nuance.

Friendship and a helping hand during dangerous times are saving graces