HOW RABBIT TRICKED HIS FRIENDS

For two nights Rabbit's siren song lured the animal sentry away from the scarce water and Rabbit was able to drink from the well he hadn't helped dig; but on the third night the animals post a tar baby who frustrates Rabbit and hit, holds him fast. Still Rabbit has the last laugh: seeming to welcome the worst punishments, he gets one which is no punishment to him at all. The illustrations have atmosphere and flavor but forms are not distinct and perspective is poor whenever the animals get together (especially in the digging scene). Moreover, Rabbit, though figuring significantly, does not appear in the flesh for several pages. All of which makes this Japanese version more interesting for its origin than effective with an audience.