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A CONEY TALE by Paul Rátz de Tagyos

A CONEY TALE

by Paul Rátz de Tagyos & illustrated by Paul Rátz de Tagyos

Pub Date: March 23rd, 1992
ISBN: 0-395-58834-0
Publisher: Clarion Books

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)