RABBIT HILL

Lawson is difficult to place so far as his juvenile audience is concerned. Frankly, I think he is definitely adult — even in the stories he presumably writes for juniors. This is a somewhat too whimsical story of the animals on Rabbit Hill and their excitement when they learn that "New Folks" are coming to live in the "Big House". They are thrilled when they find in use an old fashioned uncovered garbage can, no sign of traps, spring guns or other lethal weapons, and only a harmless tiger-striped gray cat as a pet. Then the climax comes when a sign goes up "Please drive carefully on account of small animals" — and a statue of St. Francis is set up to preside over a ledge where a morning banquet for the little creatures is placed. And the result? The little animals are wholly satisfied and no longer destroy what is not theirs — and even leave a flourishing garden for the new folks. The Lawson illustrations are sure to capture the hearts of all prospective purchasers — but as a story, it doesn't quite come off.