The Rabbits
on Goodreads (4,590)
What’s inside...
Simply Read Books; Winner of the Children's Book Council Children's Picture Book of the Year (1999). A dramatically moving allegory of colonisation told from the viewpoint of native Australian animals. This stunning picture book examines the consequences of the arrival of a group of rabbits with entirely unfamiliar ways. The rabbits bring new food and animals, and make their own houses to live in, eventually dominating the environment and its other inhabitants. A hauntingly beautiful, thought-provoking picture book about colonisation and the effect of man on the environment, from Shaun Tan, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal. The rabbits came many grandparents ago. They built houses, made roads, had children. They cut down trees. A whole continent of rabbits... The Rabbits is a thought-provoking allegorical fable about colonisation and the effect of man on the environment. Told from the perspective of the colonised, an unseen narrator describes the coming of the 'rabbits'. An encounter that is at first friendly and curious, but later darkens... Sparse, strange and stunningly beautiful, The Rabbits is a truly unique picture book.
Age
2-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Natives
Rabbits
Discussion points
How did the arrival of the rabbits change the lives of the creatures already living there?
What emotions do you think the native creatures felt as their environment changed?
Why do you think the rabbits kept building and changing the land?
Can you think of a time when something new entered your life and changed it? How did you feel?
What do you think could have been done to help both the rabbits and the native creatures live together peacefully?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in the place of both the native creatures and the rabbits.
Discuss the importance of respecting others' spaces and the impact of our actions on the environment.
Highlight themes of conflict and resolution to enhance understanding of the story's deeper messages.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss changes in the landscape and ask your child how they think the creatures felt about these changes.
Reinforce the idea of coexistence and teamwork by discussing ways the characters could have worked together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of colonization
Explanation: The story highlights the invasion and environmental destruction by the Rabbits who represent colonizers, illustrating how native populations and landscapes are affected.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to learn about different cultures respectfully and understand historical events involving colonization.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The book explicitly shows the detrimental effects the Rabbits have on the environment, reflecting on the consequences of human activities on nature.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling and conserving natural resources.
Example Lesson: Resistance and resilience
Explanation: The native creatures, though overwhelmed, never completely give up. Their persistence showcases resilience in the face of hardship.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of standing up for oneself and persisting through challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Cultural preservation
Explanation: The narrative underscores the loss of native culture with the arrival of the Rabbits, emphasizing the importance of preserving one’s heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and participate in their own cultural traditions and appreciate the diversity of others.