Little Rabbit's Big Surprise

By Author / Illustrator

Swapna Haddow, Alison Friend

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Little Tiger Press Group

ISBN

9781788950299

Format

Hardback

Published

07-02-2019

Synopsis

Little Rabbit is bored. Her brothers and sisters are busy with chores and her friends are out collecting worms. Her grandfather, Big Rabbit, offers to make her his assistant for the day - he's got lots of work she can help him with. Little Rabbit laughs; her grandfather doesn't have a job - he spends all day with his friends. \"Why don't you come with me and see?\" replies Big Rabbit.
First they visit Mole, who has a problem with his dark tunnels, before hopping over to visit Granny Hedgehog, who's suffering with a rather nasty cold. As they're leaving they meet Dormouse who's struggling to keep his babies happy while he forages for twigs for their nest. The last stop is Squirrel's den, but the usually acrobatic Squirrel has sprained her paw. After helping her, they head home - what a busy day! In the morning Little Rabbit wakes to find her grandfather has left her a list of things to collect. Little Rabbit's excited, certain that the things are for making a kite, but she's in for a big surprise...
A heartwarming story about helping others and spreading kindness.

Reviews

Little Rabbit is bored and Mama Rabbit is busy. Despite living in a bustling burrow, with her family, in a thriving meadow community, Little Rabbit struggles to know what to do. Luckily, Big Grandfather Rabbit needs a willing assistant to help him with his chores and Little Rabbit, desperate for companionship and something to do, agrees to spend the day with him. Grandfather Rabbit's chores involve helping and supporting neighbours in the meadow and Little Rabbit quickly learns how kind and generous her grandfather is with his time. The two rabbits not only help dig Mole from his burrow; they make tea for poorly Granny Hedgehog; help a new family of dormice to move into their new home and collect food for Mother Squirrel's family. Little Rabbit's day with Grandfather has taught her so much, her thoughts are no longer centred on her own needs, but on the needs of their friends in the Meadow. She worries about them all night and when she wakes in the morning, to a list of chores from Grandpa, she is eager to help. A second day of helping friends confirms to Little Rabbit how much fun she can have serving others. She follows Grandfather Rabbit's example of kindness, listening and making sure no one in the community is forgotten. When tasks appear insurmountable, Little Rabbit's enthusiasm rallies all the neighbours to help. When the chores are done, Little Rabbit and her Grandfather are able to reflect on their time together. Little Rabbit's big surprise is the joy she feels through spreading kindness to others. Grandfather is proud of everything his little granddaughter has learned from him. They share carroty cuddles, satisfied with moments well spent, looking after others. Beautifully written, Swapna Haddow has a gentle way of effortlessly describing both settings and character feelings so that they come alive for the reader. Allison Friend's gorgeous full colour illustrations are the perfect pairing for this heartwarming tale. A charming story with many valuable messages; this story not only promotes the value of relationships with grandparents and the wisdom that can be imparted from one generation to another, but the impact of making sure the needs of the most vulnerable people in communities are not overlooked. Hardback editions of this story have the look and feel of traditional classics, such as Alison Uttley's Little Grey Rabbit series. A wonderful stepping stone book from picture books to independent reading. 96 pages / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Emily Beale, librarian.