Two Rabbits: Even best friends argue sometimes ...

By Author / Illustrator

Larissa Ferenchuk, Prue Pittock

Genre

Friends and family

Age range(s)

Publisher

Exisle Publishing

ISBN

9781922539656

Format

Hardback

Published

31-01-2024

Synopsis

In Two Rabbits, Little Brown Rabbit and Little Grey Rabbit have had an argument. As they go their separate ways into the night, the wind whispers around them to remind them of their sharp words. Will they be able to come back together and find a way to save their friendship?

The story portrays the physical and emotional journey of two best friends, as they experience feelings of anger, sadness and loneliness after an argument. It shows us that friendship can overcome differences and disagreements, especially when we are willing to admit our own mistakes.

Larissa Ferenchuk loves writing about animals and nature, relating them to the emotions and feelings we have as humans. She based this story on rabbits as she has a gorgeous little pet grey rabbit at home. Her aim was to create a story that shows that even though we are all different, (different opinions/ideas/journeys), we all experience similar feelings and emotions. She also wanted to show children that they can overcome disagreements and arguments by understanding their emotions and offering the simple words of a heartfelt 'sorry'.

Prue Pittock's subtle and whimsical illustrations add to the emotions in the story while the depiction of the characters on their separate paths allows us to empathize with both friends.

View Extract

Reviews

When Little Grey Rabbit and Little Brown Rabbit argue, their unkind words are carried by the wind. They go off in separate directions, each angry and upset, but sad and alone, they realise how much they are missing their friendship and both seek to make amends.

This delightful story captures the quarrels typical of so many childhood friendships. Quickly spoken, thoughtless phrases like 'Don’t be so mean!', 'I’m not your friend anymore!', 'I don’t like you!' are exchanged before the story of the two little rabbits is told in parallel as they struggle with their frustrations and anger until this fizzles out, leaving each keen to forgive and be forgiven.

Perfect for starting discussions and developing ways of dealing with inevitable squabbles, Two Rabbits is a story for both home and school, encouraging children to value their friendships and acknowledge their role in disagreements. The illustrations are lovely. Simple and uncluttered, their focus is on the little rabbits and their emotions with the colours of the weather reflecting their changing feelings. The endpapers show a map, allowing readers to follow each little rabbit on their journey. A lovely story!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher