Review: The Black Rabbit

One fine day Rabbit notices a large, black rabbit following him. No matter where Rabbit goes, no matter where he runs, no matter where he tries to hide, Black Rabbit follows. Rabbit spends the day hiding behind a tree, across some water and flees into the deep, dark woods where Rabbit thinks he is finally safe from the scary Black Rabbit.

In the dim light Rabbit sees a pair of very big eyes staring back at him. He thinks Black Rabbit has found him again, but it turns out to be something much worse.

The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers is both sweet and sour, funny and frightening. It explores the fine line between friend and enemy, courage and fear in a humorous and entertaining way. We've all been frightened at one time or another, sometimes feeling like we're being watched or followed. It is especially true for children who often feel very small and helpless. That's the storyline of The Black Rabbit.

Simple, clean, clear watercolor and ink illustrations bring this adventure to life. Rabbit looks so cute, but so very small in the presence of Black Rabbit.

 

Review: The Dark

  ”You might be afraid of the dark, but the dark is not afraid of you. That’s why the dark is always close by.”

Laszlo, a boy, is afraid of the dark. Seems like a story we've heard many times before, but not like this. Slowly Lazlo's fear of the dark turns into understanding and acceptance of the dark. Lazlo realizes that the dark can be a friend and an ally, helping to shelter from the often disconcerting brightness of the light. Light must exist with the dark or light will be too overpowering and, in fact, frightening.

In "The Dark" by Lemony Snickett with illustrations by Jon Klassen, the dark becomes a character, complete with a voice and feelings. It is hurt when Lazlo tries to avoid it and it is happy when it can help Lazlo understand it. That's what turns this from a potentially frightening book into a warm and friendly book. This book does not portray the dark as a monster, as something to be afraid of. It presents the dark just as it is, something that is there, something that exists where light does not.