1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Rohman, Eric. 2002. MY FRIEND RABBIT. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9780312367527
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this picture book, Eric Rohmann writes about having a friend that tries really hard to solve a problem, but unwittingly gets into more trouble. Even though this friend has a mischievous quality, he still chooses to share his toy with him because they are friends. He also describes the feelings of loyalty and acceptance friends have with one another.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Eric Rohmann’s writing is simple and direct. “My friend Rabbit means well. But whatever he does, wherever he goes, trouble follows.” This story helps children understand the complex elements of friendship in a simple way because it contains characters and a plot that children can relate to. The concepts of sharing and problem solving are presented in a lighthearted manner. The author also promotes determination with the phrase, “Not to worry, Mouse. I’ve got an idea,” and creativity in problem solving with the use of building an animal tower in order to reach the plane and get it out of the tree.
Eric Rohmann’s illustrations fit very well with the text. Even though few words were used to describe what was occurring in each scene, the pictures completely conveyed the actions and emotions of the characters. This is to accommodate the needs of all readers. Younger children can gather what is happening through looking at the pictures only and older children can both look at the pictures and read the text. The drawings are darkly outlined and the colors are rich. There are circular lines on the outside of characters and objects that show movement and emotion. The facial expressions of the characters are quite humorous. The combination of a beautiful color scheme and pictures draw the reader in and keeps them engaged.
This will be an excellent book to share because it helps readers to understand what constitutes friendship. Friends must accept and be loyal to one another. Friends also share their toys and work together to solve a problem.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST review: "[A] smart, sassy object lesson....The fun of this is in the spacing and sequencing of the heavily ink-outlined drawings....Tremendous physical humor delivers a gentle lesson about accepting friends as they are."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "The double-page, hand-colored relief prints with heavy black outlines are magnificent, and children will enjoy the comically expressive pictures of the animals before and after their attempt to extract the plane. The text is minimal; it's the illustrations that are the draw here."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: "Rohmann tells most of the story through bold, expressive relief prints....This gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings."
5. CONNECTIONS
*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion on the elements of friendship, this is a book that encourages sharing, acceptance, determination, problem solving, and creativity. You could ask open-ended questions during this discussion. Do you think Rabbit was a good friend? Why or why not? Do you think Mouse was a good friend? Why or why not? How do you feel about sharing toys with your friends? If you accidentally got a friend’s toy stuck in a tree, how would you try to get it down?
*Gather other books written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann, winner of the 2003 Caldecott award:
Rohmann, Eric. TIME FLIES. ISBN 0517885550
Rohmann, Eric. THE CINDER-EYED CATS. ISBN 0517708965
*Other books for children about mischievous characters:
Rey, H. A. CURIOUS GEORGE. ISBN 039515023X
Dr. Seuss. THE CAT IN THE HAT. ISBN 039480001X
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