Rabbityness

K-Gr 3—In this deceptively simple tale, Rabbit likes hopping, jumping, twirling his whiskers, and washing his ears just like all rabbits, but he also enjoys unrabbity things. With paint brush held between his ears and another one between his paws, he leaves vibrant bursts of color in his wake. With his wonderful horn, he fills the air with music to the delight of wide-eyed birds. The other black rabbits share his happiness in a woods full of color and music, until one day Rabbit disappears. The gray woods are quiet, and Rabbit's dark hole beckons his sorrowing friends. In that deep, dim place they find Rabbit's legacy-paints and brushes and musical instruments. They think of him, and in time they, too, fill the world with color and music. Stunningly conceived, Epson's black rabbits cavort against white spaces, experience happiness as well as loss, and ultimately claim Rabbit's gifts. The mystery of his disappearance may speak to the sadness children feel when friends or family go away without explanation. Perhaps they will also find gifts left behind that will make their world a better place. This story will grow richer with each reading and will resonate in hearts and minds for years to come.—Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN