Rabbit's Gift

November 26, 2007
Winter has arrived, but Rabbit has gotten lucky: he’s found an extra turnip in the snowy field. Then it dawns on Rabbit that his friend Donkey may not be as fortunate, so he deposits the second turnip on her doorstep. Donkey, in turn, leaves the turnip for Goat, who delivers it to the home of Deer, who generously but unwittingly returns the vegetable to its original owner. Once again Rabbit knows the right thing to do: he brings all the animals together for a small winter feast. The artist’s naif acrylic paintings, rendered in rich, saturated colors, are particularly effective in conveying both the winter chill and the effort involved in paying it forward; Rabbit and Goat push the prized turnip through the snow with their snouts or heads, while the other animals must navigate deep drifts to make their delivery. Shannon and Dronzek (previously paired for White Is for Blueberry
) prove once again that they are likeminded talents, able to tackle a potentially treacly subject with understated earnestness and lyricism. Ages 3-7.

December 1, 2007
PreS-KThis story of sharing and caring for one's neighbors begins as Rabbit goes out to collect food to sustain himself through the coming winter storm. He has some good fortune and decides to give an extra turnip to his friend Donkey. Donkey is away but when she returns home, she finds the turnip and, knowing she has enough to eat, she, too, passes it on. With each consecutive house, the gift is deemed more than enough and eventually makes its way back to Rabbit. He exclaims, "I don't know who to thank].But I know just who to share it with!" This folktale, with versions found in many cultures, is well told and richly illustrated. The appealing acrylic art supports the simple text and enhance the story. This title also includes an author's note and Chinese calligraphy glossary. A terrific seasonal storyhour selection.G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2007
Based on an ancient folktale, this picture book is a gentle story of sharing and friendship. When it begins to snow, Rabbit scurries to collect food and is fortunate to find two turnips. Realizing that one turnip is plenty for his own needs, he decides to share theotherwith Donkey, leaving it at Donkeys door after discovering that Donkey isnt home. Donkey, in turn, leaves the turnip at Goats door. Goat leaves it for Deerwho leaves it for Rabbit, thinking Rabbit hasn't found much food in the deep snow. In the end, Rabbit shares the extra turnip with all three friends. A brief authors note discussingthe source of the tale, which may have originated in China, is followed by four Chinese symbols that represent the animals.Theuncluttered illustrations, many framed in purple to compliment the purple of the turnip, perfectlycapture the action of the story. The expressive faces of the animals are charming, andthe thickly appliedcolorsadd arichness to thepictures that make themseem cozy despite the wintry backdrop.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)