Thursday, April 12, 2018

The Rabbit and the Shadow by Mélanie Rutten from Eerdmans Publishing [Review and Giveaway]

My thoughts: This is a charming "chapter" book for early readers. It is also a picture book. I like that publishers and authors are beginning to divide picture book stories into segments or "chapters" which enable a child to learn to break out the story into prescribed sections or portions. 

Mélanie Rutten uses her dual talents of drawing and painting coupled with top notch storytelling to share a woodlands creatures story of growing up and all that it encompasses. Originally published in France under the title of L'ombre de chacun, the story explores the complexities of growing up, meeting others, dreaming of things to come, overcoming problems, and simply adjusting to life as it comes at us.


Rabbit is left at the door of Stag and become parent and child. The story is tender and flows with a gentle beauty. As Rabbit grows he branches out and discovers new acquaintances - Soldier and Cat. They sort of band together and begin their meanderings and discoveries. This branching out to have friendships outside the parental bond is primary to ultimate maturity and departure from the security of the home. The necessity of understanding the differences of others and their and your goals in life is also part of the maturation process.


This journey of Rabbit with his friends explores the volcanoes of life that explode upon the scene and of which we are afraid, and the darkness of the nights of our existence. All are fears to be overcome.


The illustrations are done in sweeping line drawings and vivid water colors. Strong yet somewhat whimsical.


While there are complexities to the story, it can be read as simply a sweet story of Rabbit venturing forth. No need to explain the deeper thoughts and intent of the author. Just read it and enjoy. Or..... peruse some philosophical musings.


About the book: An imaginative story about growing up and growing together


Three strangers meet in the forest, each on their own quest: the cat is looking for his ball, the angry soldier is searching for peace, and the rabbit is learning how to grow up. They decide to hike to the top of a volcano together, and along the journey they help each other confront their own fears and insecurities. Though the paths they take are bumpy and tangled, eventually they all man-age to find just what they’re looking for.


Perfect for fans of the Frog and the Toad series, this stunning ensemble book offers a coming-of-age tale about fear, dreams, journeys, and family.

~ GIVEAWAY ~
Begins April 12
Ends May 4 at 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Eerdmans Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

11 comments:

  1. "(1) What young readers book would you like to have?" "Plume" by Isabelle Simler.

    "(2) What Young Readers book would you like to see reviewed here on Chat With Vera?" "The Little Barbarian" by Renato Moriconi.

    ReplyDelete
  2. (1) What young readers book would you like to have? Grandfather Whisker's Table By Eun-Jeong Jo, Bimba Landmann

    (2) What Young Readers book would you like to see reviewed here on Chat With Vera?
    Lion, King, and Coin By Jeong-Hee Nam, Lucia Sforza

    ReplyDelete
  3. THE ART work on that is just amazing ...so eye catching

    ReplyDelete
  4. like to have - Mom There's at Bear at the Door
    Review - Animal Beauty

    ReplyDelete
  5. 1) Soldier Bear
    2) I lay my stitches down

    ReplyDelete
  6. would gladly pass this on to my 'little cousins'!

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1. I'd like to have their book Plume.
    2. I'd like for you to review - and give away - their book When a Wolf is Hungry.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  8. 1. I'll Root For You by Wolf Erbruch and Edward Van De Vendel. It looks like a book that touch on team spirit and encourages trying.
    2. I'd like you to review the book, Mom, There's a Bear at the Door by Sabine Lipon and Manuela Olten. It looks like an exciting book, and I want to know what happens.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the detail art work in this book. It's like it has a warmth to it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What young readers book would you like to have? The Call of the Swamp
    What Young Readers book would you like to see reviewed here on Chat With Vera? Plume

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here at Chat With Vera. If you need to contact me directly, please use the email associated with this blog and posted in the sidebar.