Children's Fiction Death & Dying
The Flat Rabbit
- Publisher
- Owlkids Books Inc.
- Initial publish date
- Sep 2014
- Category
- Death & Dying, Friendship, Emotions & Feelings
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781771471077
- Publish Date
- Sep 2014
- List Price
- $9.99
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 4 to 18
- Grade: p to 4
Description
When a dog and a rat come upon a rabbit flattened on the road in their neighborhood, they contemplate her situation, wondering what they should do to help her. They decide it can't be much fun to lie there: she should be moved. But how? And to where? Finally, the dog comes up with an inspired, and unique, idea and they work together through the night to make it happen. Once finished, they can't be positive, but they think they have done their best to help the flat rabbit get somewhere better than the middle of the road where they found her.
Sparely told with simple artwork, The Flat Rabbit treats the concept of death with a sense of compassion and gentle humor – and a note of practicality. In the end, the dog and the rat's caring, thoughtful approach results in an unusual yet perfect way to respect their departed friend.
About the author
Bardur Oskarsson is a Faroese children’s writer, illustrator, and artist. He has won several literary awards, and his works have been translated into Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic, French, German, and English.
Awards
- A Brain Pickings Best Picture Book of 2014
- Booklist Editors' Choice
- A 100 Scope Notes Wildest Children's Book of 2014
- Long-listed, Cybils Awards, Picture Book Category
Excerpt: The Flat Rabbit (by (author) Bárdur Oskarsson)
"Good grief! Would you look at her!" said the rat when she spotted the rabbit.
"Um... yes. I was just wondering what she was doing there," replied the dog, a bit startled. It had been so quiet until the rat came along.
"She is totally flat," said the rat. For a while they just stood there looking at her.
"Do you know her?"
"Well," said the dog, "I think she's from number 34. I've never talked to her, but I peed on the gate a couple of times, so we've definitely met."
Editorial Reviews
"Honest, secular books for children about death are rare indeed... The Flat Rabbit has joined this short list. I'm glad I gave it another chance."
The Cath in the Hat blog
"Run, don't walk, to get a look at [The] Flat Rabbit. Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street ... The text and the artwork, which are deadpan (pun intended) and charming, are open to many interpretations."
Hicklebee's Bookstore, San Jose, CA
"A very fun, silly tone despite the subject matter."
Unshelved
"I was touched... when shared one on one, this story will resonate with readers of all ages."
Resource Links
“A jumping-off point to explore death and compassion.”
100 Scope Notes
"A masterwork of minimalist storytelling... full of quiet wit and wistful wonder."
Brain Pickings
"It's unusually corporeal ... but it's this very tactile wrestling with death that feels so honest."
Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
"As perfectly, honestly childlike in its approach as Margaret Wise Brown and Remy Charlip's classic The Dead Bird, this title should provoke both thought and discussion."
Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW
"A quietly profound new picture book"
New York Times
"Refreshing and possibly even comforting."
Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
