Those Pesky Rabbits
Ciara Flood
Templar Publishing
Bear has always lived a life of solitude, chopping wood, indulging himself with all manner of honey-based delights and relaxing with a good book – one of the hundreds from his extensive library. So, when he discovers that a large family of rabbits has had the audacity to build a house right next door he is far from pleased.. His chagrin quickly turns to fury as the rabbits knock on his door, asking first for honey to bake a cake, then his assistance with wood chopping, an offer to swap books 

and an invitation to do a spot of star gazing. One has to admit those leporine characters are pretty persistent in their overtures. Bear is having none of it however and eventually roars “I want to be left alone!” and he is – for a while anyway. Life returns to peachiness for our ursine grump but then one day he discovers a basket on his doorstep with a note attached …

This triggers a thawing in the heart of Bear (despite the chilly weather.) Not only does loneliness come upon him, but he also reaches out to the rabbits

and thus begins a new, and altogether more enjoyable, way of life for all concerned.

This is one of those books that really tugs at the heartstrings. Even grumpy old bear is such a lovable character despite his threatening demeanour when those adorable rabbits come a-calling. Then there’s that bit-part mouse whose silent presence adds visual humour to every scene. In fact, the telling, both visual and verbal is pretty near perfect in every respect. Don’t miss this one. My young audiences have loved it. Here’s one immediate response:

Use your local bookshop