On the Other Side of the Forest
Nadine Robert and Gérard Dubois
Greystone Kids

Arthur a little rabbit, and his dad live with their dog Danton on a small farm in a forest clearing. No one goes into the dark menacing forest ,but Arthur’s dad, who doesn’t believe in the tales of such things as ogres residing therein, is keen to find out what lies beyond the forest. so, he thinks hard, comes up with a plan and starts putting it into action. He takes the wheat they have stored, grinds it into grain and bakes dozens of round loaves.

The following morning locals from the community start stopping by and Dad rabbit offers them each a loaf in exchange for four large stones. With the stones amassed Dad and Arthur start building a tower sufficiently tall that they can see beyond the trees.

Many days of work ensue but then a fierce storm knocks over all their hard work. Dad rabbit though is asleep exhausted and is unaware of the destruction. Meanwhile something wonderful is taking place: the community of rabbits join forces and rebuild the tower twice as tall as it was before. On waking Dad rabbit immediately starts baking again – lots of loaves are made, lots more stones are added to the tower and lots of hard work is done until at last the tower is complete.

Dad, little rabbit and Danton dog are the first to climb up to the top and what a surprise they get …

With its direct telling the story has a folk-tale feel about it and Dubois’ illustrations are a blend of vintage and modern elements and show the rural setting and the collaborative tower-building process. Hmmm! You can almost smell the aroma of bread baking as you read the book.