Robber Rabbit
Lucy Rowland and Alessandro Montagnana
Scholastic

A woodland glen is home to lots of different creatures – squirrels, badgers, mice, hedgehogs and more. One day a little rabbit, seeking a home decides to move into the large tree and make it his own. Then one day a big wind blows through the woods sweeping away all the berries and seeds till the only food remaining is on and around Rabbit’s home tree. Needless to say Rabbit is delighted but despite the plethora of tasty treats he refuses to share it, leaving the other animals with rumbling tummies.
Rabbit cooks and eats all day until bedtime but then his sleep is suddenly broken and he finds himself shouting, “Something is wrong! The others are hungry. They’ll think I’m rude! …” Up he leaps concerned that they’ll come and steal it. The following morning the greedy Rabbit builds a tall barricade around his trees

and even though that evening he is aware of the other creatures’ needs, he still maintains that he’s been fair.

Next day Rabbit’s mood is different and he is surprised at how quiet it is around his home. Some days later a realisation dawns and Rabbit shouts an apology and offers food to all his woodland friends. Only a single bird hears and Rabbit enlists its help. Off flies the tiny bird and come the morning, it finds Rabbit’s pals. At midday loud crashing and banging disturbs Rabbit’s lunch preparations; he grabs his spade and off he goes to join the others busily destroying the surrounding wall, after which he invites them all in to share a feast.

At last Rabbit has learned a vital life lesson, or may be more than one …

With its final flap reveal, this rhyming story has an important message, not just for the protagonist but for us all.