Review: MY FRIEND RABBIT by Eric Rohmann

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Rohmann, Eric. 2002. My Friend Rabbit. New York: Roaring Brook. ISBN 031236752X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
When Mouse allows his mischievous friend Rabbit to play with his new airplane, it gets stuck in a tree. The resourceful Rabbit calls upon the help of several animal friends to help rescue the plane. However, the plan only leads to more trouble when the animals tumble down on top of each other during the rescue mission. In the end, the two friends, Rabbit and Mouse, set off for adventure again, and once again trouble follows.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Rohmann’s simple, colorful illustrations of the animals in this book reflect the expression and action of the story. From the worried look on the two friends faces when the plane first gets stuck, through the confused expressions of the animals being carried in, to the angry faces of those same animals after they have fallen, Rohmann actively engages the reader in this funny story of a well-intentioned Rabbit and his very patient, loyal friend, Mouse.

The bold outline of each page and dark lines that outline the illustrations provide a framework of contrast which further enhances the boldness of the illustrations. The dark dotted path of the airplane as it heads into the tree demonstrates the haphazardness of Rabbit’s actions further underscoring the fact that “whatever he does, wherever he goes, trouble follows.”

The story itself has the element of repetition for youngsters to connect the beginning to the end. The pages on which there are no words allow children to use their imaginations to infer what is happening and talk about the action in their own language.

Overall, Rohmann tells a beautiful story about the friendship between the impulsive Rabbit and his patient friend, Mouse. It shows a wonderful example of how a successful friendship is based on loyalty and forgiveness.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The double-page, hand-colored relief prints with heavy black outlines are magnificent… The text is minimal; it's the illustrations that are the draw here.”
BOOKLIST review: “Tremendous physical humor delivers a gentle lesson about accepting friends as they are.”

5. CONNECTIONS
My Friend Rabbit can be used to help young children develop language skills by allowing them the opportunity to “fill in the blanks” and talk about the actions and feelings of the animals. In fact, this book has quickly become the new favorite of my two year old as he loves to describe the pictures and add his own words to the wordless pages.

The book lends itself to many lessons on good character such as; patience (Mouse sticks with his friend through the troubles), responsibility (Rabbit takes the responsibility for getting the plane done), and loyalty (Mouse rescues Rabbit from the angry animals).