Product Description

'The rabbits came many grandparents ago. They built houses, made roads, had children. They cut down trees. A whole continent of rabbits...' THE RABBITS offers a rich and immensely valuable perspective on the effect of man on his environment. Visually loaded and told with a passion for truth and understanding, THE RABBITS aims to promote cultural awareness and a sense of caring for the natural world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #373095 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.08 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-8-An allegorical picture book about ecological and cultural destruction, illustrated with remarkable and highly stylized art. Small, reddish-brown armadillo/numbatlike creatures describe what happens when newcomers arrive in their homeland-"The rabbits came many grandparents ago…." Their numbers and technology take over, with devastating effects: "Sometimes we had fights, but there were too many rabbits.… They chopped down our trees and scared away our friends… and stole our children." In the end, the land is devastated and the animals wonder, "Who will save us from the rabbits?" The brief, bleak text is simple, and its message fairly obvious, but it is the stunning ink, oil, and wash artwork that adds complexity and the visual experience of a culture and landscape being overrun. The sharp-angled, streamlined white rabbits in formal suits and uniforms start out the same size as their rounded unclothed compatriots, but soon take over the foreground in ever-expanding size. The tiny innocent smokestack of their first vehicle and the predatory prow of their massively looming ship become the ominous portent of mechanization that runs amok. Though aspects of both illustrations and text make the parable particularly pertinent to Australia, the nonspecific language and highly stylized art are easily generalized and parallels can be drawn to any study of colonial history. The story's point of view provides a clear understanding of, and unsentimental empathy with, the experience of indigenous cultures, while its extraordinary art offers a thought-provoking, powerful look at a land and people overwhelmed.-Nancy Palmer, The Little School, Bellevue, WA
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About the Author
John Marsden is one of the most popular writers of young adult fiction. His books have sold more than three million copies worldwide and he has won or been shortlisted for every major award for children's and young adult literature in Australia, including CBCA Children's Book of the Year and Picture Book of the Year, the National Book Award and numerous others. After more than thirty books he is arguably one of the best known and most respected novelists for young adults. He lives near Melbourne, where he is Principal of Candlebark School. Shaun Tan grew up in the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. He graduated from the University of WA in 1995 with joint honours in Fine Arts and English Literature, and currently works full time as a freelance artist and author. He lives in Melbourne with his partner Inari Kiuru and a small yellow parrot. Shaun began drawing and painting images for science fiction and horror stories in small-press magazines as a teenager, and has since become best known for illustrated books that deal with social, political and historical subjects through surreal, dream-like imagery.