School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-This French import features a baby rabbit, deposited on a doorstep; a stag who adopts him; an angry soldier with a secret; a cat who can't finish a recurring dream; an inquisitive book; and a bear, who also appears as a shadow. The first of 10 episodes portrays the tenderness and laughter that develop between the stag and rabbit. Eventually, readers sense that with love comes fear of the pain of separation. The stag worries about the rabbit growing up and leaving, and the rabbit contemplates being alone when the stag dies, although he is comforted by the image of the Great Bear that "danced around her little one and watched over him" in the sky. When Rabbit is rescued from a hole and hauled off by the solider, guardian and child each grapple with their feelings. During the journey, the rabbit and soldier are joined by the other characters; as the group encounters new experiences and participates in the push-and-pull of multiple interactions-listening and fighting and forgiving-they learn more about themselves and one another. Ultimately, Stag and Rabbit enjoy a loving reunion. Rutten's expressive watercolor-and-ink compositions vary from two or more close-up vignettes on a page to a lush, expressionistic, Eden-esque landscape covering three-quarters of a spread. Here, the addition of reds and pinks contrasts with darker scenes. VERDICT At 56 pages, this circuitous, introspective narrative is probably best appreciated by children with "old souls" inclined to ponder big -questions.-Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
At the heart of this many-stranded tale by Belgian author-artist Rutten is the love shared by the Stag and the Rabbit. Like all guardians, the Stag knows that the Rabbit may someday leave, and he does, though not on purpose: the Rabbit is corralled by a small, angry Soldier. Soon after, they meet a Cat who dreams of a house "full of laughter and light." As the three journey, Rabbit consoles himself at night with the story Stag told him about the Great Bear who dances in the sky. When the three notice a threatening-looking shadow among the trees, Rabbit is the only one who isn't scared, as he recognizes the Great Bear herself. Rutten's simply drawn vignettes glow with an otherworldly stained-glass light. She follows each of the story's characters to a new place. The Soldier reveals a secret, the Cat finishes his dream, and a friendly Book helps to reunite the Stag and the Rabbit. Rabbit's adventures explore the pain of separation and the struggle to be true to oneself. What is the one thing, Rutten asks, that we're not willing to give up? Ages 5-9. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
