If you’re a regular visitor to Linda’s Book Bag, you’ll know how impressed I am by EK Books for children and so it’s my pleasure to review another of their books, Two Rabbits by Larissa Ferenchuk and Prue Pittock

Two Rabbits is published today, 13th February 2024 by EK Books and is available for purchase here.

Two Rabbits

In Two Rabbits, Little Brown Rabbit and Little Grey Rabbit have had an argument. As they go their separate ways into the night, the wind whispers around them to remind them of their sharp words. Will they be able to come back together and find a way to save their friendship?

The story portrays the physical and emotional journey of two best friends as they experience feelings of anger, sadness and loneliness. Young readers will learn that friendship can overcome differences and disagreements.

My Review of Two Rabbits

Two rabbit friends have fallen out.

This is an utterly charming story of two rabbit friends who fall out that is perfect for young children. It’s deceptively simple so that vocabulary and meaning are easily grasped, but at the same time it presents an emotional depth that will help children understand their own responses from a familiar scenario of falling out. Whilst the rabbits are angry with one another, what Two Rabbits does is to show how we can be affected by our own actions just as much as the words and actions of others. Sometimes we lash out, albeit here at an apple and a dandelion, because we are sad and lonely just as much as angry. This gives parents, teachers and carers the opportunity to discuss emotional intelligence, and the positivity of being kind, in an accessible manner as they share the story of Two Rabbits. And because the two rabbits resolve their differences, there’s an opportunity for children who have fallen out to copy their positive behaviour.

In addition, there are lots of other educational uses for Two Rabbits. Using the map in the end papers, children can practice reading new words, for example, or perhaps they can increase numeracy through counting the cats and possums the two rabbits see, or the dots on Little Grey Rabbit’s dress or the flowers on that of Little Brown Rabbit. I can envisage active responses such as stomping in physical education or simple drama as children act out the story.

The illustrations in Two Rabbits are quite wonderful. I loved the way the dark and light in the pictures reflect the emotions. There’s a naïve style that is perfect for the target audience and the facial expressions on the rabbits mirror the text brilliantly. Indeed, in common with all EK children’s books I’ve encountered, this one has superb physical attributes with high quality pages and covers.

Two Rabbits is a lovely book that I highly recommend, especially if you have a child in your life who struggles with friendship and emotions. It’s also a strong reminder to adults that being kind makes us feel far happier than throwing hurtful phrases at others! Not to be missed.

About Larissa Ferenchuk

Larissa Ferenchuk is a writer who loves all things magical and whimsical. She lives in Adelaide, Australia with her husband, three children and one very lovely Little Grey Rabbit. Two Rabbits is her debut picture book.

Larissa also works in a Preschool and loves spending her days with the very imaginative 4 and 5-year-old children there.

For further information, visit Larissa’s website. You’ll also find Larissa on Facebook.

About Prue Pittock

Prue Pittock started in advertising and illustrated and designed album covers. Since then she has illustrated 8 picture books. In 2020 she was shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award.

For further information, visit Prue’s website or find her on Instagram and Facebook.