The Owl and the Two Rabbits

September 1, 2019

K-Gr 2-Based on a traditional Inuit story from the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, two rabbit sisters play on the open tundra, despite parental warnings to stay out of the sight lines of hungry predators. Sure enough, their boisterous rock jumping contest catches the attention of an owl who swoops down and snatches them up in his sharp talons. Struggling to take flight with the added weight of both bunnies in tow, the owl topples over. Not willing to heed his wife's advice to "Let one go! We'll have the other!," the greedy bird eventually loses his grip. On the ground and running, the rabbits use a big boulder to thwart the persistent owl's advancement. Once safely hidden among the Arctic willow, the lucky sisters are reunited with their family and reflect on lessons learned. The beauty of the landscape is captured in Cutler's watercolor cartoon illustrations, with glowing orange-yellow sunset backgrounds. Inuk writer Sammurtok's creative retelling brims with suspenseful pacing. VERDICT This cautionary tale is well-suited to read-aloud sharing.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2019
A cautionary tale about rabbit sisters who disobey their parents and find trouble as a result. Even though their parents told them not to play out in the open tundra, two rabbit sisters climb atop rocks on a hillside. Trying to outdo each other in a jumping game, the rabbits soon see a large white owl land in front of them. Its talons are sharp and its belly grumbling. He grabs the two rabbits and won't let go even as he is unable to take flight due to the way they squirm and fight. A comical scene follows as the rabbits work together to throw the owl off balance. The owl's wife coaches her partner from the sky, telling him to let go of one of the rabbit sisters. Luckily for young readers who might be distressed at the thought that the protagonists might be eaten, the owl's greed is overwhelming, and he will not listen to her advice. By sticking together, and believing in themselves, the rabbit sisters hatch an escape plan and learn an important lesson. The dark nature of the tale is mitigated by the style of illustration: Bright pastel colors cover each page, and the soft features of the owl and pink-eared rabbits alleviate some of the tension in the life-and-death struggle. This traditional Inuit story from Nunavut teaches children the importance of parental guidance--with a dash of excitement. (Picture book. 3-7)

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