Hodder Children’s Books ISBN 9781444934267 £9.99
This second outing for the lovable duo Rabbit and Bear is a testament to the success of their creation. In this adventure, Rabbit wakes to the start of spring in a decidedly grumpy mood. Every sound grates and irritates because, ‘peace and quiet,’ shouts Rabbit, ‘that’s all I want.’ Thus bear’s snoring, the appearance of Tortoise in his burrow and the arrival of a very busy woodpecker high in the trees pushes him to the very brink. In amongst the myriad slapstick moments which happen to Rabbit, what wisdom can Bear offer her fizzing friend? This delightfully humorous book with its brilliant monochrome and green illustrations on every page, is the perfect transition from picture books to more substantial reading for newly independent readers. Its themes of friendship, tolerance and how a different perspective can enhance understanding are universal and increasingly relevant in classrooms where even our youngest pupils sometimes have anger management issues.
Sue Barrett, retired teacher and lecturer
