Rabbits reproduce quickly, as most adults know. That’s the premise of this picture book.
Too Many Rabbits, written by prolific Italian author, Davide Cali and illustrated by Emanuele Benetti, is translated by Angus Yuen-Killick.
The story begins with a simple request.
Two children want a pet rabbit. When Dad takes them to the pet store, there’s a two-for-one special on, and he can’t ignore a great deal.
They leave with two rabbits. You can probably guess what happens next.
Before long there are lots of little rabbits. The situation escalates dramatically, and soon there are simply too many rabbits!
They cause chaos, eating the furniture, and leaving ‘chocolate eggs’ everywhere.
Giving away the rabbits seems the best solution, so they are gradually distributed. Kids will be able to count along as they are given away … one to a juggler, two to the neighbours, three to a musician. And on it goes, all the way up to twenty. At that point, there is not a single rabbit left for the family to keep as a pet.
The illustrations are two-tone. Black and white, with a splash of orange. It’s the animals who are coloured, making it easy to spot them. Rabbits become bowling pins and golfers, and even invade the museum. Orange is soon everywhere.
Too Many Rabbits is packed with plenty to keep readers busy with animal antics, counting, and more. The visual humour is great, with one of my favourites being the costumed rabbit at the top of a Christmas tree.
Too Many Rabbits is a ready reminder that one plus one can sometimes lead to much more than two. Be prepared for laughter, and perhaps a few curly questions.
Title: Too Many Rabbits
Author: Davide Cali
Illustrator: Emanuele Benetti
Publisher: Red Comet Press, $ 27.99
Publication Date: August 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781636550541
For ages: 3+
Type:
Picture Book
