Jackrabbit
Written by Jonathan London
Illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray
Published by Crown Publishers, NY in 1996
Genre: realistic fiction
Ages: grades K-3
Summary: A jackrabbit is left behind and scared when she cannot keep up with her mother. A woman walking through the woods finds the frightened rabbit and cares for her just as her mother would have. The rabbit becomes a good pet, but after some time passes, her wild instincts become apparent and the woman knows she must let the rabbit go back into the wild where she belongs, no matter how much she may miss her. Later, the woman sees the rabbit in the wild and notices that she had a family of her own now and has adapted well to the life for which she was created. Both the woman and the jackrabbit have fond memories of the time they spent together even after they have both gone on with their respective lives.
Response: I chose to read this particular picture book because I have always loved rabbits. Although I never had one as a pet when I was a child, I have always loved their long ears and soft fur, therefore, a book about rabbits will always peak my curiosity.
The illustrations in this novel are very good and detail the country setting of the work. Although they are not as exceptional as some illustrations, they follow the story very well and add to the imagery in readers' minds. They are mostly in deep yellows and oranges; none of the colors are remarkably bright. I love the illustration in of the kitchen, because here the illustrator pays such careful attention to detail, that readers can read the grocery list, party invitation, and schedule of the homeowners posted on the refrigerator. Thin, wispy lines are used throughout these illustrations, which makes it easy to see the effort the author put into her illustrations. Additionally, the illustrations are all double-page spreads, which show lots of action. Although I am not positive, I believe the medium used was watercolor.
This book teaches about being kind to creatures in nature, caring for pets, and knowing when to let go. The later lesson is the hardest for us all, however, knowledge of this can help children cope with anxieties over loses of their own pets. There is also some information about the particular foods rabbits eat and how wild animals are not meant to be pets due to their wild tendencies.
Teaching Connections: A teacher could ask students about their pets. The class could also discuss the difference between wild and domesticated animals and which ones make good pets and why.
After reading this novel, the class could learn more about Jackrabbits and students could make a short presentation about a particular animal, its abilities to be or not to be a good pet, and general facts about the animal.
Written by Jonathan London
Illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray
Published by Crown Publishers, NY in 1996
Genre: realistic fiction
Ages: grades K-3
Summary: A jackrabbit is left behind and scared when she cannot keep up with her mother. A woman walking through the woods finds the frightened rabbit and cares for her just as her mother would have. The rabbit becomes a good pet, but after some time passes, her wild instincts become apparent and the woman knows she must let the rabbit go back into the wild where she belongs, no matter how much she may miss her. Later, the woman sees the rabbit in the wild and notices that she had a family of her own now and has adapted well to the life for which she was created. Both the woman and the jackrabbit have fond memories of the time they spent together even after they have both gone on with their respective lives.
Response: I chose to read this particular picture book because I have always loved rabbits. Although I never had one as a pet when I was a child, I have always loved their long ears and soft fur, therefore, a book about rabbits will always peak my curiosity.
The illustrations in this novel are very good and detail the country setting of the work. Although they are not as exceptional as some illustrations, they follow the story very well and add to the imagery in readers' minds. They are mostly in deep yellows and oranges; none of the colors are remarkably bright. I love the illustration in of the kitchen, because here the illustrator pays such careful attention to detail, that readers can read the grocery list, party invitation, and schedule of the homeowners posted on the refrigerator. Thin, wispy lines are used throughout these illustrations, which makes it easy to see the effort the author put into her illustrations. Additionally, the illustrations are all double-page spreads, which show lots of action. Although I am not positive, I believe the medium used was watercolor.
This book teaches about being kind to creatures in nature, caring for pets, and knowing when to let go. The later lesson is the hardest for us all, however, knowledge of this can help children cope with anxieties over loses of their own pets. There is also some information about the particular foods rabbits eat and how wild animals are not meant to be pets due to their wild tendencies.
Teaching Connections: A teacher could ask students about their pets. The class could also discuss the difference between wild and domesticated animals and which ones make good pets and why.
After reading this novel, the class could learn more about Jackrabbits and students could make a short presentation about a particular animal, its abilities to be or not to be a good pet, and general facts about the animal.
(Image retrieved from http://www.bookdepot.com/images/large/isbn978999/9789999990714-l.jpg on 19 April 2008)
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