Little Rabbit's Christmas
It is Christmas Eve and Little Rabbit sees the perfect gift in a shop window: a lovely red sled. “All I really want is a sled. Then I would be happy,” he tells his parents before bed.
On Christmas morning the red sled is waiting for Little Rabbit, courtesy of the Christmas Rabbit. Little Rabbit cannot wait to try it out and show it off to his friends. Everyone begs him for a turn, and Little Rabbit goes off in a huff to sled alone. But when a fast hill and a frozen stream spell trouble for Little Rabbit, he quickly learns the value of friendship.
Young readers will relate to Little Rabbit’s latest predicament as he navigates a tricky situation and copes with complex feelings while learning an important lesson about sharing. Harry Horse’s colorful and buoyant illustrations vividly bring to life the indomitable hero in this gently reassuring story.
Author & Illustrator
Harry Horse wrote and illustrated many books for children, including the popular Little Rabbit picture books and the novels The Last Polar Bears, The Last Castaways, The Last Cowboys, and The Last Gold Diggers. He was also a political cartoonist for several national newspapers in the United Kingdom. He died in 2007.
You can visit Harry Horse’s website here.
Reviews
“The joy of this book is in its delightful visual and textual details. Simple and satisfying pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork draws the eye to Little Rabbit's facial expressions, which include childish wonderment, frustration, and bravado. An enchanting holiday treat for all collections.” ―School Library Journal, * STARRED REVIEW *
“The very accessible artwork provides appealing settings, both inside the rabbits' cozy burrow and in the snowy woods outside their home. Brightened with watercolor washes, the ink drawings create expressive characters whose emotions are easy to read. In Little Rabbit, preschoolers will find an everybunny: not quite civilized and sometimes a bit bratty but basically decent and at least wanting to be good.” ―Booklist
“A perfect story of friendship, this selection resounds with a solid message.” ―Books to Borrow Books to Buy
“Charming in every way.” ―The Sunday Plain Dealer
“This book is certain to become a favorite.” ―The Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Young ones can learn with Little Rabbit how much better sharing is than being selfish. A good read to keep on hand...” ―Nashville Parent
“Delivered in such an attractive package, the story's message goes down as easily as a sled bearing a load of good friends.” ―Horn Book
“Exceptionally nuanced illustrations in Horse's signature pen-and-ink and watercolors of an irresistible animal cast turn an obvious lesson about the importance of sharing into an appetizing holiday story.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Beautifully quaint and colorful illustrations help tell the story of Little Rabbit, who more than anything wants a red sled for Christmas. But when he gets his wish, he doesn't want anyone to ride on it. A sweet, gentle lesson about friendship and sharing.” ―Pittsburgh Parent
Awards
Best Children's Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education 2008
CCBC Choices (Seasons and Celebrations) ―Cooperative Children's Book Center 2008
Friends Medallion (special award) ―Virginia Beach Friends School 2007

