"Rabbit Hill" by Robert Lawson

APA Citation:

     Lawson, R. (1944). Rabbit hill. N.Y., N.Y.: Puffin
            Books.

Summary:
(Newberry Book)

   I really enjoyed this book because it allows the reader to imagine what life is like for animals and what they may think of humans.  It is well-written and the illustrations are beautifully sketched with great detail. 

Exposition:  All the animals on Rabbit Hill are buzzing with excitement because new people are coming to live in the big house.  They wonder if these people will be good people with a great garden full of yummy vegetables and Kentucky Blue grass.  They are hoping for the best.  Yet, they can also be like people in the past who have had vicious dogs, traps, poisons and guns.

Conflict: The animals on Rabbit Hill are worried that the new people coming will be bad.

Climax:  Little Georgie ,a rabbit, gets hit by a vehicle and his family think that the people from the big house may harm him even more because they took him into their house.  Uncle Analdas is sure that the people are holding Georgie hostage.

Falling Action:  Uncle Analdas is organizing a group of animals to retalliate agains the people in the big house.

Resolution:  The animals notice a statue of St. Fancis of Assisi.  Below its feet was a feast of food from the garden and a fresh pool of drinking water.  The sign stated that there was enough food for all.  The animals of rabbit hill partake of the food.  Georgie sees them and rushes out to greet them.  Everyone is happy because the people in the bigh house are good and willing to share their food.  The animals decide to protect the people's garden.  Neighbors near by do not understand how their new neighbors never have problems with animals destroying their garden.

Literary Elements:

     Dialogue: The conversation held between the animal brings their characters to life.  The reader can connect to them and begin to see them as human.  The reader is able to empathize with the animals.  One is able to understand their fear and feel their excitement about the new people coming.  Their conversations are comparable to that of what human families may discuss.

     Characterization:  Robert Lawson gives each animal a distinct personality.  The reader falls in love with Uncle Analdus because he is old, wise, and a little bit of a hell- raiser.  He loves his family and will not allow any humans to bring any of them harm and get away with it.  While Little Georgie is full of energy and very curious. 

My Rating:   Thumbs up!