Two Rabbits by Larissa Ferenchuk, illustrated by Prue Pittock (EK Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781922539656

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

One-night, Little Grey Rabbit and Little Brown Rabbit have an argument. Their harsh words are ‘carried along by the wind’. The two rabbits stomp away in opposite directions. In their fury and sadness, it is hard for them to find joy even in their favourite places. As loneliness sets in, the wind whispers words of harmony. The two rabbits run towards each other. They each apologise and admit that they make mistakes. Their gentle words are ‘carried along by the wind’.

Larissa Ferenchuk’s simple story features an all-too-familiar situation for many kids aged four to eight: a blow-up between best buddies. Rather than bounding blindly along the road to anger, the two rabbits soon realise that forgiveness is the best path to follow. While the wind reminds the protagonists to ‘be kind’, it is only when the two rabbits choose compassion over contempt that their friendship is mended.

Although Prue Pittock’s illustrations are largely two-dimensional, she deftly applies linework to develop density and movement across the pages. Just a few dots and dashes on the rabbits’ faces is all it takes to reveal to readers the deepest of feelings. Stormy grey skies echo the tempestuous emotions below; a warm pink dawn embraces the rabbits’ reconciliation.

Fixing a broken bond is never easy, but Two Rabbits encourages youngsters to take responsibility for their words and actions and make amends when another person has been hurt. This is conflict resolution on a small scale, a skill that no doubt will come in handy as kids hop into adulthood.

Two Rabbits

Two Rabbits by Larissa Ferenchuck and Prue Pittock (EK Books) To be released February 2024.

 Brown Rabbit and Little Grey Rabbit have had an argument. As they go their separate ways into the night, the wind whispers around them to remind them of their sharp words. Will they be able to come back together and find a way to save their friendship?

The story portrays the physical and emotional journey of two best friends as they experience feelings of anger, sadness, and loneliness. Young readers will learn that friendship can overcome differences and disagreements.

Isla’s Family Tree

Isla’s Family Tree by Katrina McKelvey, illustrated by Prue Pittock (EK Books) RRP HB $24.99 ISBN 9781925820379

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Isla’s Family Tree is a heart-warming tale about a little girl coming to terms with her growing family. Isla is not happy about the thought of a baby brother or sister. She believes that her family of three is already full and is convinced that there is no room for the sibling that is about to join them. Heavily pregnant mum explains that families keep growing and changing and helps Isla to visualise this by making a family tree with her.

The tree starts with Grandma and Grandad represented by the trunk. They continue on, making branches for her cousins’ families while discussing the diversity within them (one family includes an adopted child and the other with a same-sex couple). Finally, they discuss their own family and mum drops a surprise for Isla. While mum is in hospital Isla has some thinking time of her own and comes up with a plan to keep themselves as a family of three.

The beautifully simple illustrations, created in single and double page spreads, make use of a limited colour palette of pink, red, orange and black which contrast nicely with the vast white background. I’m also a big fan of endpapers and these orange ones don’t disappoint.

Isla’s Family Tree is ultimately a story of love, acceptance and belonging and is suitable for children aged 5+ years.

Isla’s Family Tree

Isla’s Family Tree by Katrina McKelvey, Prue Pittock (EK Books)

RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781925820379

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

McKelvey has written a book that sensitively explores family, belonging and change with such heart and warmth. This story links family trees to the addition of new babies entering a family and where they belong within a family.

Isla created family trees for her family and her Aunt’s families on her Mum’s side to learn about where she belongs in her own family and her new baby brothers. This helped her see that just as trees grow and change, so do families. Isla at first thought that the new babies could each go into her aunt’s families as her own family tree was full. But once her brothers arrived, Isla knew that they really did belong in her own family. She then made room for her brothers to fit on the family tree that she had made. Isla saw that change happens in all families.

I particularly like the dialogue which allows the story to speak simply and clearly to a child. Katrina’s use of questioning allows the child protagonist to think and discover for herself not only her place within her family but her new baby brothers, too. This is supported beautifully with thought bubbles. Isla draws upon her own memories and feelings during the story. I can see this book being a springboard for children drawing or making their own family trees.  

I love the simplicity of the illustrations and the clever use of white space as the background for each spread. The use of simple line work and patterns allows the visual story to add multiple layers of meaning to the text. The family trees show how they are all linked. This visually speaks volumes to a child. The limited colour palette allows the characters and their activities to shine without cluttering the story.

This is a story that will be enjoyed by children 3-8 years from all sorts of diverse families. It will be well received by families and schools. It is a good fit within the school curriculum and will be a great resource for teachers, too.by Katrina McKelvey, Prue Pittock (EK Books)

RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781925820379

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

McKelvey has written a book that sensitively explores family, belonging and change with such heart and warmth. This story links family trees to the addition of new babies entering a family and where they belong within a family.

Isla created family trees for her family and her Aunt’s families on her Mum’s side to learn about where she belongs in her own family and her new baby brothers. This helped her see that just as trees grow and change, so do families. Isla at first thought that the new babies could each go into her aunt’s families as her own family tree was full. But once her brothers arrived, Isla knew that they really did belong in her own family. She then made room for her brothers to fit on the family tree that she had made. Isla saw that change happens in all families.

I particularly like the dialogue which allows the story to speak simply and clearly to a child. Katrina’s use of questioning allows the child protagonist to think and discover for herself not only her place within her family but her new baby brothers, too. This is supported beautifully with thought bubbles. Isla draws upon her own memories and feelings during the story. I can see this book being a springboard for children drawing or making their own family trees.  

I love the simplicity of the illustrations and the clever use of white space as the background for each spread. The use of simple line work and patterns allows the visual story to add multiple layers of meaning to the text. The family trees show how they are all linked. This visually speaks volumes to a child. The limited colour palette allows the characters and their activities to shine without cluttering the story.

This is a story that will be enjoyed by children 3-8 years from all sorts of diverse families. It will be well received by families and schools. It is a good fit within the school curriculum and will be a great resource for teachers, too.