Humbug Rabbit

Lorna Balian is, in my opinion, one of the best writers and illustrators of children's books we have. She is extremely prolific, and each book she creates in a little jewel within itself. Humbug Rabbit, of all her books, is my favorite. Even though this work presents itself and is perceived as an Easter Story, it is so much more, and can be read year around and still be enjoyed by all. This particular work, Humbug Rabbit is actually two stories in one. We have the "top story" of a Granny getting ready to color Easter Eggs for her grandchildren when they visit on Easter morning. Secondly, we have the "bottom story" of a family of rabbits who live under Granny's house, and I mean way under, getting ready for Easter. The children in the family of rabbits are convinced that their father is actually the Easter Bunny, and talk and deny as he may, he cannot convince his family differently. This is a sweat story, but, just as importantly, it is a well told story and the author's keen sense of humor shines through on each and every page. You, the adult, will actually find yourself laughing out loud. This is a story that not only will the children love, and they do love it, but it is one that adults can appreciate also. It is very, very well crafted. There is a myriad of characters; Granny, the rabbit family, a "devilish cat," a mouse, (good grief, don't forget the mouse!), chickens and (now this is important) the actual Easter Eggs! Even though the story is well written and an absolute delight, it almost holds a secondary position to the wonderful illustrations by Lorna Balian. She has used a rather unique method of telling two tales in one and illustrating it as such. As the story unfolds telling of Granny and the chickens, et al on top of the ground, the bottom half of each page tells the story of the rabbits in their underground home under Granny's house. The two stories run parallel. I cannot say enough about the art work in this one. At first glance one might feel that the illustrations are simple...no, no, no! With each reading of this work you will find more and more details here and there that you did not see in previous readings. Small birds, nests, rocks, roots, decorations, old buildings, critters, and yes, eggs! Each picture, and these pictures cover two pages, is executed perfectly and the artist has done wonder with colors and blends. Even though these are illustrations for children, the reader has a feel that they are actually a part of the two world represented here. It just does not get better than this! This work has been kid, parent, grandparent and teacher tested since at least 1974 and is still around and still enjoyed as much today as when it was first published. Endorsements do not get much better than this. If you buy one book for your child this year, I do recommend that you give close thought to making this one that one. This work is suitable for those children between the ages of three and 101. Don Blankenship The Oza

I grew up reading this book and would look forward to Easter especially so that I could read it. The colors always fascinated me, and the dual story line always hooked me. When I finally grew up, I bought it and have been reading it to kids since then!

I began reading this book to my five children almost 25 years ago. The older ones would listen while I read to the younger ones. Now I read it to my grandson and he loves it as much as the others. It's a wonderful book to read aloud and an equally wonderful book for children to explore themselves. The illustrations take many "looks" before you see everything. It's kept the children in our family engrossed (and quiet) on long car trips for a long time.

My family has owned this book for many years, and we've worn it out. Ms. Balain has written a sweet story in several "layers". The illustrations are just perfect and so detailed. We've loved watching the flowers grow and the birds build their nest and wait for their family to hatch as we turn the pages. All of this in addition to the story of the Rabbit Family below ground and Granny and her grandchildren above ground. You'll love it, too. "The mouse told me so."

THIS DELIGHTFUL STORY OF A GRANDMOTHER PREPARING FOR AN EASTER VISIT FROM HER GRANDCHILDREN IS ACCOMPANIED BY WONDERFUL ILLUSTRATIONS. THERE ARE IN FACT TWO STORIES, ONE BELOW GROUND, AND A SECOND ABOVE GROUND. BELOW GROUND A MOUSE HAS CONVINCED THE RABBIT CHILDREN THAT THEIR FATHER IS THE EASTER BUNNY, A FACT HE REPEATEDLY DENIES TO NO AVAIL. ABOVE GROUND THE CAT IS STEALING THE EGGS FROM THE HEN CONFOUNDING BOTH THE HEN AND GRANNY AND PUTTING INTO JEAPORDAY THE EASTER CELEBRATIONS. HOW THESE STORIES COME TOGETHER WILL PROMPT YOU TO LAUGH OUT LOUD. IN ADDITION AS WE TURN THE PAGES WE WATCH WINTER TURN TO SPRING. SUBTLE CHANGES THROUGHOUT THE DRAWINGS CAUSE YOU TO LINGER OVER THEM LOOKING FOR SURPRISES. OVER THE YEARS I HAVE READ THIS STORY OVER AND OVER ALWAYS WITH PLEASURE AND HAVE PRESENTED MANY COPIES OF THE BOOK AS GIFTS. I LOOK FORWARD TO SPRING WHEN I CAN TAKE OUT MY COPY AND PLACE IT ON THE COFFEE TABLE FOR FAMILY AND GUESTS TO ENJOY.