nip's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
decafplease's review against another edition
3.0
Again Shaun Tan wows me with another visual masterpiece. His illustrations are sharp, striking and yet mesmerisingly chaotic. But somehow the story of the Rabbits isn't quite up there with The Lost Thing, The Arrival, or Eric. It's definitely not the heart-warming kind of picture books. I mean, how can it be when the moral message borderlines propaganda? Shaun Tan is going to be better off without John Marsden's interference.
noshyira's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mjfmjfmjf's review
3.0
Kind of a weird retelling of the invasion of Australia by Europeans but with the details completely hidden. The art is quite different than in the artist's other books - much more realistic and kind of beautiful. But the story is too hidden to truly work as truth or anything else.
_myliteraryobsession's review
3.0
Overall Rating: 3 STARS ***
Read as... Picture-Book.
Brief Synopsis...
The Rabbits are new settlers in a lush, new world inhabited by native species. Throughout the book, the rabbits dominate the landscape and in turn dispossess the native inhabitants of their country, community and culture.
Illustrated by Shaun Tan.
-------------------------------
My Thoughts...
This picture book is popular within the primary and early childhood sector as a segue into discussions surrounding our colonial past and the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Rabbits is a graphic and allegorical representation of colonisation; referencing the rapid industrialisation that occurred in our country, the destruction of the natural landscape and the suppression of indigenous culture.
As rabbits are an invasive species, their characterisations are apt when emphasising the detrimental impact their arrival signalled for the indigenous inhabitants. The text is minimalist and concise, and the illustrations are intricately detailed in an abstract way. From the perspective of an early years' educator, The Rabbits is not entirely suitable for children aged 3-4. I would like to see children revisit this book in a primary school setting.
There has been significant discussion regarding The Rabbits and its place in introducing impressionable children to our Australian history. Some researchers have found this book offensive in its depiction of the indigenous inhabitants as 'primitive victims', although this was never John Marsden's or Shaun Tan's intention. If considering its relevance as a literary resource in a school setting, I would recommend flagging it with supervisors or lead educators first to avoid potential backlash.
Read as... Picture-Book.
Brief Synopsis...
The Rabbits are new settlers in a lush, new world inhabited by native species. Throughout the book, the rabbits dominate the landscape and in turn dispossess the native inhabitants of their country, community and culture.
Illustrated by Shaun Tan.
-------------------------------
My Thoughts...
This picture book is popular within the primary and early childhood sector as a segue into discussions surrounding our colonial past and the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Rabbits is a graphic and allegorical representation of colonisation; referencing the rapid industrialisation that occurred in our country, the destruction of the natural landscape and the suppression of indigenous culture.
As rabbits are an invasive species, their characterisations are apt when emphasising the detrimental impact their arrival signalled for the indigenous inhabitants. The text is minimalist and concise, and the illustrations are intricately detailed in an abstract way. From the perspective of an early years' educator, The Rabbits is not entirely suitable for children aged 3-4. I would like to see children revisit this book in a primary school setting.
There has been significant discussion regarding The Rabbits and its place in introducing impressionable children to our Australian history. Some researchers have found this book offensive in its depiction of the indigenous inhabitants as 'primitive victims', although this was never John Marsden's or Shaun Tan's intention. If considering its relevance as a literary resource in a school setting, I would recommend flagging it with supervisors or lead educators first to avoid potential backlash.
ekatemari's review against another edition
5.0
The universal story of colonialism brought to life through a few well-chosen words and beautiful illustrations. Devastating and wonderful.
Shaun Tan's drawings are gorgeous as always, vibrant and with so many little details that make re-reading (and re-looking) a pure joy. Tan remains one of my very favourite illustrators.
I would recommend this to anyone that appreciates beauty and poignant, haunting and thought-provoking tales.
Shaun Tan's drawings are gorgeous as always, vibrant and with so many little details that make re-reading (and re-looking) a pure joy. Tan remains one of my very favourite illustrators.
I would recommend this to anyone that appreciates beauty and poignant, haunting and thought-provoking tales.