Rabbit Hill

Summary: Rabbit Hill is a story that captures the hardships that the animals face as they anticipate new folks move into a currently empty house. They wonder how they will survive and wonder what the people will be like. The story shares conflicts amongst the animals and interactions with the humans. The animals are taken by surprise at the kindness of the humans and show their respect for them in a surprising, respectful way in the end.

Bib Info: Lawson, R. (1944). Rabbit hill. New York, NY: The Viking Press.

Interest Level: 3-6

Impression:This story provides a sense of hope and understanding. It demonstrates the importance of being positive no matter what situation arises. There is some anticipation when Little Georgie disappears that will leave students wondering what happened to him.

Reviews and Awards: Newbery Medal in 1945

Reviews: There is excitement in the air when the animals hear that new people will be moving into the big house. It has been empty for some time and there has been no one to plant a garden. Without the garden many of the animals are having trouble finding food. In this classic award winning story the characters will warm the hearts of readers as the different animals share stories about life on Rabbit Hill. They talk about the good people and those who were "mean, shiftless and inconsiderate." Curiosity is rampant as the animals wonder what kind of people will be living in the house. Will they be kind and good people, will they bring a dog, and will they have a garden? When the big day arrives and moving vans come up the driveway, all of the animals are there for the big occasion. The reader can feel the animals holding their breath as the car with the new owners pulls in; the ageless illustrations provide this same suspense. Young readers will be delighted with these whimsical characters as they go about their daily lives, learning more about the new people who will have such an impact on the animals' lives. From Little Georgie Rabbit and Willie Fieldmouse, to pessimistic Uncle Analdas, the animals learn to trust the new people as adventure after adventure follows.
[Review of the book Rabbit hill, by R. Lawson]. (n.d.). Children’s Literature. Retrieved from: http://www.childrenslit.com/

Gr 3-6 Robert Lawson's Newbery award-winning Rabbit Hill (Viking, 1944; Puffin pap., 1977) is a first rate audiobook. Listeners are introduced to Uncle Analdas and his community of woodland animals who are anticipating the arrival of the "new folks," the people who are moving to Rabbit Hill. When the new folks eventually become part of the animals' lives, both benefit from their association with the other. Narrator Barbara Caruso's use of different voices and dialects enlivens the story. Although the story probably will not have broad appeal, this version would serve to enhance collections of Newbery Award winners.
Brightman, M. (2010). [Review of the book Rabbit hill by R. Lawson]. School Library Journal. Retrieved from: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

Use in library setting: Students can be taught the elements of a fable based on this story.