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A review by _myliteraryobsession
The Rabbits by John Marsden
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.
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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.