Rabbits

Children's Literature

The “Backyard Animals” series includes nine titles about animals that can be found in cities and town around the country. Butterflies, coyotes, deer, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, sparrows and squirrels are featured in the series. Each animal is introduced with a large photo and information about where they live and a few characteristics that make them special. A brief history provides information about the development of the species worldwide. A large photograph of the animal provides information about their specific body parts and how they help it survive in nature. The animal’s life cycle and what it eats are illustrated with photographs. Details about where humans are most likely to interact with the featured animal and myths from various cultures make the information more relevant and interesting to young readers. Rabbits come in many colors. Their fur blends into their surroundings so that they can hide from predators. Another trait that helps them conceal themselves is that rabbits can stand still for long periods of time. This helps to make them difficult to see. Rabbits have big, strong hind legs that allow them to move very quickly when threatened. They use their back legs for digging tunnels as well as for jumping and warning other rabbits of danger. Large photographs and sidebars with factoids make this a nice way to learn about common animals children might see in their neighborhood. Reviewer: Kristin Harris