The Owl and the Two Rabbits

by Nadia Sammurtok, Marcus Cutler (Illustrator)

When two rabbit sisters ignore their parents' warnings and decide to play outside on the open tundra, a hungry owl soon spots them and decides they will make a delicious meal. As a chase ensues, the sisters must act quickly and use the owl's own greed against him in order to get away.

A traditional Inuit story and cautionary tale, this book presents a centuries-old narrative for a new generation of readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Animals, Native American, Retellings, Childrens, Folk Tales

30 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although warned by their parents never to play out in the open where predators might surprise them, two rabbit sisters become so involved in their games that they forget to be careful. When a giant owl seizes them, the sisters struggle to be free, eventually getting loose and fleeing from their enemy. The owl's greed, in refusing to choose just one of them as a target, because he wants to eat both, works in the rabbits' favor, and they are eventually able to destroy the owl, by pushing a boulder onto him...

The Owl and the Two Rabbits is the second picture-book retelling of a traditional Inuit folktale that I have read from Inuit author Nadia Sammurtok, following upon The Caterpillar Woman . I found the story engaging, and the accompanying artwork from illustrator Marcus Cutler colorful and cute. Generally speaking, I tend to enjoy everything put out by the publisher of this book, the Inuit-owned, Nunavut-based Inhabit Media, and The Owl and the Two Rabbits was no different. I hope they continue to produce beautiful books with an Inuit cultural theme for many years to come! Recommended to all young folklore enthusiasts, and to anyone looking for children's books with an Inuit cultural background.

[Paul Sutter]

THE OWL AND THE RABBIT is taken from an Inuit folk tale, a most interesting story with a great moral.
Two rabbit sisters head out to play in the tundra, even though their parents have told them it might be dangerous. They throw caution to the wind and head out there.
It is not long before an owl comes swooping down to make a meal of them. He grabs them and is ready to take them away with him. The wife of the owl tells him to let go of one of them, because they are struggling so much. He does not want to, and because of his greedy nature, decides he can have double the meal now that he has the pair.
Because of the heavier weight of the two rabbits, the owl is not able to get them off the ground easily. He drops them to the ground, and the pair for the moment escape. The sisters band together and push a large boulder toward the owl who is still not giving up. The owl finds himself crushed by the boulder, the rabbits escaping and happy by their accomplishment.
The lesson is that by working together, anything can be accomplished, and the greed of the owl was his downfall. A most unique story for younger children.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a story drawn from Inuit traditions, two young rabbits throw caution to the wind as they explore their surroundings and even venture into an open meadow. That's a big mistake since it leaves them vulnerable to predators. Naturally, an owl has been keeping an eye out for his next meal, and he snatches both rabbits. But their combined weight is too heavy, and he cannot get off the ground. He ignores his wife's advice to just release one rabbit and bring the other one home to eat. Eventually he lets go of both animals but still continues to chase them. In desperation, the rabbits push a boulder onto the owl. The owl's wife has been following all this action, but she can't catch a rabbit since they are now hiding. The rabbits have learned a lesson about being careful when they are outside their den, and the owl learns too late that greed can prompt us to make bad decisions. Colorful illustrations work well alongside this cautionary tale that is perfect for sharing and discussing with youngsters.

[Michelle Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

PopSugar 2023 reading challenge #24

An Inuit retelling of a traditional story -- sign me up! It just happened to be a bonus that it matched up with one of my PopSugar 2023 reading challenges.

This is a story about two rabbits who decide to go play in an area they shouldn't play in -- they know not to, but decide to defy the rules. During this time, a greedy owl comes and try to make them both a dinner. The two rabbits then have to work hard to free themselves from his literal talons in order to save their lives. No, I won't spoil the ending. But let me tell you, it is a good story.

Wonderful illustrations. The kind of story that you cannot immediately identify as "indigenous" so I think that is wonderful as well. Children can read/listen to the story and then later be given that information. I think it was just great. Wonderful illustrations as well.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

A traditional Inuit tale, retold by an Inuit writer/educator for kids of today.

Two rabbit sisters disobey their parents and head out to play with little regard for their safety. When an owl spots and grabs the two, they realize their peril and conspire a way escape.

Sammurtok's text is just right for this cautionary tale. It has action, suspense, and a satisfying end. Illustrations by Marcus Cutler are bright and lively, done with a cartoonish flair. The snowy owl is appropriately sinister and the rabbits genuinely spooked.

This has multiple uses in the curriculum.

Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.

[Aolund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two rabbit sisters outrun and outsmart the fierce owl who is trying to gobble them up for dinner in this retelling of a traditional Inuit tale. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, showing a summer tundra rather than a snowy winter expanse, and add a sense of brightness and energy to a tale that could actually be kind of scary to really young readers as the rabbits struggle to escape the owl.

Themes: Bullies, Teamwork

[Chinook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gets five stars mostly on the basis of Kait saying it was her favourite read of the evening (we do four picture books most nights). I liked it, but probably found it a 4-star read.

It’s a well told Inuit folktale and the illustrations are cute. I admit I found the bit with the owl’s wife pretty funny.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice picture book based off Inuit folklore. Lovely illustrations help convey the message of the story.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disobedience has near fatal consequences for two hares in this tradition Inuit story.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two rabbits are out playing when an owl catches them. Can they escape and learn a lesson? Elementary and up. Based on a folk tale

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Owl and the Two Rabbits is a cute retelling of a traditional Inuit story. It has some practical lessons, a good sense of humour, and lovely art. Recommended!

[Anneke Alnatour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay re-telling of an Inuit folktale. We read it once, and enjoyed it.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 and 6 year olds loved it!!!

[Luella Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story and great illustrations.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on an Inuit folktale, with cool illustrations

[Spicy_Horror_Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated cautionary tale that doesn't end in the way most kid's picture books do.

[Mya R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two young rabbits manage to escape a pair of hungry owls.

Content note: the rabbits “disappear” the owl, but if that will disturb your little one there’s room for plausible deniability that he will be fine, just bruised, especially if some nice wildlife rescue folks happen along or his wife manages to free him.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clever bunnies!

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Greed, Problem Solving, Hunger, Playtime, Death, Native American Author

An owl tries to catch two rabbits at once and pays for his greed. In the end he implicitly dies. Author is Inuit.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.