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The Lazy Rabbit
A Grim Modern Fable About Laziness With A Rabbit, Vole And Fox.
A cautionary new fable for ages 6-8.
An illustrated tale in which lazy Rabbit and sensible Vole join up to travel through a barren land where foxy bandits lurk.
Follow their journey to find out the grim consequences of laziness and who survives.
If you like the original tales from the Brothers Grimm and Aesop, you’ll enjoy this.
A cautionary new fable for ages 6-8.
An illustrated tale in which lazy Rabbit and sensible Vole join up to travel through a barren land where foxy bandits lurk.
Follow their journey to find out the grim consequences of laziness and who survives.
If you like the original tales from the Brothers Grimm and Aesop, you’ll enjoy this.
28 pages, ebook
Published July 31, 2019
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 3, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, The Witcherley Book Company and Wilkie J. Martin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
1 star.
Ohh my god, No! From page one, I did not like the artwork details but I did like that water colouring was used. The story, well, you can hardly tell from page one. About half way through I thought the story was boring, it hadn't captured my attention but the illustrations were starting to grow on me. I'd bumped my star rating up to two stars.
But then THAT thing happened and I want to say what but it's a spoiler but I do need to say that it's awful. Bluntly, it took away all my stars for this and I would refuse to pass this book on.
For sensitive children, this is a book to stay away from. Far away.
I did not enjoy this at all and I would not recommend it.
1 star.
Ohh my god, No! From page one, I did not like the artwork details but I did like that water colouring was used. The story, well, you can hardly tell from page one. About half way through I thought the story was boring, it hadn't captured my attention but the illustrations were starting to grow on me. I'd bumped my star rating up to two stars.
But then THAT thing happened and I want to say what but it's a spoiler but I do need to say that it's awful. Bluntly, it took away all my stars for this and I would refuse to pass this book on.
For sensitive children, this is a book to stay away from. Far away.
I did not enjoy this at all and I would not recommend it.
March 1, 2020
The Lazy Rabbit is a Grimm style fable about a rabbit and a vole. They venture out together and when it starts to become dark vole suggests they find somewhere to sleep and light a fire to stay safe. Rabbit collects a small amount of wood then says he needs to sleep. Vole is worried the there is not enough wood so he wakes rabbit but rabbit tells him to leave him alone and goes back to sleep. The fire starts to die so vole ventures off alone to gather wood. While he is gone the fox sees his chance and eats the lazy rabbit. Foxes eat rabbits!
We’ve Disneyfied all the old stories and fables. Even in Disney movies plenty of animals and people die. The witch falls to her death in Tangled. Kids love to be scared and I think they know the difference between a story and real life.
I enjoyed the story and the watercolour illustrations were whimsical. I think as a parent you know your child and whether or not they will be traumatised by a fictional fox eating a fictional rabbit.
*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley
We’ve Disneyfied all the old stories and fables. Even in Disney movies plenty of animals and people die. The witch falls to her death in Tangled. Kids love to be scared and I think they know the difference between a story and real life.
I enjoyed the story and the watercolour illustrations were whimsical. I think as a parent you know your child and whether or not they will be traumatised by a fictional fox eating a fictional rabbit.
*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley
April 1, 2020
A fairly dark and depressing children's book.
The Lazy Rabbit has heavy on bottom text; making this a good for dyslexia or children learning to read (although not as pretty as other font choices it works well here). However the difficulty of the words chosen is likely far past most children, even I didn't know what a 'gorse bush' was until I looked it up. I know we want children to expand their vocabulary but it seemed excessively hard to read. I would recommend adults pre-read this one to make sure they know all the words and can read it to the child. If you were looking to purchase a book for a new reader to practice with this is probably not a great choice.
Fair warning, the lazy rabbit ends up expiring in an untimely death. There is even water colour red across the page to symbolize the death of the rabbit. It reminded me of the old Aesop tales in which someone who doesn't follow the rules or do the smart thing inevitably looses. I had many books like this as a child that were the original tales including: Ariel cutting off her fin, the rabbit loosing everything in a race, etc. To me books like this are a good way to start teaching little ones that the world is not all butterflies and rainbows. The morale here is that the rabbit shouldn't have been so lazy; then maybe he would have survived..
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
The Lazy Rabbit has heavy on bottom text; making this a good for dyslexia or children learning to read (although not as pretty as other font choices it works well here). However the difficulty of the words chosen is likely far past most children, even I didn't know what a 'gorse bush' was until I looked it up. I know we want children to expand their vocabulary but it seemed excessively hard to read. I would recommend adults pre-read this one to make sure they know all the words and can read it to the child. If you were looking to purchase a book for a new reader to practice with this is probably not a great choice.
Fair warning, the lazy rabbit ends up expiring in an untimely death. There is even water colour red across the page to symbolize the death of the rabbit. It reminded me of the old Aesop tales in which someone who doesn't follow the rules or do the smart thing inevitably looses. I had many books like this as a child that were the original tales including: Ariel cutting off her fin, the rabbit loosing everything in a race, etc. To me books like this are a good way to start teaching little ones that the world is not all butterflies and rainbows. The morale here is that the rabbit shouldn't have been so lazy; then maybe he would have survived..
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2019
Yikes! Call the trauma counsellor.
I just finished reading All In the Same Boat by the same author and illustrator, and I thought it was unnecessarily dark for a children's book. The Lazy Rabbit is, if such a thing is possible, even worse! Not only does the rabbit die, his skin gets turned into a pillow and his companion returns to their campsite to find a trail of blood.
I think these books might have worked better a couple hundred years ago. There's a definite grim (Grimm?) feeling to them, with dire consequences for negative personality traits such as greed and laziness. I'm also not sure how easily kids will be able to relate to the animal characters, as anthropomorphized as they are; it's not like kids need to worry about being eaten if they're too lazy to clean up their room.
Perhaps these books will have an audience among hardy kids who like a bit of darkness in their picture books. However, sensitive readers are likely in for a bit of a shock. (I might not have had such a problem with this book if not for the bloody watercolour trail smeared across one spread. That's just a bit too much.)
Thank you to NetGalley and The Witcherley Book Company for providing a digital ARC.
I just finished reading All In the Same Boat by the same author and illustrator, and I thought it was unnecessarily dark for a children's book. The Lazy Rabbit is, if such a thing is possible, even worse! Not only does the rabbit die, his skin gets turned into a pillow and his companion returns to their campsite to find a trail of blood.
I think these books might have worked better a couple hundred years ago. There's a definite grim (Grimm?) feeling to them, with dire consequences for negative personality traits such as greed and laziness. I'm also not sure how easily kids will be able to relate to the animal characters, as anthropomorphized as they are; it's not like kids need to worry about being eaten if they're too lazy to clean up their room.
Perhaps these books will have an audience among hardy kids who like a bit of darkness in their picture books. However, sensitive readers are likely in for a bit of a shock. (I might not have had such a problem with this book if not for the bloody watercolour trail smeared across one spread. That's just a bit too much.)
Thank you to NetGalley and The Witcherley Book Company for providing a digital ARC.
January 30, 2020
This is a Grimm Fairytale like fable and even though I know my 6 year old grandson would be very upset with this book, I still like it. When I was teaching we did a unit on fables and this one would have fit in well. Yes, the rabbit is eaten, but Bambi's mother gets killed as well as Simba's father, so people need to calm down. I liked the idea that rabbit got his due in the end. In the animal world, it is survival of the fittest, so this is realistic. I would recommend an older audience, 8 being the youngest. I loved the illustrations, they are beautiful, colorful watercolors. So, overall, a good book about a fable, make sure you have the right audience. I would recommend this one to public and school libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
August 12, 2019
WHOA! As a picture book written to help children understand and steer clear of laziness, there were many other ways to approach it. The attack and killing of a rabbit by a fox is not going to help children understand laziness it is simply going to frighten them. This is an absolute NO GO for my children or my classroom.
August 31, 2020
Do not save for tomorrow what can be done today
A well written and nicely illustrated story with a serious message, putting one in mind of an old folktale to be whispered round the campfire, especially if your camp buddies are slacking off.
A well written and nicely illustrated story with a serious message, putting one in mind of an old folktale to be whispered round the campfire, especially if your camp buddies are slacking off.
September 27, 2020
"Grim" is in the title.
This is a classic "Lazy" fable and it doesn't end well for the title character, obviously. The watercolor illustrations are lovely, even with the trail of blood (which is kind of chilling drawn in that medium), and the story is well told.
I haven't given full stars because its target audience is unclear. Word usage along with the way the story is written and drawn, reads for kids age 2-6. However, the subject matter is definitely geared towards older kids, third-grade, and up. I feel young kids will be traumatized and older kids will be bored.
Used specifically as a learning tool for this particular lesson, it would work well for any age group (with a warning)
This is a classic "Lazy" fable and it doesn't end well for the title character, obviously. The watercolor illustrations are lovely, even with the trail of blood (which is kind of chilling drawn in that medium), and the story is well told.
I haven't given full stars because its target audience is unclear. Word usage along with the way the story is written and drawn, reads for kids age 2-6. However, the subject matter is definitely geared towards older kids, third-grade, and up. I feel young kids will be traumatized and older kids will be bored.
Used specifically as a learning tool for this particular lesson, it would work well for any age group (with a warning)
November 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Another dark tale from Wilkie J Martin.
The lazy rabbit is as the title states - about a lazy rabbit who doesn't want to help his companion and leaves him to do all the work.
What happens to the rabbit is very grousom and not a tale I enjoyed. I haven't shared this with my little one as I know it would upset her.
These books have a very Brothers Grimm feel to them, which isn't a taste everyone in this era has.
Another dark tale from Wilkie J Martin.
The lazy rabbit is as the title states - about a lazy rabbit who doesn't want to help his companion and leaves him to do all the work.
What happens to the rabbit is very grousom and not a tale I enjoyed. I haven't shared this with my little one as I know it would upset her.
These books have a very Brothers Grimm feel to them, which isn't a taste everyone in this era has.
January 17, 2020
Everything that adults may remember from their own reading experiences around animal fables and the meanings they contain.
Although aimed at 6-8 year olds, I liked straightaway that this is a grim tale. This isn’t a Disney world where everyone gets along and forgets the food chain.
The Vole and the Rabbit team up as they need to travel through dangerous countryside and alone they could be fair game for bandits.
The Vole shows ingenuity, common sense and practical commitment to ensure their safety. Resting somewhere safe and building a fire.
The Rabbit demonstrates less positive attributes. Selfishness, short sightedness and pure laziness. He is content to allow others to keep him safe, watch the fire and gather more wood.
This is an ideal story with three different animals to talk about. Good and bad qualities, teamwork and vigilance in the face of potential hazards and danger.
It reads well and is beautifully illustrated by sketches enhanced by watercolours. The text is clear and well set out for young readers to follow. It is not a baby book and will encouraged these school age children to read alone and feel more grown- up.
The moral is not over played and the outcome is not telegraphed, so it will surprise will be felt and the reasons for the ending understood.
A perfect book from a publisher who is intent on expanding and encouraging young minds.
The author has created a modern tale with a nod to this rich heritage and made it fresh and appealing.
Although aimed at 6-8 year olds, I liked straightaway that this is a grim tale. This isn’t a Disney world where everyone gets along and forgets the food chain.
The Vole and the Rabbit team up as they need to travel through dangerous countryside and alone they could be fair game for bandits.
The Vole shows ingenuity, common sense and practical commitment to ensure their safety. Resting somewhere safe and building a fire.
The Rabbit demonstrates less positive attributes. Selfishness, short sightedness and pure laziness. He is content to allow others to keep him safe, watch the fire and gather more wood.
This is an ideal story with three different animals to talk about. Good and bad qualities, teamwork and vigilance in the face of potential hazards and danger.
It reads well and is beautifully illustrated by sketches enhanced by watercolours. The text is clear and well set out for young readers to follow. It is not a baby book and will encouraged these school age children to read alone and feel more grown- up.
The moral is not over played and the outcome is not telegraphed, so it will surprise will be felt and the reasons for the ending understood.
A perfect book from a publisher who is intent on expanding and encouraging young minds.
The author has created a modern tale with a nod to this rich heritage and made it fresh and appealing.
July 24, 2019
A book well worth trying, if you get a chance, but not one that will become a favourite. Rabbit and a little female Vole have teemed up on their journeys, knowing the dangers of the bandits in the land they're walking through. But when it comes to setting camp, collecting wood and keeping fire watch, well, Rabbit just can't be bothered. The book is surprisingly quick to end, but the lack of over-stated, dead obvious moral might to be its benefit. What certainly do improve proceedings are the watercolour images, which really bring the situation to life. The text will probably need a pass from a parent first – it's set at an appropriate level for a young audience, the kind who can read Aesop and other, similar legend-styled stories, but it might give the really sensitive the willies, for it can get quite unsettling and vivid at the key scenes. Three and a half stars – there's little wrong, but I can't see many re-reads.
September 1, 2019
Cole and rabbit travel together to stay safe from bandits hunting them however as their fire burns low and danger lurks rabbit can't be woken...
As a children's picture book I don't recommend for animal loving children like my cousin's as there's death of animals involved however it does teach about how laziness has consequences even though they're more harsh in this book and the illustrations were done well to show the story.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
As a children's picture book I don't recommend for animal loving children like my cousin's as there's death of animals involved however it does teach about how laziness has consequences even though they're more harsh in this book and the illustrations were done well to show the story.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
September 3, 2019
I really disliked this title. The cover leads you to believe that this story is going to be a cute read, but it is anything but that. The rabbit isn't likable, but what happens to it is harsh and shouldn't be in a children's picture book. I understand that this title is trying to teach life lessons, and lessons of what nature is really like, and that's fine. However it shouldn't be wrapped in a cute cover because I think it's misleading. Also, I think that this book will scare a lot of kids. It's very harsh, graphic, and final. It's not a book I would ever buy, or recommend. I'm sorry.
October 5, 2019
This was okay. I was not ready at all for what type of ending I got, it was a little more gruesome then I thought a children's book would be. A tale to warn of laziness, being unprepared and the consequences of both. Could have been better.
#Netgalley
#Netgalley
May 17, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
Another dark children's book comes from the author and illustrator duo Wilkie J. Martin and Tanja Russita, this time about The Lazy Rabbit. It's one of those stories you'll definitely want to make sure you're reading to older children--especially with the way the dark moment was illustrated--but one that, ultimately, has a pretty important message to send. Granted, most people today will never find themselves in that exact situation but the fact of the matter is that the truth that laziness is very likely to result in bad things happening to you, or even others.
In this case, the rabbit himself, I think is the true villain of the story. Though some may argue it would be the fox, though really the fox is only acting in his own nature. Ultimately, it is the rabbit whose actions truly result in the mildly graphic and obviously disturbing end and message. Laziness does not pay off and while, in this case, it did not hurt those around the rabbit, the truth is that it very well may have. This book relies heavily on that of the Grimm fairytales and is equally dark in its nature.
The watercolor illustrations are adorable and scary all at once, really bringing readers into experiencing the dire and tragic circumstances of the tale. I would say, unquestionably, that this is not a book to read to any young children who scare easily and rather is something more suited for older kids who understand a bit more about the world. As an educator, this would not be the kind of book I would read to someone else's kids, however.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Another dark children's book comes from the author and illustrator duo Wilkie J. Martin and Tanja Russita, this time about The Lazy Rabbit. It's one of those stories you'll definitely want to make sure you're reading to older children--especially with the way the dark moment was illustrated--but one that, ultimately, has a pretty important message to send. Granted, most people today will never find themselves in that exact situation but the fact of the matter is that the truth that laziness is very likely to result in bad things happening to you, or even others.
In this case, the rabbit himself, I think is the true villain of the story. Though some may argue it would be the fox, though really the fox is only acting in his own nature. Ultimately, it is the rabbit whose actions truly result in the mildly graphic and obviously disturbing end and message. Laziness does not pay off and while, in this case, it did not hurt those around the rabbit, the truth is that it very well may have. This book relies heavily on that of the Grimm fairytales and is equally dark in its nature.
The watercolor illustrations are adorable and scary all at once, really bringing readers into experiencing the dire and tragic circumstances of the tale. I would say, unquestionably, that this is not a book to read to any young children who scare easily and rather is something more suited for older kids who understand a bit more about the world. As an educator, this would not be the kind of book I would read to someone else's kids, however.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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January 17, 2020
Okay, yes, so I have a somewhat twisted sense of humor. Which is why I loved this. I read his first book a couple of months ago and was laughing so hard I had to share it with the rest of my family. Wilkie Martin has succeeded again. The illustrations are great, even the detail of the blood trail. I would strongly recommend that sensitive children NOT read this. But for the right sort of kid, this could be hilarious. The description says that it is Grimm like and it certainly is that. While I would say that this should be for a slightly older age range than 5-7 (6-8 at minimum), it really would depend on the kid. I could see a 10-year-old being completely disturbed by this and a 5-year-old loving it. So I would say it should be up to the discretion of the parents. As I was reading this, the thought occurred to me that the humor reminded me of some Brit-coms. Once I realized the publisher was from the UK, it made more sense to me. I can definitely see it being received differently over there. Still, I loved this and am very curious about what else the author will come up with.
Special thanks to #WitcherleyBooks for giving me a heads-up about this book, and also to #WilkieJMartin and #NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Special thanks to #WitcherleyBooks for giving me a heads-up about this book, and also to #WilkieJMartin and #NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2020
Springtime. Vole (f, mouse) & Rabbit met.
Who will the 2-encounter next?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary age) Fable storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s Fable, movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author(s); The Witcherley Book Company; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Who will the 2-encounter next?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary age) Fable storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s Fable, movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author(s); The Witcherley Book Company; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 19, 2020
My twelve-year old son and I read and reviewed this book together. It definitely has the feel of a Grimm Fairy Tale, and we enjoyed it very much. The illustrations are so beautiful. We love the colorful watercolors. The story is a little dark, but in true fable style, justice was served to the lazy lazy rabbit.
Thanks so Witcherly Books and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy! We appreciate the opportunity to read another book by Wilkie J. Martin and to enjoy the illustrations of Tanja Russita!
Thanks so Witcherly Books and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy! We appreciate the opportunity to read another book by Wilkie J. Martin and to enjoy the illustrations of Tanja Russita!
January 19, 2020
This is the strangest children's story I have ever come across. I received this book as an eARC from the publisher via netgalley in return for an honest review.
If I take this book by its face value I consider it to be so biased, dogmatic and moralistic that not even its precursors, i.e. the fables, can contest with the story as it is told in this book, it is so very one dimensional and reductionistic and excludes diversity. Sad and scary at the same time.
If I take this book by its face value I consider it to be so biased, dogmatic and moralistic that not even its precursors, i.e. the fables, can contest with the story as it is told in this book, it is so very one dimensional and reductionistic and excludes diversity. Sad and scary at the same time.
January 17, 2020
*was sent a copy of this for free through netgalley; all opinions are my own.
loved the use of watercolor in the illustrations but boy did that escalate quickly; not that i didn't see it coming. I'd like to think my tendency towards laziness wouldn't put my life at risk.
nice to see kids will still be getting traumatized by picture books in the yr 2020.
loved the use of watercolor in the illustrations but boy did that escalate quickly; not that i didn't see it coming. I'd like to think my tendency towards laziness wouldn't put my life at risk.
nice to see kids will still be getting traumatized by picture books in the yr 2020.
January 5, 2021
Beautifully illustrated, this children's book is a cautionary tale of the perils of laziness. Not the happiest tale, but a tale that teaches the importance of teamwork and co-operation.
This was a bit too much like The Tortoise and The Hare for my liking.
It was a little too dark for my nephews but others will enjoy the story.
#TheLazyRabbit #NetGalley
This was a bit too much like The Tortoise and The Hare for my liking.
It was a little too dark for my nephews but others will enjoy the story.
#TheLazyRabbit #NetGalley
April 9, 2022
I do not recommend this book for small children. The illustrations are hand drawn. The story is a sad tale. Rabbit and Vole are traveling. They stop for the night. Rabbit finds out what happens when you are lazy and camping. Small children will be very upset at the ending. Older children would like this book better. There is a moral, but the consequence is extremely severe.
April 24, 2020
I read 2 books from Wilkie J. Martin last night ... i think this was my fave of the 2 ... the rabbit just was a bit more cooler to me. great illustrations. well done!! happy and fun!
April 26, 2020
This started out a sweet, little story. But it quickly turned to unpleasantness and I wouldn't recommend this book to a child.
May 24, 2020
it was a very short and sweet book that young people and older people would enjoy. The narrator is excellent with his many voices. Perfect for a coffee break or a few minute diversion.
June 18, 2020
Not my cup of tea. Good grief.
June 25, 2020
Fun and lovely illustrations. Great to see a picture book aimed at slightly older children with a good story and moral line.
July 25, 2020
Lazy People pay
The lazy rabbit did not fair well. I would say this is suitable for children of 8 or over. Don't be a lazy rabbit.
The lazy rabbit did not fair well. I would say this is suitable for children of 8 or over. Don't be a lazy rabbit.
September 14, 2020
Cute story
My 5 year old was a little upset when rabbit was killed. But the message was excellent. Cute illustrations except the one with Fox curled up using the rabbit fur
My 5 year old was a little upset when rabbit was killed. But the message was excellent. Cute illustrations except the one with Fox curled up using the rabbit fur
November 4, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Too dark for kids. I think they just won't get it.
Too dark for kids. I think they just won't get it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews