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The Flat Rabbit
When a dog and a rat come upon a rabbit flattened on the road in their neighborhood, they contemplate her situation, wondering what they should do to help her. They decide it can’t be much fun to lie there; she should be moved. But how? And to where? Finally, the dog comes up with an inspired and unique idea and they work together through the night to make it happen. Once finished, they can’t be positive, but they think they have done their best to help the flat rabbit get somewhere better than the middle of the road where they found her. Sparely told with simple artwork, The Flat Rabbit treats the concept of death with a sense of compassion and gentle humor — and a note of practicality. In the end, the dog’s and the rat’s caring, thoughtful approach results in an unusual yet perfect way to respect their departed friend.
Grade: 3
Fountas & Pinnel: N
Lexile Measure: AD 610L
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.3,3a,5,5a,5b,5c
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.4,4a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1,3,4,5,6,7,10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3,3a,3b,3c,3d,5,6,8,10
Grade: 3
Fountas & Pinnel: N
Lexile Measure: AD 610L
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.3,3a,5,5a,5b,5c
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.4,4a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1,3,4,5,6,7,10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3,3a,3b,3c,3d,5,6,8,10
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Bárður Oskarsson
15 books11 followersBárður Oskarsson is a Faroese children's writer, illustrator and artist, who has won several literary awards. His books have been translated into English, French, German, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic and Czech amongst others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
December 8, 2020
дитяча книжка про те, що робити з несподіваними трупами.
перше й основне правило – не гугліть. гугл запам'ятає. далі все залежить від вашої уяви, але краще застосовувати уяву вночі, бо що подумають люди, коли побачать, як собака й щуриця притягли назад геть розплющену кролицю?! нічого доброго з цього не вийде.
у щуриці й собаки уява виявилася пречудова.
перше й основне правило – не гугліть. гугл запам'ятає. далі все залежить від вашої уяви, але краще застосовувати уяву вночі, бо що подумають люди, коли побачать, як собака й щуриця притягли назад геть розплющену кролицю?! нічого доброго з цього не вийде.
у щуриці й собаки уява виявилася пречудова.
August 30, 2014
The Flat Rabbit is a book about life and death. A dog and a rat come across a ex-rabbit in the road that they vaguely remember from the neighborhood. Their dilemma is deciding what to do with this now very flat rabbit. This children's book ponders the imponderables, without trying to provide trite and cheesy answers. I love a book that can proudly state "I don't know."
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December 15, 2014Judge me if you will, but I'm just going to come out and say it —
THE FLAT RABBIT was my favorite picturebook of 2014.
Is it morbid? Morbidly funny? Maybe. I mostly found it incredibly honest and touching. Think THE DEAD BIRD (by Margaret Wise Brown and Remy Charlip), only much more subtle, and with a sense of humor. I actually got teary when I finished this book — did anyone else react this way?
THE FLAT RABBIT was my favorite picturebook of 2014.
Is it morbid? Morbidly funny? Maybe. I mostly found it incredibly honest and touching. Think THE DEAD BIRD (by Margaret Wise Brown and Remy Charlip), only much more subtle, and with a sense of humor. I actually got teary when I finished this book — did anyone else react this way?
September 21, 2015
A Dog and a Rat find a neighbor who they recognize by sight but are not on speaking terms with, Rabbit, squashed flat in the road, fail to understand what her flatness means or what they should do about it and ultimately tie her to a kite and fly her corpse.
Looking at the five star reviews here, people seem to be divided on whether this was a gentle introduction to the idea of death and dying or irreverent humor that will go over kids heads to tickle adults. I’m not sure which of these it was aiming for, but I don’t think it hit either.
The problem is that the humor is gristly in a way that will appeal only to kids who are too old for this book. It reminded me of Mad Magazine or maybe Ren and Stimpy, which I did like as a kid for some reason, but not at the age when I was the target audience of this book.
I think some of the positive reaction may be because of the fact that death is a subject which is usually avoided in picture books except for the occasional blunt and joyless “topic book”. So, this book is certainly different in that respect, but it’s different for the sake of being different, not different for the sake of being good.
If you are in the market for a picture book which introduces the concept of death as a fact of life while still being amusing to young children, I would recommend “City Dog, Country Frog” by Mo Willems.
Looking at the five star reviews here, people seem to be divided on whether this was a gentle introduction to the idea of death and dying or irreverent humor that will go over kids heads to tickle adults. I’m not sure which of these it was aiming for, but I don’t think it hit either.
The problem is that the humor is gristly in a way that will appeal only to kids who are too old for this book. It reminded me of Mad Magazine or maybe Ren and Stimpy, which I did like as a kid for some reason, but not at the age when I was the target audience of this book.
I think some of the positive reaction may be because of the fact that death is a subject which is usually avoided in picture books except for the occasional blunt and joyless “topic book”. So, this book is certainly different in that respect, but it’s different for the sake of being different, not different for the sake of being good.
If you are in the market for a picture book which introduces the concept of death as a fact of life while still being amusing to young children, I would recommend “City Dog, Country Frog” by Mo Willems.
September 24, 2014
I thought this book would help my 7 year old twins process the loss of their neighbor friend, a victim of pediatric brain cancer, but no. While we all loved the adorable illustrations, and found the story to be somewhat interesting and cute in spite of the subject being a dog and rat finding an acquaintance flattened in the road... in the end I feel it is perhaps a bit pointless.
December 2, 2014
When I first pick up a book, I try to look upon it with child-like eyes and I jump right in. The whimsical, cartoon illustrations of The Flat Rabbit caught my eye first and made me relate to the characters on a cartoon level. In cartoons, take The Road Runner or Tom and Jerry, as an example- What happens if one of them gets flattened by a falling rock? They pop right back to normal. Because my brain was already in this frame of mind, I kept expecting the same to happen in The Flat Rabbit and therefore, I interpreted the book in a humorous light- humor which seemed to be pretty grown up. When I got to the end, I couldn't understand what they were doing and why the book ended so quick. I had expected the Rabbit to be thawed out, blown back to normal with an air pump, etc.... It wasn't until after I read a review in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/26/boo...) that I understood this was a book about finding a dead stranger. If a child was to pick this up on their own and read this, I am inclined to say that they may not think the rabbit is truly dead. Children relate their experiences directly to what they read. In today's TV-filled world, I would think the cartoon fiction angle might be what pops out at them more than anything, leaving a confused reader at the end.
Review copy provided by Owlkids Books for CYBILS.
Review copy provided by Owlkids Books for CYBILS.
October 20, 2019
So, what do you do when you're at work and someone says "read this right now." Well, you read it right now. What a bizarre little book about dealing with loss, or was this about dealing with death? Because I'm not sure that dealing with loss was actually addressed. For that matter I'm not sure the characters were really dealing with death either. There are some really funny moments, but they seemed to have nothing to do with the major theme, but had to do with the awkward relationships of talking animals living in a world made for people. I'm going to have to go back and revisit this weirdly hilarious and awkward book at some point.
July 10, 2017
This book's author is Scandinavian (from the Faroe Islands). When I discovered that, the book made much more sense. Tying a dead/'flattened' rabbit to a kite to fly in the sky is maybe not the first thing you would think to put in a children's book, but it's kind of funny. And kind of sad.
It's probably not a book I would buy for my future children, though. I'm not sure what questions it would illicit, but I don't want to answer them.
It's probably not a book I would buy for my future children, though. I'm not sure what questions it would illicit, but I don't want to answer them.
September 18, 2014
If you ever chance upon a dead body in the road you will be faced with the dilemma of what to do with it. Dog and rat settled on, attach the corpse to a kite and fly it after deliberation such as, “What if somebody found her and ate her?” and “I've never talked to her, but I peed on the gate a couple of times, so we’ve definitely met.” Instant classic.
January 22, 2015
I really felt like I was missing some pages or that I wasn't getting it at the end of this picture book. I understand that it could be about dealing with loss in a twisted sort of way, and after reading it I'm not entirely sure it's meant to be a kids book. I did like the art and would like to see more from Oskarsson. But I'm really not sure I understood this particular book.
September 17, 2024
Sure, maybe I am asking too much of a children's picture book but I wanted a bit more from this story? I thought we would kind of dive into a discussion on death and accidents, yet it only brushes on that, and I respect having "I don't know" as an answer to death, points for that. Still, I felt like there was more that could be done, it's mostly just quirky and not quite quirky enough. I saw this on bookstagram and the reviewer said it was only fine but I didn't quite believe that a book with this cute of an illustration style and it being about other animals finding a flat rabbit on the road would only be fine. But that's all it is. Fine.
2.5*
2.5*
April 6, 2022
This has got to be one of the strangest books I have ever read (and I've read some strange books). I will just leave it at that...
October 27, 2020
Ами... Той заекът си е направо умрял...
December 18, 2020
Едно куче и еден стаорец наоѓаат еден сплескан зајак на патот. Им е жал што го гледаат така па сакаат да го тргнат. Но каде би го однесле?
Многу сакам да читам детски книги. Се обидувам да читам од детска перспектива. Како би ја доживеало едно дете оваа книга? Дали би уживало во неа? Во оваа дефинитивно ќе ужива не само детето, туку секој оној кој ќе ја земе во свои раце. Книга за животот и смртта. Оваа приказна ќе изнуди многу прашања и дискусии. Кратка но по читањето отвора многу теми за разговор. Илустрациите многу ми се допаднаа.
Многу сакам да читам детски книги. Се обидувам да читам од детска перспектива. Како би ја доживеало едно дете оваа книга? Дали би уживало во неа? Во оваа дефинитивно ќе ужива не само детето, туку секој оној кој ќе ја земе во свои раце. Книга за животот и смртта. Оваа приказна ќе изнуди многу прашања и дискусии. Кратка но по читањето отвора многу теми за разговор. Илустрациите многу ми се допаднаа.
March 2, 2019
This is one of the oddest books I’ve ever read. It is kind of dark and weirdly a bit funny, which is usually right up my alley, but I couldn’t quite get which way the author intended it to be read. My son laughed at a couple parts since, I mean, they tape a dead rabbit to a kite and fly it, but my daughter said, “That was just weird.” Spot on review, daughter.
January 2, 2016
There are still a lot of adult readers who feel uncomfortable with children reading about death, especially when it's dealt with in such a matter-of-fact manner. But I believe that to shy away from something that we are all interested in and intrigued by at some point on our lives is missing a chance of empowering children to understand and question a subject that is hushed and considered taboo.
Oskarsson's, a writer from the Faroes, wonderful book explores the ritual that comes with trying to be thoughtful and reflective when celebrating the life of a stranger who has died. Although the dog and rat who find the body of a rabbit did not know her personally, they recall her and together they spend the evening considering the best way to give her a send off and celebrate her life.
The story touches on very powerful themes around what happens to us when we die and what is the best way to honour the dead. This is done, I think, with great simplicity in the language, colour and space. It is a spiritual story whose final pages resonate real peace.
Oskarsson's, a writer from the Faroes, wonderful book explores the ritual that comes with trying to be thoughtful and reflective when celebrating the life of a stranger who has died. Although the dog and rat who find the body of a rabbit did not know her personally, they recall her and together they spend the evening considering the best way to give her a send off and celebrate her life.
The story touches on very powerful themes around what happens to us when we die and what is the best way to honour the dead. This is done, I think, with great simplicity in the language, colour and space. It is a spiritual story whose final pages resonate real peace.
January 12, 2015
I'm not sure how I feel after reading this book and maybe that's the point. It deals with difficult issues like death and loss and the practical matters of what happens next, but it's so subtle and quirky and irreverent and PECULIAR. I agree with those who say that it's not necessarily a book I'd give a small child who had just lost a pet or loved one to help them come to terms with death, and I'm not sure I know how to categorize it in my mind...but I don't think it's necessary to know exactly who the target audience is for every book, and we certainly can't know what a kid will take away from any book. I'm fairly certain, though, that most kids will not be as horrified by the ending as adults are.
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October 14, 2018Чудесна метафора на смъртта (и справянето с нея, и това, което лежи отвъд, извисяването, политането, the letting go of things) за мен, за най-малките — не знам. Хареса ми това „Искаш ли да пробваш?” в края; представянето на смъртта като новост, приключение, като нещо, което предизвиква. Може би ако си представяме смъртта така, тя вече няма да е толкова страшна.
September 18, 2014
It's morbidly funny, and I like the cartoonish illustrations. Be warned, though: THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN'S DEATH AND DYING BOOK. I saw it in a store as one recently, and just... no. If you've had a death in the family, or one of your pets is dying, do not use this as a helpful explanation book.
September 5, 2014
A picture book that made me laugh right out loud. A lot.
October 8, 2019
WHAT THE HELL
February 24, 2015
Shocking psychological thriller with a real twist ending. WARNING, spoiler alert. They turn the rabbit into a kite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
Another children's book about death. Hmm ... the title is pretty crude and direct, isn't it? And the content matches that title; little emotions, some attempted humor, with cutie pictures.
The problem is that this type of humor backfires in a situation like facing loved one's death. Or even a stranger's death. I wouldn't be surprised if a grieving child would totally get upset upon receiving this book.
The problem is that this type of humor backfires in a situation like facing loved one's death. Or even a stranger's death. I wouldn't be surprised if a grieving child would totally get upset upon receiving this book.
May 18, 2018
Странна, (мъничко) стрясаща и красива книжка. Наистина ми хареса, над последната картинка бях принудена да си кажа едно "уау". (Без да съм я чела, я купих за подарък на детенце, което не ми е чак толкова близко, но се отказвам да я подарявам. Не е подходящо - това е една от най-специалните и нетипични истории за малки деца, на които съм попадала някога.)
December 2, 2017
I’m all for slightly strange stories for kids, but this one left me a little sick to my stomach... thanks Kate.
October 31, 2020
такий зворушний чорний гумор :).
я страшенно нею втішена
я страшенно нею втішена
October 22, 2023
Delightful!
March 8, 2024
The art is off-putting, but it's funny
November 24, 2017
This book was super weird and I think I missed the point.
September 5, 2017
This book is all kinds of messed up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews