Shadow and Friends Meet Mr. Rabbit

This enchanting fairy tale, Shadow and Friends Meet Mr. Rabbit, brings forth children’s vivid imaginations as they read about the adventures of Shadow and her friends meeting Mr. Rabbit and his family. Children learn how squirrels and rabbits react and play together in real life, and in fairy tale life in a game of Hopscotch. Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit speak, and Baby Rabbit has a pacifier in his mouth that children will laugh and find enchanting. The rabbits are “wacky” rabbits as they are not the typical looking bunny rabbits, since they are dressed and have fun expressions on their faces. More fun ensues as they decorate eggs for Easter and two baby chicks stop by to say hello. As this children’s picture book is Christian themed, children learn about Jesus and how Easter came about in real life, near the end of the story, and in a manner that young children will understand. A young child knows about death from an early age and reading to or with them about the greatest story ever told is loving and heartwarming. Children learn that we will see our loved ones again, and Easter means that there is life after we die, and that death is not scary at all.

Review: Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers’ Favorite
Shadow and Friends Meet Mr. Rabbit is a whimsical fantasy of a dog, squirrels, and a rabbit becoming friends and playing. After decorating Easter eggs and doing an egg hunt, Mr. Rabbit explains the importance of Easter to Christians in easy to understand terms for children. How do eggs relate to Jesus dying on the cross? Children and their parents will love the explanations and images. Authors S. Jackson, A. Raymond, and M. Schmidt are able to take a massive, difficult subject and explain it so children can grasp. Teachers will benefit from the explanations as they read the book with children at church, school, or home. Mr. Rabbit becomes their friend and teacher and helps them to unravel the mysteries surrounding Easter eggs and Christian beliefs.

The mixed-media images help to convey the story of friendship,
playing, helping, and understanding the meaning of Easter and why
it’s celebrated annually. The mix of photographs and illustrations
adds lovely visuals to help draw children into the book and keep
them interested. Shadow and Friends Meet Mr. Rabbit is an
imaginative story of three different kinds of animals: a dog,
squirrels, and Mr. Rabbit playing together. Authors S. Jackson, A.
Raymond, and M. Schmidt take us on a delightful journey through
the woods, Easter, and Christian beliefs. They manage to weave
together the story of Easter in a fun way that teachers, parents, and
children will enjoy. I think all public, school, and home libraries
would benefit from this whimsical journey through the meaning of
Easter.