The
Rabbits
The
Rabbits, written by John Marsden and illustrated by Shaun
Tan, is a partly allegorical fable about colonization, told from the viewpoint
of the colonized. The narrator describes the coming of the ‘rabbits’, an
encounter that is at first friendly and curious, but later darkens as it
becomes apparent that the visitors are actually invaders. The text and the
image of the book conveys an overall sense of bewilderment and anxiety as the
colonized witness environmental devastation under the hands of the strange new
culture. 
The meeting on the hill.
Comments on The Rabbits
The parallels with a real history
of colonization n Australia and around the world are obvious, and based on thorough
research. The book, however, has generated some controversy due to its
confronting themes. One reason for the initial controversy is that it is a
picture book, and therefore thought to be children’s literature, and wrongly assumed
to be didactic, whereas it has been originally conceived as a book for older
readers.
They
came by water.
The building of the houses.
The Rabbits provides a plethora of ideas for discussion for older students. This picture book is a great tool that can be used to challenge and engage students in deep issues. The story, is written in the form of an allegory, and makes a powerful statement about colonization in general, and more specifically about colonization of Australia. The Rabbits raises a number of points for discussion in the classroom, and can be used to examine aspects of the curriculum in a critical way in History and Geography, and can be used cross-curricular in English, Visual Arts, Technology and Environmental Studies. Depending on the class the book can be introduced in the junior grades and continued up to grade 12.
The book can be used to introduce a topic or unit of study. Students can comment on the style of the illustrations and can brainstorm on their initial reactions when reading the book. For example, how do the illustrations help to convey an interpretation of the text? The book can also be used to discuss the word choice and the effect of those words to convey a concept.
It can also be used to examine different voices and perspectives. Students can examine the way in which the invaders are depicted, and explore the effect that it has on the reader. There are many symbols used throughout the book which students can discuss and explore their meaning and discuss reasons why the artist might have decided to use them.
Interview: Shaun Tan on his work
This interview provides background information of
the author and illustrator. Shaun Tan talks about how he creates his books and
what influences him. He discusses the role of literacy and belonging in people’s
lives, and how he portrays these themes in his books.
Interview with Shaun Tan. State Library of Victoria.
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