The Owl and the Two Rabbits

The Owl and the Two Rabbits is written by Nadia Sammurtok, an Inuit educator and writer. Marcus Cutler’s illustrations add to this suspenseful and educational tale. This delightful story not only aims to entertain children, but, without being didactic, it also admonishes them to stay safe and to listen to their parents. The story is centered around two young rabbits who have disobeyed their parents’ orders to stay out of sight when outdoors, but, instead, they choose to jump on a rock and show off their hopping skills. “That’s high, sister!” says the big rabbit to her younger sibling. Egged on, the bigger rabbit “leapt as high as she could and landed on the other side of the large boulder.” Their antics attract their worst nightmare: an owl. The owl is intimidating: “His huge wings spread out from left to right, completely blocking the way back to the rabbits’ den.” It is at this point that Sammurtok introduces her second teaching: don’t take more than you need. Though the owl captures both rabbits at the same time, their combined weight prevents him from lifting off, and, despite the owl wife’s entreaty, “Let one go. We’ll have the other!”, the male owl refuses to do so, eventually losing not only both rabbits but also his own life as the young rabbits turn the tables on him while also successfully avoiding his mate before returning home, chastened. Overall, the prose is descriptive, and the story flows together well.

Marcus Cutler’s illustrations are a charming addition to this story. The pictures are bright and full of contrast, perfect for obtaining and maintaining young readers’ attention. That the rabbits and owl in the story are extremely expressive adds to the suspense and excitement of the tale. The Owl and the Two Rabbits is an entertaining tale that will not only engage readers, but it will also indirectly teach them about Inuit culture as this story is a take on a traditional Inuit legend.