Mr. Beagle Goes to Rabbittown

Rabbittown is a warm, neighborly place for bunnies to live. But what about a dog? When Mr. Beagle arrives at the town as a different-looking newcomer, he feels the curiosity, doubts, and wonderings from his neighbours. Then a rare opportunity for Mr. Beagle to use his outstanding ability to sniff out trouble presents itself in the form of suspicious missing mittens. That’s how people find out about the secret of Tom Cat, another different-looking newcomer who has been disguising himself and his three kittens as bunnies. From then on, Rabbittown becomes a diverse and inclusive neighbourhood for not only bunnies but also dogs, cats, mice, squirrels, foxes, and all animals who look and smell different from each other.

I read the story with a smile on my face and warmness in my heart. It is a typical newcomer’s story, whether arriving at a new country, a new city, a new community, a school, or a new group of friends. The simple text reveals the predicament newcomers face; demonstrates the importance of acceptance, inclusion and collaboration; invites reflection upon the notion of welcome, hospitality and community. We need a story like this, simple, warm and sweet, to remind us all of the good qualities about ourselves and the people around us.

Mr. Beagle Goes to Rabbittown is authored and illustrated by Lori Doody who majored in printmaking and was named Emerging Artist of the Year by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. Her obviously very fertile imagination is embedded in the quirky, charming illustrations. The vibrant, yet clean, colours and pictures fit the story line seamlessly. Lori indeed has taken advantage of her talent both as a storyteller and an artist and fed the young and adult readers with an enjoyable dish of art and story.

How wonderful it would be for this book to open up a conversation around the topic of newcomer and inclusion among young children. Mr. Beagle Goes to Rabbittown makes an excellent addition to libraries, schools and family collections.