Ten Little Rabbits [Hardcover]

Virginia Grossman (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Weaving, fishing, and storytelling are all part of this spirited book that celebrates Native American traditions as it teaches young children to count from one to ten. The book's whimsical illustrations, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, glow with brilliant color and are filled with fascinating detail. Each number introduces a facet of traditional Native American culture, such as Pueblo corn dances or Navajo weaving, and the simple, rhyming text is enhanced by a brief afterword on Native American customs. Ideal for storytime or bedtime, this is a book sure to leave children counting rabbits instead of sheep.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This winner of the Parents Magazine "Best Book of the Year" award is a simple counting book that celebrates Native American culture--and rabbits, of course. Each of Sylvia Long's detailed, painterly double-page illustrations has an old-fashioned quality that gives the book the feel of classic children's literature from the turn of the century. The accompanying text is a simple, rhythmic series of rhyming couplets. "Three busy messengers sending out the news" has three rabbits using one of their blankets to send smoke signals across a grassy river valley; "Four clever trackers looking for some clues" shows intrepid little hunters with bows and arrows examining the enormous paw-print of a bear. After "Ten sleepy weavers knowing day is done," an extra panel shows one rabbit hunched over a campfire while the other nine sleep soundly. A cut above the mass of counting books. (Baby to age 4) --Richard Farr --This text refers to the Board book edition.

From Publishers Weekly

There is a great deal of information and entertainment packed into this unusual counting book, which opens with "One lonely traveler riding on the plain." The strikingly detailed accompanying illustration authentically portrays a Native American riding on a dog-pulled travois. The fact that the Native American is a rabbit is the only note of fantasy, which creates an unusual--and effective--balance between the real and the imaginary. In each subsequent spread, an additional rabbit appears, and the expanding group is seen engaged in such activities as rain-dancing, sending smoke signals, hunting, storytelling, running from a storm, fishing and pounding on a drum. Although Long provides vibrant, earth-toned captivating artwork, some of these concepts and activities may be a bit beyond the book's intended audience. As a bonus for older readers, the book's closing pages provide notes on how specific tribes executed the traditions mentioned in the text. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (February 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087701552X
• ISBN-13: 978-0877015529
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #475,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful Counting book, December 8, 2002

By 

N. C. Walker (Mashantucket, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ten Little Rabbits (Board book)

Having Native American children I am always looking for books for them. I purchased this for my 18 month old (hard cover version). He loves to look at it. He will pull it out at least once a day to look at it. I've even noticed his 8 year old brother sneaking a peek more than once. I love the vibrant, without being bright, illustrations. They are intracate yet simple. The rabbits are adorable. The book starts with one rabbit and continues through to 10. The rabbits are in Native American regalia and doing traditional Native activites

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, March 24, 2008

By 

J. Ware (Folsom, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ten Little Rabbits (Hardcover)

I love this book. The illustrations are gorgeous. Its a great introduction to various Native American tribes, and a lovely counting book. One of my favorites.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for indian study and patterns., October 28, 2000

By 

Teri (McKinney, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ten Little Rabbits (Board book)

I have read this book to my first grade class during a unit on indians as well as used the patterns in the blankets during a pattern unit in math. The children want to read it again and again!! A great read and a great resource for teachers. My students enjoy making sack puppets and designing their own blanket and then acting out the book.