When a dog and a rat come upon a rabbit flattened on the road in their neighborhood, they contemplate her situation, wondering what they should do to help her. They decide it can't be much fun to lie there: she should be moved. But how? And to where? Finally, the dog comes up with an inspired, and unique, idea and they work together through the night to make it happen. Once finished, they can't be positive, but they think they have done their best to help the flat rabbit get somewhere better than the middle of the road where they found her.
Sparely told with simple artwork, The Flat Rabbit treats the concept of death with a sense of compassion and gentle humor – and a note of practicality. In the end, the dog and the rat's caring, thoughtful approach results in an unusual yet perfect way to respect their departed friend.
"Honest, secular books for children about death are rare indeed... The Flat Rabbit has joined this short list. I'm glad I gave it another chance."
"Run, don't walk, to get a look at [The] Flat Rabbit. Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street ... The text and the artwork, which are deadpan (pun intended) and charming, are open to many interpretations."
"A very fun, silly tone despite the subject matter."
"I was touched... when shared one on one, this story will resonate with readers of all ages."
“A jumping-off point to explore death and compassion.”
"A masterwork of minimalist storytelling... full of quiet wit and wistful wonder."
"It's unusually corporeal ... but it's this very tactile wrestling with death that feels so honest."
"As perfectly, honestly childlike in its approach as Margaret Wise Brown and Remy Charlip's classic The Dead Bird, this title should provoke both thought and discussion."
"A quietly profound new picture book"
"Refreshing and possibly even comforting."