Too Many Carrots

November 23, 2015
Hudson (Bear and Duck) handily juggles profuse visual humor and a passel of life lessons, including taking only what you need, sharing what you have, and not taking advantage of friends. Greed, rather than gluttony, is the crux of Rabbit’s problem: he does more hoarding of carrots than eating them, until his burrow overflows to the point that he’s forced out. Luckily, Rabbit has several generous friends who offer to share their homes—offers that Rabbit happily accepts. “Maybe it’s a little too snug for two?” suggests Tortoise, as Rabbit climbs into his shell. “Not at all,” replies an oblivious Rabbit. After cracking Tortoise’s shell, Rabbit moves from one nervous host to the next, his stash of carrots destroying each home. Simultaneously sassy and sweet, Hudson’s illustrations place her cast of cuddly, expressive animals in a variety of slapstick situations. It’s unsurprising but still satisfying when Rabbit’s conscience finally kicks in; taking responsibility for the mayhem he’s caused, he opens his home to his friends. When life gives you carrots, Hudson suggests, make carrot cake (and juice and soup and cupcakes). Ages 3–5.