The Three Little Rabbits

by Ivan Gantschev, J. Alison James (Translation)

When Father Rabbit sends his three little rabbits off into the world, he tells them to dig themselves safe burrows, because, he warns, ""if a fox comes around, you must hide in the ground."" Giddy with their new independence, two of the little rabbits do not heed their father's warning. Only their sister takes the time to dig a safe burrow, working day and night while her brothers play. Her hard work pays off, for a sly, hungry fox does indeed come around, threatening the three little rabbits!
This engaging folktale, a Balkan version of ""The Three Little Pigs,"" is illustrated with great charm by the internationally acclaimed artist Ivan Gantschev.

Genres: Childrens, Fairy Tales, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

About the author

Ivan Gantschev (1925 – 2014) was a Bulgarian-German illustrator and author of children's books.

Reviews

[Meredith Henning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story and lovely illustrations.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Three Little Rabbits by Ivan Gantschev- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of a rabbit family of two sons and one daughter. As the three children have grown up, father rabbit sends them off to live in the world on their own term. But he advices them to dig safe burrows so that if and when a fox attacks them, they can enter their burrow and hide in the ground to save their lives. Two sons are happy with the new found freedom. Elder one plans to live in a grass house, younger one plans to live in a below a tree with leaves as bed. Their sister takes the time to dig a safe burrow, working day and night while her brothers waste time & play. Sister pig’s hard work pays off, for a sly, hungry fox does indeed come around, threatening the sister. As the entry hole of sister pig’s hole is small, the mouth of the fox is stuck. Fox is unable to move out. He prays to the sister rabbit for help on promise that he will not harm any further. Sister rabbit hits the fox with her head and the fox is free. Her two brothers learn a lesson and dig a hole for their safety. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the narrative. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[IfCatsCouldRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

A variation of the classic Three Little Pigs tale. My class were confused by the illustrations (they didn’t get it). They enjoyed the story though.

[Rhonda Hankins]

It's nothing more than The Three Little Pigs with a much simplified vocabulary. I did not find the accompanying illustrations especially noteworthy. Nothing recommendable.