Rabbit's New Rug

by Judy Delton, Marc Brown

Rabbit loves his beautiful new rug, but comes to realize there are more important things

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Born on May 6th in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy Delton lived in her hometown for most of her life. She wrote more than one hundred books for children, including the popular Pee Wee Scouts series, which sold more than seven million copies. Her writing was often compared to Beverly Cleary or Carolyn Haywood for her ability to capture the essence of childhood.

For many years, Ms. Delton taught writing classes in her home. Today, those writers are having their own books published and remember her forthright instruction and critique with appreciation. Many writers have benefited from her handbook, The 29 Most Common Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Ms. Delton had four children and decided to quit teaching so she could stay home and raise them. Writing prolifically was her way of supporting her family. She died very suddenly of a blood infection in December of 2001. Her legions of friends and all those she taught were greatly saddened.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between breakfast and bus time, my granddaughter have time for at least one storybook. This book was just right and the artwork livened up the story. The rabbit, owl and fox come to see Rabbit’s new rug. Like all of us who have just installed something new to our homes, Rabbit was so protective of the rug that no visitor’s were allowed to step onto it. And the visitors represented 3 very familiar type of party guest we have all encountered. In the end though, it is better to be social than reclusive and Rabbit figures that out. It’s just a pretty rug—maybe.😉

[Bella reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Marc Brown’s art style makes it feel so homey and relaxing compared to the overall bustle of today’s world. Each page has intricate details with every single line being placed with intention. There are pages of this book I would frame and put on my walls.

The story by Judy Delton can be made out as many different things depending on the reader’s perspective and attitude. It can be a comedy if the reader is focusing on the banter of Rabbit’s friends but can also have a genuine theme of dealing with OCD if one focuses on Rabbit’s fears. Everyone can get something out of this book. To me, this is a perfect book. 5/5

[bananananas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was read this as a kid

[Beth Voecks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book as a child. Just ask my mom how many times I made her read it to me and with me once I learned to read. Great stuff!!

[Elisabeth Ensor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book about new things, a clean house but only that way because friends aren’t around

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a story about how even the most chronic OCD is cured by friendship.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using a space is more important than keeping things clean is a lesson I can get behind.

[Jodee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Material things are material things. What good are they unless you can enjoy them.

[Rilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rabbit’s New Rug, Rabbit buys a beautiful new rug for his home. The rug he buys is beautiful and he is immensely proud. He immediately wants to show off its splendor to his friends. He invites them over to see it. However, when his friends arrive, Rabbit neurotically obsesses over keeping his new carpet clean. He does not allow his guests to touch the rug. Therefore, he and his friends end up standing up against the wall next to the rug and awkwardly staring down at its beauty. His friends decide to leave. In the ensuing days, Rabbit comes to miss his friends. He realizes that a rug does not provide very good company. He invites his friends over again and this time they get to actually enjoy the new rug. Rabbit throws a party with cake and streamers. He does not care about the mess and he enjoys his friends.

This story holds a great teaching moment. A teacher or a parent can point out to a child that Rabbit learned how friendship is more important than material things. When he isolated himself with his rug, he was lonely and sad. However, when he was willing to let go of his rug he was able to enjoy it and his friends at the same time.

This is a great picture book and I would recommend it to both teachers and parents.

[Miri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbit has a new rug, it's so wonderful that Rabbit it scared to walk on it, he might ruin it. He won't let his friends walk on his rug, or stand to close to it, eventually his friends stop coming over, because they always have to stand against the wall. Soon, Rabbit becomes lonely, having a new rug isn't so wonderful, if he has to enjoy it all alone.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

And this is the book that taught me that people should come before things. Even new rugs.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interest Level Grades K - 2
Genre: Fiction
Themes: Friendship
Uses: Casual reading for comprehension

[Caithlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

saw this book in my classroom today and remembered it from when I was little..it is a pretty rug!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another childhood favourite. I remember liking the illustrations a lot. Rereading it I find I love the sarcasm of Fox, it is quite entertaining and rare for a children's book!

[Jennifer Borduin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can show children to value the good times rather than keeping things new and shiny. A rug is meant to host good times with friends!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we could all learn something from this book! Great illustrations, and it really emphasizes loving the people in our lives more than the things in our lives!