The Curse of the School Rabbit

by Judith Kerr

The brand new, laugh-out-loud story of a boy, a rabbit, and a lot of bad luck, from the one and only Judith Kerr, creator of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat…

It all started with the school rabbit…

Snowflake is the school rabbit, and Snowflake is TROUBLE.
At least that’s what Tommy thinks, and when Snowflake is unexpectedly left for him to look after and EVERYTHING starts to go wrong, it looks like Tommy might be right. Even if he is getting more pocket money for feeding it and might be able to afford a new bike after all…

And with a sick sister left in bed, a snobby actor left with suspiciously damp trousers, and no rabbit anywhere to be seen, Tommy can see his hopes of a new bike disappearing as fast as Snowflake.
Will Snowflake turn up, and turn out to be more good luck than bad? Or are Tommy and his family DOOMED by the curse of the school rabbit?

A fantastically funny and exquisitely illustrated new young fiction title from the iconic Judith Kerr, this is the perfect story for boys and girls of six plus to read alone or with their family.

Genres: Audiobook, Childrens, Classics, Fiction, Middle Grade, Animals

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 27, 2019

About the author

Judith Kerr was a German-born British writer and illustrator who has created both enduring picture books such as the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came To Tea and acclaimed novels for older children such as the autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit which give a child's-eye view of the Second World War.

Kerr was born in Berlin but left Germany with her parents and her brother, Michael, in 1933, soon after the Nazis first came to power. They were forced to leave as her father, noted drama critic, journalist and screenwriter Alfred Kerr, had openly criticised the Nazis,who burned his books shortly after the family had fled Germany. They travelled first to Switzerland and then on into France, before finally settling in Britain, where Kerr has lived ever since. She subsequently became a naturalised British citizen.

Reviews

[BrokenTune · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across The Curse of the School Rabbit last night in my library's BorrowBox catalogue and couldn't resist the cover.

This was my first Judith Kerr and if the rest of her books are like this one, I can see why she was such a beloved author.

The story of Snowflake, who has a tendency to pee on people, was both funny and heartwarming and dealt with a young boy worrying about a struggling family, illness, and the responsibility of looking after an animal in a very touching and sympathetic way.

I really enjoyed this.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Kerr has been part of my life since I can remember and I was so saddened to hear of her death recently (May 2019). However, she left us one last gift – this beautiful hardback story of a boy and a rabbit. At just under 80 pages, and with black and white illustrations, this is a lovely story, which is ideal for children moving on to longer books.

Miss Bennet teaches the Second Years and he uses Snowflake the rabbit in her teaching. The children write stories about her, they measure her and weigh her. Tommy’s sister, Angie is in Miss Bennet’s class and she loves her, but Tommy has never liked Snowflake, after an unfortunate accident. Then Snowflake comes for a visit. Can Tommy get over his dislike and will his father, a 'resting' actor, find a job?

As always, Judith Kerr writes a heart-warming tale and her illustrations are exquisite. She will be much missed, and we are lucky that we have her wonderful stories to remember her by.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little story for children.
We enjoyed listening to David Walliams reading it, and found the story light hearted and funny.

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook via BookBeat UK!

David Walliams is the narrator for a fun Judith Kerr tale about a naughty school rabbit called Snowflake. He lives in a classroom where the teacher and students all love him and as part of their English and maths classes, use Snowflake to help them creatively with their learning. When Tommy (one of the students) has to look after Snowflake, his sister suddenly falls unwell and he wonders if the reason why is Snowflake being in their house. It was a fun listen and brought back memories of being read the Mog books when I was younger. Would recommend!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 11-year-old checked this one out at the library for himself, but he told me I should try reading it out loud to him and his brother because I'd love it - and he was right. Quirky, adorable, and so, so funny, with fantastic illustrations - we ALL loved it and are planning to get another copy to keep and to re-read next December! (It's not a Christmas book, but it's set just before Christmas, so it's definitely seasonal - and so much fun!)

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Tommy is convinced that the school rabbit kept by Miss Bennett is cursed, as it seems to bring misfortune to him and to his family in this amusing early chapter-book from celebrated British children's author and artist, Judith Kerr. Snowflake had a penchant for peeing on people's legs, something Tommy had already discovered for himself, and something which caused quite a bit of trouble for Tommy's father, when an important film star came to their home to discuss a possible project while Snowflake was staying there. With this potential job off the table, it seemed as if Tommy's dream of getting a bicycle for Christmas would never come true. Fortunately, things took an unexpected turn...

As a long-time fan of Judith Kerr, someone who has read and adored most of her many books about Mog, that rotund and forgetful kitty, as well as her autobiographical novels based upon her childhood as a refugee from Nazi Germany ( When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and sequels), I was saddened by her death this past year (2019). It was therefore a happy surprise to see The Curse of the School Rabbit (a posthumous publication) come into work, and I immediately picked it up. I found the story amusing, and the character of Tommy sympathetic. The accompanying illustrations were charming, as one would expect, and captured the sense of humor throughout. Recommended to fellow Kerr fans, and to anyone looking for humorous but ultimately heartwarming tales for their beginning chapter-book readers.

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic, interesting story. Good for young readers.

[Lisa - *OwlBeSatReading* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me smiling away all the way through, who could resist a naughty bunny story?!

Lovely storyline and characters, with a simple, yet intriguing plot perfect for bedtime. More so if there's a cuddly rabbit sharing the bed, I could see myself animating with gusto to this little gem!

There used to be a menagerie of stuffed toys sharing my daughter's bed years ago and she would of loved this between the ages of 3-9 ish.

Certainly a super book for early readers too, complete with really cool little pencil drawings, the facial expressions of the characters were delightful.

I wouldn't expect any less from Judith Kerr, she wrote with simplicity, humour and love.

5 solid stars from me, my grandchildren (if and when I get them!) are going to share this one with me, I absolutely loved it! But then, I am a big kid at heart I suppose.

[Clemmie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tale of a rabbit, Snowflake, that seems to disturb the life of Tommy and his family, seeing them through some very difficult life circumstances. On reflection the family realise that Snowflake is the very reason that life got better for them. Beautiful illustrations and relatable, everyday themes for children (e.g. parents being in a financially difficult situation, sibling annoyance).

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tommy is not impressed when he gets stuck looking after the school rabbit. Snowflake sounds like an adorable creature when in actual fact, he needs lots of exercise and likes to pee on things - or people. Unfortunately for Tommy's family - important people.

Then Tommy's little sister gets sick, and other things go wrong too, Tommy wonders - Is Snowflake cursed? All Tommy wants is to get rid of Snowflake, back to his normal carer and away from their family. But when Snowflake goes missing, all Tommy can think about is getting him back!

When Tommy returns with Snowflake in his arms, he believes he'll be in terrible trouble, but it's this very image that changes everything. Maybe Snowflake was a blessing, and not a curse after all?

A clever, funny story about a struggling family, and an escapee rabbit with a penchant for peeing on people, by the author of The Tiger who came to Tea, and When Hitler stole Pink Rabbit. With authentic characterisation and a satisfying ending, this would make a great read aloud.

[Κόκκινη Αλεπού · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ενα υπέροχο κείμενο – το τελευταίο που έγραψε και εικονογράφησε η σπουδαία δημιουργός πριν πεθάνει – που μέσα στην απλότητά του θίγει σπουδαία θέματα, διανθισμένο με τις μοναδικές εικονογραφήσεις της Judith Kerr.

[Tamera Glenn Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute little tail. Get it?

[Pelio Papadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Η Χιονονιφάδα είναι το ολόλευκο κουνέλι του σχολείου. Η Χιονονιφάδα, επίσης, είναι μπελάς. Τουλάχιστον αυτό πιστεύει ο Τόμι (έχοντας υπάρξει θύμα της παλαιότερα -ναι, η Χιονονιφάδα μπορεί εύκολα να σε κατουρήσει). Βέβαια, η αδελφή του, η Άντζι, έχει διαφορετική γνώμη. Όχι μόνο λατρεύει τη Χιονονιφάδα, αλλά έχει φτιάξει και ειδικό... κουνελοχορό προς τιμήν της.
Όταν η κ. Μπένετ, η δασκάλα, αφήνει ξαφνικά στην οικογνένειά του Τόμι και της Άντζι τη Χιονονιφάδα για να τη φροντίσουν για κάποιο χρονικό διάστημα που εκείνη πρέπει να λείψει, όλα αρχίζουν να πηγαίνουν στραβά... Κι ας βγάζει Ο Τόμι μεγαλύτερο χαρτζιλίκι επειδή την ταΐζει, κι ας μπορέσει ίσως έτσι να πάρει επιτέλους το καινούργιο ποδήλατο που χρειάζεται... Εξαιτίας της κουνελιού, ο άνεργος μπαμπάς του χάνει μια πιθανή δουλειά, μια ομάδα άγριων σκυλιών επιτίθεται στον Τόμι στο πάρκο, ενώ η Άντζι αρρωσταίνει βαριά. Μα πώς να μην του δώσει το αντιπαθές αυτό ζώο έμπνευση να γράψει στο σχολείο μια ιστορία με τίτλο "Το καταραμένο κουνέλι";
Και σαν να μην έφταναν όλα αυτά, λίγο πριν παραδοθεί -επιτέλους- η Χιονονιφάδα πίσω στην κ. Μπένετ, το σκάει από τον κήπο κι ο Τόμι αναγκάζεται να βγει να την ψάξει μέσα στο κρύο και στην ομίχλη. Θα βρεθεί άραγε η Χιονονιφάδα; Θα του φέρει κι άλλη γκαντεμιά ή μήπως η τύχη του θα αλλάξει μόλις το κουνέλι επιστρέψει στο σχολείο; Οι απαντήσεις στο ξεκαρδιστικό βιβλίο της σπουδαίας συγγραφέα και εικονογράφου Judith Kerr "Το καταραμένο κουνέλι", που κυκλοφορεί από τις Εκδόσεις Παπαδόπουλος σε μετάφραση Πετρούλας Γαβριηλίδου, και μέσα από το χιούμορ του, εξοικειώνει τα παιδιά με θέματα όπως η ανεργία, οι οικονομικές δυσκολίες, οι οικογενειακές σχέσεις, η ασθένεια η ζωοφιλία και φυσικά η αγάπη!
Ένα απολ��υστικό ανάγνωσμα για μικρούς και μεγάλους που έρχεται να μας διασκεδάσει, να μας κάνει να προβληματιστούμε πάνω στη... σχετικότητα εννοιών, όπως η τύχη και η γκαντεμιά, και να μας γεμίσει με αισιοδοξία, υπενθυμίζοντάς μας πως όταν όλα μοιάζουν χαμένα, έρχονται αναπάντεχες λύσεις που μας σώζουν. Λύσεις που μπορεί να δώσει ακόμα και ένα... κουνέλι. Καταραμένο ή ίσως και όχι 😉

[Maria Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lower middle-grade book revolves around a classroom pet (a rabbit in this case) who comes to stay at the home of Tommy and his sister Angie. Actually, the rabbit comes from Angie's classroom; Tommy can't stand the rabbit. But guess who has to take care of the rabbit? If you guessed Tommy, you are absolutely correct!

The rabbit causes all sorts of headaches. And not just for Tommy. Tommy's dad and uncle are trying to get the famous actor, Gordon Strong, to hire Tommy's dad for his next movie. But the rabbit does help matters. Tommy's pretty sure that rabbit carries a curse!

The only odd thing about this book is that there are no chapters. I really think it could have benefitted from chapter divisions. There are lots of pictures, though. And lots of run-on sentences! But those sentences fit in very nicely with Tommy's first-person narration.

Overall, it was a delightful book.

Favourite Sentence...
Then Dad said, "He won't like me being taller than him," and Uncle Mike said, "Well, most people are taller than Gordon Strong, but it might be a good idea for you crouch down a bit, so that it won't be so noticeable."

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant enough book about a boy saddled with looking after the classroom's pet rabbit, which has a habit of peeing on people. The look of it with the pleasantly old-fashioned black and white illustrations is perhaps the most memorable aspect, though. I mean, yes, the story has enough to entertain the young, but us adults will wonder a few things. Why the heck is the father – an impoverished actor – supposed to have an audition on a Sunday morning? And why does one character's illness just disappear as if it never was relevant? I didn't expect such naive telling from an expert author as Ms Kerr. Still, the target audience will enjoy a quietly understated tale of modern misfortune – and gain a lesson about avoiding short adults with height complexes.

[Alexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Kerr is one of my favourite author so I knew I was going to like this and I did.

I found the story interesting as it talks about all of the familys. I also found it believable as the picture helped to bring this story to life and see it the events from a childs point of view.

I loved the hand drawn picture as they were so detailed but so simple at the same time which is one of the reasons I love Judith Kerr's books.

I liked how at the end it says that if snowflake hadn't escaped the events to happen later may have never happened and I found that interesting as,at that present time in the story Tommy didnt like snowflake and said snowflake was cursed but after seeing how snowflake changed the family once it left shows the impact snowflake had on them.

[Isabel Jazmín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta novela corta fue la última que publicó en vida en 2015 a los 95 años de edad. Está contada desde la perspectiva de Tommy, un niño que tiene una hermana pequeña, la cual está en segundo grado y la mascota del grupo es Snowflake. Por circunstancias ajenas a ellos, deben cuidar al conejo durante algunos días y en ese periodo suceden cosas que Tommy califica como maldición.

Me gustó mucho el ritmo de la narración: a través de capítulos cortos se avanza rápidamente en la historia y queremos saber qué más sucederá. Las ilustraciones son de la misma autora y muestran detalles que complementan la trama.

Acá mi comentario completo.

[Charlotte Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute children's story, brilliantly narrated on audiobook by David Walliams. With it being a children's book, not meant for an adult audience at all, it is difficult to review. Overall I felt that it is something that any animal loving child would love and a book that my son will probably be interested in when he's a little older. As with all of Judith Kerr's books, this had a sense of nostalgia and magic in the mundane. I would definitely recommend for the children in your life but it doesn't really translate for an older reader.

3 out of 5 stars!

[Lesley Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and entertaining read for younger children and is one that their parents will equally enjoy reading aloud.

When Tommy's younger sister, Angie, brings home Snowflake - the school rabbit - to stay for the holidays, Tommy is horrified. He is certain that bad things happen around Snowflake and this does appear to be the case. One day, Angie can't care for Snowflake and Tommy is forced to take on the rabbit and this doesn't mean that he begins to care for Snowflake, but he knows that other people care for the rabbit, so he throws his heart and soul into doing a good job and overcoming his own aversion to Snowflake.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tommy hates the school rabbit Snowflake while his sister loves him and even makes a dance up about him!



So when Snowflake comes to stay things go wrong with their actor dad out of work, Angie falling ill and then inspiration strikes Tommy to write about the curse of The Rabbit and after his stay ends, things take a dramatic turn for the better...



This is a fun little book that animal lovers will enjoy and by the great Judith Kerr too what a way to finish her wonderful career with this tale.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

[Teri B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an utterly enjoyable story about what happens when the school rabbit is dropped into a family of four who have quite some other problems. And yet, Tom, the older of the two children in the family and the main character has to take care of it although he has rather mixed feelings towards this rabbit called Snowflake who seems to turn things even more topsy-survey, or does it?

What a carefully and lovingly crafted story this is, that evolves around family woes, siblings, pets and mysterious people in the fog. And what kindness can do when you treat a creature that has been given into your care with kindness.

I very much enjoyed reading this beautifully illustrated children's book that I got as an eARC from the publisher. I plan to read this story again, when the days have gone shorter, the fog comes up and Christmas is near.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was a little odd. We picked up a bunch of audiobooks prior to a long drive and this seemed interesting. The story is a weirdly pitched, partly focussed on explaining the acting business, partly based around a small families financial hardship and kind of, sort of, partly based around a rabbit. It's all just happens and I'm not sure if there is a specific point but it was quite fun. I think the narration and tone from David Walliams really sold some of the humour and I'm not sure I would have found the book version as entertaining. Not bad, just a little odd.

[Maggie Hesseling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first children's book in a while. And though the story was engaging, I was a little disappointed. What I loved about The Tiger That Came For Tea was the fact that it had so much imagination to it. And in this little book the only burst of imagination on my end came during the story that he writes for school.

But then, it isn't written for me. And I can see why a young child would enjoy it. It has great simple writing and a strong enough story to hold a child's interest.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, fun story about a boy and his family and a rabbit. With a dad out of acting work, things are a bit strained financially. Tommy knows that his family needs some good luck, but when they have to look after his younger sister's class rabbit, it seems to bring nothing but bad luck.
Eventually, though, things turn around, partly because of the rabbit...

This would be a fun read-aloud in kindergarten (ages 4+) and junior primary classrooms, or for parents to read to young children.

[Helen O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore the late Judith Kerr and so I was rapt to see this sweet book. Not disappointed at all. Glorious drawings as ever and a delightfully family orientated story. I loved it that Dad was an out of work actor. And the rabbit peeing on everyone was a masterful stroke.
Probably suited to 7 to 10 year olds as a read aloud. You could finish it within 35 minutes or over three days with shorter times each day.

[Dorthe Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Har bare lest bildebøkene hennes, men røsket med meg denne på min vei, da hun er på pensum i år, og kanskje blir en del av eksamensoppgaven, da er det godt å ha mer å henvise til. Boken var søt. Jeg elsker den læreren som har andreklasse fast, og bygger opp undervisningen sin rundt ett dyr. Sånt bør vi gjøre mer av hjemme også. Vrir man hjernen litt så kan det bli unikt gøy å bygge ut flerfaglige prosjekter.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this quirky audio book, read by David Walliams.

Judith Kerr has created a delightful story about a rabbit that may or may not be bringing bad luck to the family who is looking after it.

I now need to find a copy of the actual book as rumour has it the illustrations are worth a look...

[Books With A Dash of Dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

We listened to the audiobook narrated by David Walliams on a car journey.

My kids thoroughly enjoyed the story of the school rabbit and I enjoyed the humourous, if not slightly dysfunctional family.

Great for the whole family to enjoy.

[David McGrogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle story, full of wry humour, which had my 6 year-old daughter spellbound. Judith Kerr's keen eye for family dynamics hadn't deserted her even into her 90s, and nor had her fundamental belief in the simple goodness of family life. This comes through very strongly, here.

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant final book by an amazing author and illustrator.

Read my review here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...