Montgomery Rabbit
What’s inside...
Adventures and mysteries await a young lop-eared rabbit named Montgomery when he accidentally falls through a hole in an old white fence. With no way back to his shady, comfortable yard, Montgomery sets out to explore the world beyond. Along the way, he meets a field rabbit named Bentley, and the two set off in search of a legendary raspberry patch. Their mission is treacherous, as Montgomery comes face-to-face with predators he's never known before - coyotes, hawks, and even a rattlesnake. However, by helping each other and accepting help from new friends, the rabbits strive to reach their treasure: a patch of juicy red raspberries. Through danger, excitement, and self-discovery, Montgomery and Bentley learn important life lessons and discover a friendship to last a lifetime. The book is authored by Sandy Little, inspired by her childhood memories and love for family, and illustrated by David Wenzel, a seasoned artist with a deep appreciation of nature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
76 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Montgomery Rabbit felt when he was exploring the garden? Can you relate to his feelings of curiosity?
Why do you think the author chose a rabbit to be the main character? How does Montgomery's character inspire you?
What does Montgomery's journey tell us about friendship and bravery?
How do the other characters in the story affect Montgomery's adventure? What can we learn from their interactions?
If you were in the story, what advice would you give Montgomery during his challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words, this helps gauge their understanding and recall.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by relating to their own experiences, this connects the story to their world.
Discuss the motivations and actions of different characters to deepen comprehension and emotional insight.
Use follow-up questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to think critically and articulate their thoughts clearly.
After discussing, you could both try to guess what might happen next if the book had another chapter, or how the story could have ended differently.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Montgomery Rabbit', the protagonist encounters various animals who are in need. Through these interactions, Montgomery learns to understand and share the feelings of others, demonstrating empathy and compassion throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by noticing when their peers or family members are upset or in need, and by offering their help or understanding, just like Montgomery does.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Montgomery faces several challenges during his journey. Despite fears and setbacks, he continues with determination. This illustrates the importance of being brave and resilient even when situations are daunting.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own challenges, such as trying again after falling off a bike, or not being disheartened by mistakes, and learning from them instead.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Montgomery makes friends with different characters, which shows how friendships can cross boundaries of difference and how valuable these relationships are in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making and maintaining friendships, understanding that friends can be a support system in tough times.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Montgomery's journey is driven by his curiosity about the world around him. His adventures lead to many discoveries and learning opportunities about the world and its varied inhabitants.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore, ask questions, and learn from their environment, which can be applied in educational settings or even during family outings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: In several scenarios, Montgomery is faced with puzzles and problems that he needs to solve. This shows children how thinking creatively and critically can offer solutions to problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these skills in everyday situations, such as figuring out how to share toys with siblings or solving a difficult puzzle.