Rabbit & Bear: The Pest in the Nest (2)
#2 of 6 in Rabbit & Bear Series
What’s inside...
Gorgeously illustrated and with a classic feel, this is a brilliantly funny story of a rabbit and a bear whose friendship is tested by a very noisy woodpecker. Ideal for readers transitioning from picture books, it showcases the perfect animal double-act. When Rabbit shouts for peace and quiet, his own ears hurt from the noise, including Bear's snoring and a persistent banging from a tree. As Bear leads Rabbit to see the world differently from high in the branches, this tale by Julian Gough and Jim Field, unfolds with humor and wisdom, demonstrating how to embrace being really noisy. It's a breath of fresh air in children's fiction, full of laughter and adventure, as noted by Neil Gaiman. The book is part of the Rabbit and Bear series, which includes titles like 'Rabbit's Bad Habits' and 'The Pest in the Nest.' It has been shortlisted for notable awards, including the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award and the Children's Book of the Year in the Irish Book Awards.
Character compass
The Rabbit
Bear
Woodpecker
Discussion points
How do you think Rabbit felt when things didn’t go as planned? Can you share a time when you felt the same?
What did Bear teach Rabbit about handling situations that are annoying or frustrating?
Why is it important to understand other people’s feelings, like how Rabbit learned to consider Bear’s perspective?
What are some ways Rabbit and Bear worked together to solve their problem? How can we do the same with our friends or family?
If you were in the story, what would you say to Rabbit and Bear to help them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own experiences that relate to the story to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Use expressions and emotions when discussing Bear’s calm approach and Rabbit’s frustration to highlight their contrasting behaviors.
Discuss the problem-solving aspects of the story, asking your child how they might handle similar situations in their own life.
Offer praise for thoughtful responses and insightful connections made to the story, reinforcing positive thinking and empathy.
Create a comfortable and open environment for the discussion, allowing your child to freely express their thoughts and feelings about the story’s events and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Explanation: Rabbit struggles with annoyance when Bear begins to snore, teaching children that it's natural to feel irritated but important to manage reactions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing their feelings of irritation and learning to address them constructively, such as discussing them calmly or finding a solution.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Tolerance
Explanation: Bear shows patience and understanding towards Rabbit's grumpiness, which can teach kids the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice patience and try to understand others' perspectives in school or during play, fostering healthy social interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Together, Rabbit and Bear work to figure out why there's a noisy woodpecker, demonstrating collaborative problem solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with others to solve issues, whether it's during group projects or resolving playtime disputes.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The characters' interaction with their woodland surroundings highlights the importance of respecting and appreciating nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to explore and value their natural environment, perhaps through outdoor activities or learning about local wildlife.