The Old Lion and the Little Rabbit

Old and tired, a worn-down lion who has been beaten out of his own pride, and forced to retreat to the edge of the savanna, encounters a baby rabbit in this poignant picture-book from Japanese author/illustrator Keiko Kaichi. Although this tiny leporine intruder smells tasty, the lion decides to

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wait to eat him, fattening him up first so he will make a good meal. But as time goes by, the lion finds himself becoming attached to his tiny charge...

Originally published in Japan, and translated into English for minedition by Sayako Uchida, The Old Lion and the Little Rabbit is a beautifully crafted picture-book, one which pairs a spare but emotionally resonant text with lovely pencil and acrylic artwork. I was deeply appreciative of the melancholy resolution to Kaichi's story, because I so rarely see children's books deal honestly with the nature of choice, and the idea that sometimes something must be sacrificed, in order to do what is right and/or good. The lion's decision, at the close of the tale, is all the more satisfying, because he is sacrificing, not only a meal, but his last, best chance at happiness. I suspect that had I read it first as a child, the story here would have haunted me. I also suspect that, had this been an American children's book, the lion and rabbit would have remained together, "happily ever after." Recommended to anyone who appreciates thoughtful, deeply-felt children's stories, ones that have satisfying, but not necessarily happy endings.

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