
Reach for this book when your child is on the verge of a major life milestone, such as getting their first pet, and is struggling with the overwhelming mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with waiting. It captures the almost physical intensity of a child's longing and the heavy weight of responsibility that follows. Set in the Dutch countryside, the story follows young Davie as he prepares for the arrival of a black rabbit named Shadrach. Through Davie's experience, children learn that deep love often carries a bit of worry, but that caring for another living thing is one of life's greatest rewards. It is a gentle, slow-paced classic perfect for ages 7 to 11, especially for sensitive souls who feel things deeply.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with the physical and emotional toll of anxiety. Davie’s worry is depicted as a 'sickness' in his stomach. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the internal world of a child. The resolution is deeply hopeful and affirming.
A thoughtful 8-year-old who has been asking for a pet for years and is finally about to get one, or a child who tends to overthink and needs to see their 'big feelings' mirrored and validated by a kind grandfather figure.
The book is safe to read cold, but parents should be prepared to discuss Davie’s physical symptoms of anxiety (the 'singing' in his ears and the pain in his side) so the child understands these are normal reactions to big emotions. A parent might see their child unable to eat or sleep because they are so fixated on an upcoming event or a new responsibility, or perhaps the child is showing signs of 'pre-loss' anxiety about a pet.
Younger children (7-8) will focus on the 'will he get the bunny?' suspense. Older children (10-11) will resonate more with the nuance of Davie’s relationship with his sensitive grandfather and the historical setting.
Unlike many pet stories that focus on antics or humor, Meindert DeJong uses a stream-of-consciousness style to capture the raw, unfiltered intensity of childhood emotion. It treats a child's inner life with immense dignity.
Davie, a young boy living in the Netherlands, is promised a real, live black rabbit of his own. The narrative follows the agonizingly slow week of waiting, the meticulous preparation of a hutch, and the eventual arrival of Shadrach. When Shadrach later escapes, Davie must navigate the panic of loss and the persistence required to bring his friend home.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.