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Little Rabbit & Brown Rabbit #2
Brown Rabbit in the City
Brown Rabbit is excited to make his first-ever trip to the city to visit his best friend, Little Rabbit. But the visit doesn?t go quite as planned. Little Rabbit is so busy making sure that they see all her favorite cafés, shops, and museums that she forgets the real reason for Brown Rabbit?s visit?to see her! It takes a lovely garden and a sweet surprise to show them both that all the hustle and bustle of the city is worth little without a good friend to share it with. Lovingly told, this beautiful book by Scottish author-illustrator Natalie Russell reminds readers of the simple delight of friendship.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Natalie Russell
25 books9 followersNatalie Russell is an author, illustrator, and printmaker whose work has been widely exhibited. When she's not in her studio creating books, she can be found at Dundee University in Scotland where she teaches illustration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 10, 2012
I went into this not realizing it is a sequel to Moon Rabbit (which I now have on hold at the library!) but I still really enjoyed it. It is the story of Brown Rabbit, who leaves his country home to visit his city friend Little Rabbit. He is looking forward to spending some quiet, one-on-one time talking with his friend, and eating carrot cake. But, Little Rabbit loves her city so much, she is determined to show Brown Rabbit every inch of it. They are so busy, Brown Rabbit is soon exhausted and he feels like he doesn't really get to spend time with his friend as their schedule is so frantic.
I *love* the illustrations! They are so unique, full of wonderful detail, utterly charming without completely adorable with just the right blend of realistic elements and whimsical touches--without being too cutesy. But the story is also strong. It's one of those special children's books that I felt like pondering after I'd finished. Did Brown Rabbit overreact? Was Little Rabbit being selfish, or just oblivious? Ah, the complexities of friendship! I love that this little book doesn't shy away from those aspects of relationships. The ending was very sweet. I hope I will enjoy the first book as much and that there will be more stories about Brown Rabbit and Little Rabbit :-)
I *love* the illustrations! They are so unique, full of wonderful detail, utterly charming without completely adorable with just the right blend of realistic elements and whimsical touches--without being too cutesy. But the story is also strong. It's one of those special children's books that I felt like pondering after I'd finished. Did Brown Rabbit overreact? Was Little Rabbit being selfish, or just oblivious? Ah, the complexities of friendship! I love that this little book doesn't shy away from those aspects of relationships. The ending was very sweet. I hope I will enjoy the first book as much and that there will be more stories about Brown Rabbit and Little Rabbit :-)
February 25, 2019
Brown Rabbit is paying a visit to Little Rabbit who lives in the big city. She is excited to be showing him all her favorite haunts, leaving him exhausted by too much running around.
While I liked Russell's illustrations, I sort of resented how Little Rabbit is painted as something of the villain here. She wants to share her life with her friend, and show him all the city has to offer. He just wants to hang out, and visit with Little Rabbit. Neither of these options is wrong, and it's really something that should be worked out before taking a trip. Too much to expect from a kiddie book, I know, but a good lesson for real life.
While I liked Russell's illustrations, I sort of resented how Little Rabbit is painted as something of the villain here. She wants to share her life with her friend, and show him all the city has to offer. He just wants to hang out, and visit with Little Rabbit. Neither of these options is wrong, and it's really something that should be worked out before taking a trip. Too much to expect from a kiddie book, I know, but a good lesson for real life.
April 25, 2012
I read this book because I borrowed it at the same time as I borrowed the first book, Moon Rabbit. I wasn’t wowed by that one, and once I read it I probably would have not gone out of my way to get this one.
And, no, I did not love this book either, and I probably won’t continue if more are published.
I do love the very inventive and pretty pictures. And there are some good things about the story. My favorite aspect was the message of being sensitive to a friend’s needs.
I don’t like the depiction of the city (except for a park) as a place that’s too, too busy. While I can’t argue that there is some truth to how the city is shown, it doesn’t have to be that way and I take some umbrage from pitting country against city. Both can be pleasant places.
I also found it odd that at the party the silhouettes in the background (the rest of the partygoers) appear to be human. It would have made more sense to me if they were also rabbits.
But, I think many young children will like these rabbit books. This is a sweet friendship story and the pictures are wonderful.
And, no, I did not love this book either, and I probably won’t continue if more are published.
I do love the very inventive and pretty pictures. And there are some good things about the story. My favorite aspect was the message of being sensitive to a friend’s needs.
I don’t like the depiction of the city (except for a park) as a place that’s too, too busy. While I can’t argue that there is some truth to how the city is shown, it doesn’t have to be that way and I take some umbrage from pitting country against city. Both can be pleasant places.
I also found it odd that at the party the silhouettes in the background (the rest of the partygoers) appear to be human. It would have made more sense to me if they were also rabbits.
But, I think many young children will like these rabbit books. This is a sweet friendship story and the pictures are wonderful.
February 25, 2020
Little Rabbit and Brown Rabbit, the adorable leporine friends who first appeared in Natalie Russell's
Moon Rabbit
, return in this second picture-book adventure, which picks up just where its predecessor left off. With Little Rabbit having returned to her home in the city, it is Brown Rabbit's time to step out of his comfort zone, leaving his traditional haunts in the park to visit his friend. Little Rabbit, determined to show him a good time, and to allow him to experience all the pleasures of urban living, tries to cram as many activities as possible into his stay, only to realize that it is her he has come to see, not the city. Is it too late to put thing right...?
Truthfully, I wasn't that impressed by the story in Brown Rabbit in the City. The theme is fine - I liked the idea of it - but somehow the actual text just didn't work for me, and felt a little disjointed at times. The artwork, on the other hand, was just outstanding, with the same lovely use of color and shape as in Moon Rabbit . I appreciated the decorative endpapers (did the first have them as well? I can't recall), and the way that Little Rabbit and Brown Rabbit's ears curve in different directions. The illustrations here put me in mind of another contemporary picture-book artist, Carin Berger, whose work I also admire. All in all, a sweet little book, if somewhat stronger in the visuals, than in the text - one I recommend to all those readers who appreciated Little Rabbit and Brown Rabbit's first adventure!
Truthfully, I wasn't that impressed by the story in Brown Rabbit in the City. The theme is fine - I liked the idea of it - but somehow the actual text just didn't work for me, and felt a little disjointed at times. The artwork, on the other hand, was just outstanding, with the same lovely use of color and shape as in Moon Rabbit . I appreciated the decorative endpapers (did the first have them as well? I can't recall), and the way that Little Rabbit and Brown Rabbit's ears curve in different directions. The illustrations here put me in mind of another contemporary picture-book artist, Carin Berger, whose work I also admire. All in all, a sweet little book, if somewhat stronger in the visuals, than in the text - one I recommend to all those readers who appreciated Little Rabbit and Brown Rabbit's first adventure!
September 2, 2010
Russell, Natalie BROWN RABBIT IN THE CITY AD+ Pre-2
Brown Rabbit in the City is a cautionary tale about relationships which picks up where Moon Rabbit left off. Sometimes, we are tempted to over-schedule our time with friends or family, forgetting the value of simply being together. Full of excitement, Brown Rabbit travels to the city to see his friend, Little Rabbit, but she is so intent on showing him all of her favorite things about city life that he hardly sees her or anything else, and he ends up feeling worn out and neglected. Fortunately, Little Rabbit realizes something is wrong and works to make amends. This subject is unusual for children’s literature, but it is surely relevant, especially to today’s frequently over-scheduled families. Gorgeous screen print-style illustrations enhance the sweet story with a rich pallet of muted greens, blues, browns and corals. The whimsically drawn rabbits travel through collages that evoke folk art or old photos of 20th century cities.
Brown Rabbit in the City is a cautionary tale about relationships which picks up where Moon Rabbit left off. Sometimes, we are tempted to over-schedule our time with friends or family, forgetting the value of simply being together. Full of excitement, Brown Rabbit travels to the city to see his friend, Little Rabbit, but she is so intent on showing him all of her favorite things about city life that he hardly sees her or anything else, and he ends up feeling worn out and neglected. Fortunately, Little Rabbit realizes something is wrong and works to make amends. This subject is unusual for children’s literature, but it is surely relevant, especially to today’s frequently over-scheduled families. Gorgeous screen print-style illustrations enhance the sweet story with a rich pallet of muted greens, blues, browns and corals. The whimsically drawn rabbits travel through collages that evoke folk art or old photos of 20th century cities.
February 15, 2025
i also get tired out easily i love you brown rabbit
June 25, 2010
This book follows the story which began in Moon Rabbit about the friendship between Brown Rabbit and Little Rabbit, though this story focuses on Brown Rabbit’s point of view. Brown Rabbit was headed to the city for the very first time to visit his friend Little Rabbit. Little Rabbit is so excited to see him that she takes him on whirlwind tour of the city, dashing in and out of shops, sightseeing, and finally dancing. But it’s all too much for Brown Rabbit, who finally heads out on his own. Little Rabbit realizes then that she hadn’t really spoken to Brown Rabbit all day long and sets out to find him and make things right again.
Russell makes a nice exploration of friendship that children will easily relate to. By mixing in the bustle and rush of the city with the excitement of a visiting friend, the story becomes about taking time in life in general and taking time with those we love. It never gets too sentimental, but keeps it all simple and heartfelt. Once again, it is the illustrations that really shine here in their simplicity and style. Done in an organic palette of browns, greens, robin egg blue, and warm earthy yellow, the book is truly lovely. Add to that the simple lines and hip styling and you have a modern classic.
Highly recommended, though you should start with Moon Rabbit first, this book builds on the first book and offers an unrushed look at our busy lives. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
Russell makes a nice exploration of friendship that children will easily relate to. By mixing in the bustle and rush of the city with the excitement of a visiting friend, the story becomes about taking time in life in general and taking time with those we love. It never gets too sentimental, but keeps it all simple and heartfelt. Once again, it is the illustrations that really shine here in their simplicity and style. Done in an organic palette of browns, greens, robin egg blue, and warm earthy yellow, the book is truly lovely. Add to that the simple lines and hip styling and you have a modern classic.
Highly recommended, though you should start with Moon Rabbit first, this book builds on the first book and offers an unrushed look at our busy lives. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
November 3, 2010
We got Moon Rabbit and Brown Rabbit in the City at the same time and it's a good thing because Moon Rabbit leaves you hanging and Brown Rabbit picks up right where it left off. After making friends in Brown Rabbit's rural area, Moon Rabbit invites Brown Rabbit to visit her in the city. Although I'm giving them both 4 stars, especially since the art in both is so yummy, I don't think we enjoyed this one quite as much. Like the city itself, it's busier and slightly stressfull, as Moon Rabbit drags Brown Rabbit on a forced march of all the city's sights and activities. I'd give this one 3.5 stars.
August 28, 2010
I love the pictures. And I can understand the concept of city life being too busy and fast for me, as well as knowing what it's like to want to visit the person and not the place. But some of the book didn't flow as well for me. Or maybe it's because I spent the whole time feeling sorry that he didn't have time to finish his slice of cake.
And perhaps it is me, but it felt like the message came off a little too obvious. Not preach-y, but not too naturally either. Again, maybe it's me.
And perhaps it is me, but it felt like the message came off a little too obvious. Not preach-y, but not too naturally either. Again, maybe it's me.
November 13, 2018
A copy of this book was sitting in the Forest Cafe Free Shop in Edinburgh during the week while I was 'Poet Laureate' there. I read this book a couple of times and it inspired me to write a story about rabbits exploring the free shop.
Brown Rabbit in the City is a beautifully illustrated book about a brown rabbit who goes to the city to see his friend Little Rabbit. Little Rabbit is very excited by the visit and rushes Brown Rabbit round her favourite cafes, museums, galleries and shops. Poor Brown Rabbit is overwhelmed and exhausted by all the rushing around, after all he's a country bunny and his only reason for visiting the city is to spend time with his friend! Will Little Rabbit ever slow down and spend time with him?
This is a lovely book about friendship and enjoying life at a slower pace.
Brown Rabbit in the City is a beautifully illustrated book about a brown rabbit who goes to the city to see his friend Little Rabbit. Little Rabbit is very excited by the visit and rushes Brown Rabbit round her favourite cafes, museums, galleries and shops. Poor Brown Rabbit is overwhelmed and exhausted by all the rushing around, after all he's a country bunny and his only reason for visiting the city is to spend time with his friend! Will Little Rabbit ever slow down and spend time with him?
This is a lovely book about friendship and enjoying life at a slower pace.
January 28, 2025
Seeing the sights doesn't necessarily mean seeing your friend.
Brown Rabbit is excited to make his first-ever trip to the city to visit his best friend, Little Rabbit. Dutifully, Little Rabbit becomes a hardworking sightseeing guide.
Yet the real point of the visit was for these two friends to connect to each other.
Definitely from a child's point of view, especially the ending, this story is a success. I'm not convinced. But no spoiler from me, no no!
RATING THS BOOK
My policy is to rate books based on my sense of the intended readers, and how they would react. It's all about caring and being. Perfect for a child of picture book age, so, sure, FIVE STARS.
Presumably when these readers grow up they can learn some common sense, and other adult values.
Brown Rabbit is excited to make his first-ever trip to the city to visit his best friend, Little Rabbit. Dutifully, Little Rabbit becomes a hardworking sightseeing guide.
Yet the real point of the visit was for these two friends to connect to each other.
Definitely from a child's point of view, especially the ending, this story is a success. I'm not convinced. But no spoiler from me, no no!
RATING THS BOOK
My policy is to rate books based on my sense of the intended readers, and how they would react. It's all about caring and being. Perfect for a child of picture book age, so, sure, FIVE STARS.
Presumably when these readers grow up they can learn some common sense, and other adult values.
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April 6, 2020Easter Week. Brown Rabbit visits Little Rabbit in the city. Little Rabbit is so busy showing Brown Rabbit all the sights and sounds that she forgets what's important--taking time with Brown Rabbit.
Facebook Live 2020
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April 17, 2018
Nice story with cute illustrations. Good read-aloud for 4-7 y/o.
November 3, 2019
BCFL checkout.
October 14, 2017
Basically, it is Moon Rabbit all over again. Little Rabbit and Brown Rabbit reconcile their differences to keep their healthy relationship balanced.
Or it's a book about cute rabbits.
Or it's a book about cute rabbits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2010
"Brown Rabbit in the City" is a beautifully illustrated book, with the frenetic pace of Little Rabbit countered by the genteel slowness of kindhearted Brown Rabbit. Brown Rabbit is a country bunny on his way to visit his city gal pal, Little Rabbit, a city that looks a lot like Manhattan. Like any good city dweller trying to show their small town buddy a good time, Little Rabbit has Brown Rabbit's day and night entirely planned for him, with no room for roaming, exploring, talking or just taking a breather. As Little Rabbit's itinerary speeds up, Brown Rabbit's spirits begin to visibly flag in the face of not being able to spend quiet time with his best friend. Things come to a head a party where Little Rabbit is dancing up a storm, but Brown Rabbit is just a wallflower wilting and wondering what happened to his day. Just like that, Brown Rabbit disappears, and Little Rabbit looks for him everywhere until she finds him savoring carrot cake in a cafe, the cafe she rushed him out of and didn't him finish eating his cake earlier. Apologies come rushing out of Little Rabbit and Brown Rabbit finally confesses that all he ever wanted from his visit was to just be with his friend. All ends well in the park, with Brown Rabbit playing the guitar, and Little Rabbit dancing away.
This is a perfect story for friends, young and old, who find themselves to be opposites in many ways, and work on their friendship and mutual respect for each other, always leaving room for growth and understanding. Highly recommended for ages five and up.
This is a perfect story for friends, young and old, who find themselves to be opposites in many ways, and work on their friendship and mutual respect for each other, always leaving room for growth and understanding. Highly recommended for ages five and up.
February 15, 2016
Aww, this was the perfect read to read on Valentines Day. <3
This story is about a Brown Rabbit who is just dying to see his friend Little Rabbit who lives in the city. He is off to visit her, but then is dragged all over the place by her (though logical, she just wants to share her city with him, to show him all the awesome things that are in this city, I know the feeling of wanting to do that to someone I love/like. You just want to share it with them, and you just forget to ask if they really would like this). You can imagine what the Brown Rabbit's reaction is, yep, that is right, he wanders off.
But then something truly sweet happens, and well... you will have to see for yourself what happens. I know I was going awwww, and oohhh, and squeee all the time during those moments. They are so sweet.
I loved both rabbits, and I loved meeting them in this book. I hope there are other books about these characters, I would love to see if I can find them and read them.
The art is nice, and cute, and fits the style of the story perfectly. There are colours, but they aren't popping out, which also fits the story (calm and a bit romantic and sweet). I think if the author/illustrator would have gone with bright, popping-out colours it just wouldn't have fitted the story.
I would really recommend this book. If you are looking for a cute book with sweet illustrations, then try this one out.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This story is about a Brown Rabbit who is just dying to see his friend Little Rabbit who lives in the city. He is off to visit her, but then is dragged all over the place by her (though logical, she just wants to share her city with him, to show him all the awesome things that are in this city, I know the feeling of wanting to do that to someone I love/like. You just want to share it with them, and you just forget to ask if they really would like this). You can imagine what the Brown Rabbit's reaction is, yep, that is right, he wanders off.
But then something truly sweet happens, and well... you will have to see for yourself what happens. I know I was going awwww, and oohhh, and squeee all the time during those moments. They are so sweet.
I loved both rabbits, and I loved meeting them in this book. I hope there are other books about these characters, I would love to see if I can find them and read them.
The art is nice, and cute, and fits the style of the story perfectly. There are colours, but they aren't popping out, which also fits the story (calm and a bit romantic and sweet). I think if the author/illustrator would have gone with bright, popping-out colours it just wouldn't have fitted the story.
I would really recommend this book. If you are looking for a cute book with sweet illustrations, then try this one out.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 19, 2015
The first book, Moon Rabbit tells the story of Little Rabbit who has a wonderful home; Her favorite cafe and a park to play in. But sometimes she is just a little . . . lonely. Until one night, as the moon shines brightly, Little Rabbit meets Brown Rabbit and finds a new friend.
The second book, Brown Rabbit in The City focuses more on Brown Rabbit as he is preparing to make his first-ever trip to the city to visit his best friend, Little Rabbit. But the visit doesn’t go quite as planned. Little Rabbit is so busy making sure that they see all her favorite cafés, shops, and museums that she forgets the real reason for Brown Rabbit’s visit—to see her!
This book is an excellent read! Beautiful stories and beautiful illustrations
The second book, Brown Rabbit in The City focuses more on Brown Rabbit as he is preparing to make his first-ever trip to the city to visit his best friend, Little Rabbit. But the visit doesn’t go quite as planned. Little Rabbit is so busy making sure that they see all her favorite cafés, shops, and museums that she forgets the real reason for Brown Rabbit’s visit—to see her!
This book is an excellent read! Beautiful stories and beautiful illustrations
July 20, 2010
A sweet story about a country rabbit who travels to the city to spend time with his best friend, Little Rabbit. Little Rabbit is so excited to show off the city that she doesn't pay attention to her best friend. It is resolved happily, which is nice. I loved the adorable, modern-looking illustrations. They were artistically sophisticated while maintaining child-friendliness.
Recommended for 4 and up.
Recommended for 4 and up.
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March 15, 2013Brown Rabbit in the City is a cute little book for children teaching the importance of being with a person. However, and perhaps I am reading too much into this, but I didn't get why the author described the visiting rabbit as brown and only described the white hosting rabbit as little. This left me wondering about racial connotations in society where if a person's color is omitted, one assumes white. I don't know if this is a message I want to teach my daughter.
Unsure how to rate.
Unsure how to rate.
March 26, 2011
A sequel to Moon Rabbit, this is an all too true story about the busy-ness of life in the city. We enjoyed reading this story together and it has a good message, but I think I prefer the first book better.
September 6, 2011
Really like the illustrations of this and Moon Rabbit. The story on this one reminds me of Breakfast at Tiffany's though - the rush of life in the city being bright and gay and none too connected with emotion/friendship. If a family sees a connection to this story in their own life, I hope they make some adjustments in their lifestyle. Kids shouldn't be rushed around all day.
May 24, 2010
Brown Rabbit visits Little Rabbit in the city, but gets little quality time with his friend as she shows him all of the city sites. A story about friendship and the importance of listening, this is a great read for kids ages four and older.
August 2, 2010
What a sweet book that follow Brown rabbit from the country as he travels to the city to visit his friend little rabbit. The story is filled with wonderful themes of compassion and kindness.The illustrations of the book are beautiful and compliment the story.
May 13, 2011
So cute. I really liked Russell's illustration style with the swooping lines and smooth colors. The paper is matte and almost gives a vintage or sepia-like quality to the whole thing. A really charming book about remember to make time for important things--especially friends.
April 8, 2015
Sweet, if a bit long. I was glad I started out with this one in storytime, I don't think my kids would have hung in if I'd left it to the end. It was nice though, everyone followed along and liked trying to predict the outcome. Great for kids that have the attention span.
May 28, 2010
some of the best illustrations
June 10, 2010
Cute story about best friends and slowing down and being aware of the world around you. Like it.
June 12, 2010
Awesome sequel to Moon Rabbit. Brown Rabbit goes to visit his friend in the city and we learn more about friendship.
October 20, 2010
pretty pretty book with a gentle calming cadence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews