Books & Literature

Book Review: The Rabbit, The Dark and the Biscuit Tin, by Nicola O’Byrne

A young rabbit tries desperately to stave off bedtime. The clever rabbit traps the dark and gives it an identity and personality who describes the reasons for the inevitability of darkness and bedtime.

A delightful story book for every child who does not think they are tired and doesn’t want to go to bed.

O’Byrne tells the tale of a young rabbit, trying desperately to stave off bedtime. The clever rabbit traps the dark and then the story really begins. She gives the incoming darkness an identity and personality, who describes the reasons for the inevitability of darkness and bedtime.

While the young rabbit continues to justify his reason for not going to bed, issues such as the livelihood of animals of the night, social normalities, such as breakfast after a long sleep, and the effect of additional light and warmth are considered before a tired rabbit discovers the beauty of the night and his love of bedtime stories.

The illustrations throughout the book are warm and appealing, showing aspects of the thinking and reasoning of a child. The secrets hidden from sight until the reader is well inside the book are well worth seeking out. The text of this story is not an easy read for a young reader, but more aimed at an adult reading a bedtime story. I think that this will quickly become a favourite of littlies at bedtime.

Like most Nosy Crow books that I have seen, this children’s book is very high quality and a beautiful addition to a child’s collection.

Be careful when opening the biscuit tin, as it would be easy to tear the beauty trapped within.

Reviewed by Leanne Caune

Rating out of 10:  9

Distributed by: Nosy Crow through Allen & Unwin
Released: October 2018
RRP: $24.99

More News

To Top