Title: The Rabbit’s Magician
Author: Shae Millward
Illustrator: Andy Fackrell
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing
Themes: Friendship, love, loss, comfort, the moon
Publication date: August 1, 2022
Additional notable information: Engaging educational activities can be found on the Ford Street Publishing website here.
This story has been inspired the scientific principle, the Law of Conservation of Energy
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In this deeply nuanced, ruminative story, the creators, Shae Millward and Andy Fackrell, sensitively explore the physical loss of a loved one in an engaging, gently, comforting and highly accessible way for young readers.
This story begins with a group of iconic Australian animals noticing a newcomer, a white rabbit, transfixed by the moon. Rabbit, does not take his focus off the moon despite several different Australian animals inviting him to join them. Rabbit simply cannot oblige as he is waiting and has been for a while (time is represented by the different phases of the moon). Just like that, the tone is set for an accepting and caring friendship to blossom as the animals are driven to include Rabbit despite his reluctance warm to the group.
Eventually Owl suggests that they may be able to help Rabbit and inquires as to what he is waiting for. It is here we learn the Rabbit’s name is Ziggy and his story unfolds. Ziggy recounts precious memories and colourful times spent with the marvellous magician, The Amazing Albertino. He was a masterful magician captivating audiences with tricks, spellbinding illusions and performances. The crowds were astonished at the way he could make things vanish and then magically reappear and transform items into different forms.
Ziggy and Albertino had travelled the world performing together and the one constant was the moon which they would often stop to admire and appreciate. Alberto was particularly enamoured with the idea that “the moon is a master of illusion”. He explained to Ziggy the different ways that the moon is an optical illusion.
The reader then learns more about Albertino through Ziggy’s eyes as he explains to the animals how Albertino was mastering a new trick because he was spending so much time alone in his room, seeing Ziggy less frequently and always being exhausted when he did. The reality was that Albertino’s health, unbeknownst to Ziggy, was deteriorating. Ziggy tells his new Australian animal friends that he believes Albertino performed the ultimate trick… he made himself disappear, but it didn’t go according to plan as he has not yet reappeared. Ziggy is eagerly waiting for his return.
Owl gently explains that the trick wasn’t a disappearing act at all and together they ponder the ways Albertino is not gone, but all around, he is in their shared memories together, he is part of the moon, stars and flowers.
This book also contains a plethora of opportunities for children to develop visual literacy skills. Children can consider the colour palette employed. What do they notice about the colours when Ziggy is talking about his times shared with Albertino? Why could these colours have been chosen? What colour palette is used when Ziggy is pondering Albertino’s whereabouts? What could be the reasons behind these choices? Study Ziggy’s expressions and body language throughout the story as they take the reader on a journey through the gamut of emotions Ziggy experiences. How is angle used to convey a point of view? It is fascinating to look at the creative and different ways some of the illustrations have been framed. What examples can you find?
This comforting and unique tale, while gentle, is deeply powerful, it provides a safe space for children to engage in important conversations about the complex concept of death and ask questions about the passing of a loved one.
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