Liplap's Wish
By Jonathan London
8-1/2 x 9-1/2 in; 32 pp ; Full Color Throughout, Ages 3-8
Paperback
Published in October, 1997
ISBN 0811818101
ISBN13 9780811818100
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$6.95
Reviews
--BOOKLIST, January 15, 1995
While building a "snowbunny," little bunny Liplap thinks about his grandmother, who has recently passed away. He finds solace in a tale his mother tells him "about how, long ago, when the First Rabbits died, they became stars in the sky. And to this day, they come out at night and watch over us." After he and his mother choose a star for Grandma, Liplap goes contentedly to sleep. In the morning, he replaces the frown he had made on his snowbunny with a bright orange carrot. This is a very tidy little package with much child appeal, in both text and illustration. The rich colors and many details in the artwork give the pictures great warmth, and London's simple, heartfelt handling of a child's grief experience is right on target for the age group.
--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This pair's second collaboration--a quieter tale than their spirited Fire Race--focuses on Liplap, a winsome young rabbit who shapes a "snowbunny" after the winter's first snowfall. He wishes that Grandma, who "hadn't lived to see the snow this year," were here to help him make the creature's face. That night Liplap is sad, until his mother shares a story that "Grandma used to tell"--when the First Rabbits died, they became stars in the sky, which come out at night to "remind us that our loved ones shine forever in our hearts." When his mother points out one bright star, the two decide that the star could be Grandma. London's impressively visual narrative ("The setting sun was pulling rose and yellow scarves across the sky") is given even greater dimension by Long's exquisitely detailed art. Words and pictures create an affecting work that will be especially meaningful to children who have lost a loved one. Ages 3-8.
--AMERICAN BOOKSELLER, Pick of the Lists, Autumn 1994
This is a beautifully illustrated story of a young bunny saddened by the realization that his grandma is no longer around to share such a simple pleasure as building and decorating a snowbunny. The familiar emotions of regret, disbelief, and denial of the finality of loss are explored with sensitivity, and resolved by the sharing of a beloved legend. Children will relate to the comfort Liplap finds in holding onto a wish--that a part of his grandma will be with him forever.
--SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
A wonderful, sensitive story about children's feelings of sadness and loss after the death of a loved one. Liplap, a young rabbit, builds a snowbunny after the first snowfall, but it's not much fun this year because his grandmother is not there to share it with him. At bedtime, his mother tells him a story about the "First Rabbits" becoming stars when they died to help him remember Grandma and feel her presence. London's text is uncomplicated, describing complex emotions in a manner that youngsters will understand. London's illustrations reflect the poignancy of the tale with soft colors and thoughtful expressions on the characters' faces. Details evoke memories of Grandma--a crocheted afghan on the bed, a braided rug, a picture of her reading to Liplap, and her button box. This sympathetic book will help comfort generations of grieving children.
The death of a loved one is a difficult time for everyone, but perhaps especially for children who often mourn in silence, not knowing how to express themselves. Liplap has lost his dear Grandma who had not lived to see the snow this year. As the sparkling white entices him outside, he wishes Grandma could see his snowbunny. Liplap struggles with his grief as he first tries to complete his snowbunny with buttons from Grandma's satin-lined box. Later, he adds his own scarf, hat, and mittens. Then, he places shiny black pebbles for eyes and nose and pine needles for whiskers. But as the day grows dark, "Something went dark inside of Liplap, too," and he hops back into the house feeling very sad.
That night Liplap's mother comforts him with an old Rabbit's tale that Grandma used to tell. Long ago, when the First Rabbits died, they became stars in the sky to remind us that our loved ones shine forever in our hearts. Liplap closes his eyes and wishes that a low white star, shining white as Grandma's fur, is really Grandma watching over him forever. The next morning, Liplap offers his completed snowbunny a carrot, while he eats "five carrots--one for each point of a star."
Jonathan London's tender story of understanding, comfort, and hope is enhanced by Sylvia Long's richly detailed drawings. As in a previous book, is a delight for the ears and the eyes. Children will adore Liplap's cozy log house with carrot
design curtains and knitted afghan bedcover. Those who have read
Author Info
Jonathan London is the author of more than fifty books for children. He lives in Northern California with his family.
Read more about the inspiration behind Jonathan's work.
Quotes
London's simple, heartfelt handling of a child's grief expereicne is right on target. Booklist
Liplap's Wish" is a delight for the ears and eyes. The Five Owls
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