Dog is no longer with Rabbit to share stories of his adventures, one day Rabbit finally builds up the courage to go create his own stories. This is a story about loss, loneliness, and finding your way to be brave.

"Rabbit and the Motorbike" is a lovely book with a sweet story accompanied by some beautiful illustrations. ( )

A quiet story of finding the courage to do something you've never done before, something you're scared to do, and to see the world. When Rabbit's best friend, Dog, dies and gives him his motorbike, Rabbit wonders why. Why did Dog give timid Rabbit something he'd never use. But over time, Rabbit's subconscious works through his dreams. "When Rabbit slept, he heard the long howl of its engine in his dreams. A beautiful howl." Sarah Jacoby's illustration on this page mirrors Kate Hoefler's prose wonderfully with images of dogs racing at night, one with legs tucked under in a circle like the wheel of a motorbike. And on the following page, Rabbit stands on the road, long ears poking above his helmet, next to the motorbike, whose instrument panels look like two eyes. Rabbit travels to the redwoods and to the seashore. The illustration of gulls following Rabbit and his motorbike is ecstatic. "And Rabbit felt Dog right there with him. The heart can sing like that." Travel with Dog and Rabbit on the ultimate journey of wonder and discovery. Pair this story with the biographical picture book, "Girl on a Motorcycle" by Amy Novesky. ( )

Rabbit has never left home. His friend Dog has traveled the country on his motorcycle and shares stories of his travels with Rabbit. After Dog dies, Rabbit gets his motorcycle, an ironic gift seeing as Rabbit doesn’t travel. But the presence of the motorcycle stirs the deepest part of Rabbit that wonders, What if? ( )

Bitter-sweet longing mixed with hope glide together in this gentle tale about loss and reaching beyond comfort zones to ride with dreams.

Rabbit has never left his field, and he likes it there. Sometimes he feels alone. Quite alone. But dog comes by every day to tell him his tales about him and his adventures on his motorbike. Rabbit loves listening to these tales until, one day, they end. Instead, Rabbit is left with a motorbike and a wish he could hear the stories again.

This is one of those reads which pulls at the heart and offers dreams wing to fly. Rabbit is a careful bunny, and it's easy to like him. He's kind but feels a little captured. Young listeners can identify with him easily—everyone has things they would like to do but feel uncomfortable about really stepping up and doing it. So, when Rabbit dares to try, smiles will break out and it's hard not to feel happy right with him.

The loss of a loved one is another theme in this book. While it isn't clearly stated what happens to Dog, most young listeners will understand (others might ask, so be prepared for that). While their is a sense of sadness, the tale hits more on the empty spot Dog leaves behind and the constant reminder (and positive temptation) of the motorbike. It is a lovely way to help explore the feelings such a loss bring, but this tale is about more. It's about memories, living and repeating the entire cycle again.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this lovely story so much that I'm leaving my honest thoughts. ( )