Elsie

From the very beginning of this tender account of a day in the life of the Filpot children, readers have a hint that little Elsie is not quite like her siblings. She is an independent child who pays attention to her own instincts rather than following the thinking of the nest.

A beautiful Sunday invites the rabbit family to a day of fishing. All of the little rabbits help in preparing for the outing, all except for Elsie who feels that she has better things to do. In the next segment, all of the bunnies describe how they enjoy their walk through the woods while Elsie prefers a different path. The story continues in this way with Elsie choosing a different way to fish, to lunch, to spend naptime and so on, always with a resounding chorus from her brothers and sisters telling her not to choose her own way. Elsie surprises everyone by being the only one of all the siblings to catch a fish, an action which changes the thinking of the group who ultimately decide that perhaps Elsie’s contrary way is just fine.

Nadine Robert includes a subtle message about diversity and acceptance in this story. The underlying message is not that Elsie does not fit in with her family, but that she is being herself and expressing her own individuality. Elsie is an uplifting story for young children learning to maneuver peer pressure.

The illustrations are created in tempera and watercolour by illustrator Maja Kastelic. The images are bright and colourful, depicting a peaceful rural setting. Each page offers many lovely details to review and count as one reads through Elsie.