The Rabbits

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the video contains name, images and the voice of a person who has passed. 
The rabbits came many grandparents ago.
They built houses, made roads, had children.
They cut down trees.
A whole continent of rabbits

An unseen narrator describes the arrival of the rabbits', an introduction that is at first friendly and curious, but darkens as it becomes clear that the rabbits are invaders. From author John Marsden and illustrator Shaun Tan, The Rabbits feels sparse and strange, evoking an overall sense of bewilderment and anxiety as we witness environmental devastation of the natural world.

An allegorical fable about colonisation or a perspective on the effect of humans on the environment, The Rabbits allows the viewer to make their own interpretation.

The Rabbits is powerfully told by actor Richard Green, and immerses readers of all ages in a story that promotes cultural awareness and a sense of caring for the natural world.

Hear more from author John Marsden in the More Videos section of this page where he discusses his writing and the inspiration behind his school Candlebark.

Credits

• Written by

  John Marsden

• Illustrated by

  Shaun Tan

• Performed by

  Richard Green

• Published By

  Hachette Australia

Suitable for

Duration

04:10

Series

Reading Challenges