Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal is a clever, humorous picture book that brings an age-old optical illusion to life, sparking both debate and laughter. The story revolves around a simple but intriguing question: Is the creature in the illustrations a duck or a rabbit? Two unseen characters argue their points as the reader is invited to look closely at the shape that can be interpreted as both.
The genius of this book lies in its simplicity, both in concept and design. The illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld are minimal yet expressive, allowing young readers to toggle back and forth between the duck and rabbit perspectives as they’re pointed out. Each argument presented by the characters—such as “It’s a duck because it’s swimming in the pond!” or “It’s a rabbit because of its ears!”—builds the fun and showcases how our perceptions can be shaped by perspective.
This book offers more than just a laugh. It’s an engaging way to introduce kids to critical thinking and discussions about seeing things differently. The playful back-and-forth between the two unseen narrators can easily mirror conversations kids might have with friends or adults, making it relatable and interactive. It invites them to take sides and defend their viewpoints, which can foster meaningful discussions.
Another strength of Duck! Rabbit! is its ability to be enjoyed by readers of varying ages. While younger children may be fascinated by the optical illusion itself, older readers may grasp the deeper message about perspective, interpretation, and how people can see the same thing differently. This makes it a perfect read-aloud for classrooms or storytime, where everyone can weigh in on whether it’s a duck or a rabbit.
Ultimately, the book cleverly illustrates the idea that things aren’t always what they seem, and multiple viewpoints can be valid. Its message of open-mindedness and curiosity is beautifully wrapped up in lighthearted humor and charming visuals, leaving readers with something to think about long after the pages are closed.
For anyone looking for a whimsical, thoughtful, and interactive picture book, Duck! Rabbit! is an excellent choice that invites readers to explore the power of perception and perspective with a smile.
Questions to ask while reading:
- Do you see a duck or a rabbit first? Why?
- How do the characters in the book convince you that it's a duck or a rabbit?
- Can you think of other things that can be seen in different ways, like the duck-rabbit illusion?
More books by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld:
More books by Tom Lichtenheld:
Cloudette