Review: Engle, M., & Walker, D. (2014). Tiny rabbits big wish.

Engle, M., & Walker, D. (2014). Tiny rabbits big wish. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.




A clear theme comes through the pages of Margarita Engle’s picture book, Tiny Rabbit’s Big Wish: we are all unique and valuable in our own ways.  Tiny Rabbit not only wishes to be enormous, he does quite a bit of comparing himself to others: if only he had a large nose like the elephant, or was as tall as the giraffes, or as powerful as the gorilla--then he would be happy.  For all of his wishing, however, he only grows in small, average increments, appropriate to his own size. Then he grows in another way, also typical for a rabbit--his ears become “long, tall,” and “powerful.” The change, he finds, is significant not only to his enjoyment of and experience in his world, but to his very survival.  His “wonderful” ears lead to other realizations about his abilities; he can jump, hop and run quickly, hiding from dangers in his den, which is only accessible to him because of his small size. In the the end he finds true contentment with who he is, his own skills and physical attributes.

This story is a good read-aloud for the youngest of readers, and will hold their attention with its alternating rhythms combined with Walker’s joyful, acrylic illustrations.  Engle based it on an Afro-Cuban folktale, and has several notable works inspired by her Cuban heritage for students at all ages and levels, from preschoolers through middle grades.  For an interview with the author on the inspirations for her poetry, click here to listen to the podcast.

“From Juana Briones and Juan Ponce de León, to eighteenth century slaves and modern-day sixth graders, the many and varied people depicted in this moving narrative speak to the experiences and contributions of Latinos throughout the history of the United States, from the earliest known stories up to present day. It's a portrait of a great, enormously varied, and enduring heritage. A compelling treatment of an important topic.”


August 2019. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2019, from http://margaritaengle.com/latambooks.html#dreams

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