This is the second of two books I read in elementary school more than 50 years ago, circa 1960. (I describe the first one in the “A Salmon’s Life Story” stumper.) They connected me with thoughts and feelings way beyond my tender years. I’ve never forgotten either one and would love to read them again.
This book was about a rabbit whom I’m fairly sure was a farmer. Early in the book he ignores a neighbor farmer who happened to be a skunk, because one simply doesn’t talk to skunks. Once shipwrecked, he has time to reflect on his life and realizes he had been wrong to snub his neighbor. The sentence that sticks in my memory is “he wished he had been kinder to the skunk,” or words to that effect. I’ve included a sketch of what I seem to remember the rabbit looked like – very sketchily drawn, very little facial expression.
The rabbit stood upright and wore only pants which I believe were solid black. (It’s possible I might be remembering a rabbit from an entirely different book, but I’m fairly sure he’s in the one I’m seeking.)
This was more than a half century ago, but I’ve never forgotten either of these two books. If I’ve grown into any kind of thoughtful person, they definitely helped point me in that direction.
Thank you!
I think this must be ‘The Adventures of Benjamin Pink,’ written and illustrated by Garth Williams, first published in 1951. From an online review: “Jumping radishes! Who could have guessed what was in store for Benjamin Pink on the afternoon he rowed out to sea? A storm tossed him far from Cape Hare and onto a deserted island – a deserted island with pirate’s treasure! Being a rabbit who make the best of situations, Ben figured out a way to get back home, but not before meeting up with animals far stranger than his friends back on Clover Hill and some curious adventures which kept him hopping all the way.”
You can see the front cover here: http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mAN91VtxlV–6fUX1NnEmuQ.jpg
Oh-my-god… this most assuredly has to be it… I literally started crying with joy when I read the description and looked at the cover illustration. I will let you know in 10 days to 2 weeks for sure… thank you so much!
I’m so glad that I was able to help! And I must say, your drawing helped quite a bit. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew it must be the one you were looking for. I’ll be eagerly looking forward to confirmation that it was the right book – but I’m sure it must be! Enjoy!
Yes, it is INDEED the book I remembered! When I read it a detail jumped out at me that I’d forgotten – Benjamin’s wristwatch! I remember being mightily impressed that he wore a wristwatch, even when he was shipwrecked & clothes in tatters.
What surprised me though was to what degree I misremembered Benjamin’s interaction with his skunk neighbor Johnny. He doesn’t outright snub Johnny as keep his distance (“He didn’t want to stop because there was always a strong smell, which he didn’t like, at Johnny Skunk’s house”) and doesn’t reflect on his prejudice while shipwrecked. (I’d completely invented his “he wished he had been kinder to the skunk” thoughts.) It’s not until he’s returned home “and now he liked everything and everyone, even the smell of Skunk’s old coat” and later calls Johnny one of “the best friends anyone could have.”
Chanda, thank you again; now my only problem is the the end of the story sets up a sequel where Ben, his wife Emily, Johnny and a squirrel friend sail off to recover the treasure Ben left on that island (they’re sure to run into the cynical shark who carried Ben back to Clover Hill and then vanished) – and I want to find out what happens!
I’m so glad that was the book you were looking for!
Just to clarify, this is NOT a picture book; there are spot illustrations throughout, done in the sketchy style I described above. I don’t recall the book being lengthy or dense – it’s probably what is called a “chapter book.”
I’m sorry, I don’t have a suggestion as to what this book might be, but I just had to write and say that I love your drawing! You captured so much in just a few lines; brilliant!