Author Interview with George Shannon

Rabbit's Gift

As a writer, teacher, children's librarian, and storyteller, George Shannon has been happily sharing stories with children around the world for many years. Rabbit’s Gift is a beautiful, timeless winter tale about giving and sharing based on an old folktale. In just a few words, combined with lovely drawings by Laura Dronzek, the story lets us experience the goodness of caring for others during this holiday season of giving and always.

1. The story captures the feeling that winter is in the air. Did you choose this season for a reason?
All versions of this fable I've read take place in winter. The natural perils of winter give all the characters a deeper sense of need and concern for their friends.

2. Why did you decide to tell the story of Rabbit's decision to share his extra turnip with Donkey? This thoughtful deed led to the chain of events, the wave of generous giving from one animal to the next, started by Rabbit's Gift, the extra turnip.
I have loved this basic fable since I first discovered it 25 years ago. The sweetest kind of giving is giving without any need for acknowledgement or thanks. I also love to eat raw turnips!

3. At the end of the story the animals gather together to share the meal of the extra turnip. What does the turnip/gift mean to the animals (and the reader)? What are lessons the young children learn when they too "share" Rabbit's Gift.
Rabbit's gift (both given and received) is the turnip. But, Rabbit's other gift -- the greater gift -- is having a heart that cares for others. His true gift is the instinct to share.

4. The illustrations by Laura Dronzek are beautiful. Tell us more about how you worked with Laura on the pictures in this book.
Authors rarely talk with illustrators about pictures for a book. My job is to write a story that evokes sounds and emotions. A good illustrator like Laura hears and feels what I have put into my words, and responds with her own imagination.

5. Your Author's Note at the end of the book is very interesting. You mention that Rabbit's Gift is based on folktales from long ago and has been told in many different languages. Can you tell us a few variations of the story in other folktale versions - the settings, the animals, the gifts they share?
In the French version, which I found in a used book sale in Amsterdam, Rabbit shares a carrot rather than a turnip. His friends also are a bit different: a horse, a sheep, and a deer. The Japanese language version I found included a turnip, and all the animals wore wool scarves. My primary contribution to the plot is having Rabbit share the much-traveled turnip with all his friends at the end.

6. Tell us about other children's books that you have written. What led you to become a children's author? Tell us some of your storytelling experiences with children and also, a little bit about your life on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where you live.
I have wanted to write books for children since I was in seventh grade. I love the blend of writing, helping children find joy in their own writing, and storytelling in the oral tradition. I have been fortunate to share these things around the United States and other countries. There are always differences from culture to culture, but there are always even MORE things that are the same. The need and delight in sharing stories and the desire to share are universal.

Though I grew up in Kansas a long time ago, I have lived on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound for the last 15 years. My house is tucked in the woods and surrounded by very tall trees, giant ferns, moss, slugs and deer that like to nibble in my garden. With all the rain we get here, our world is always very green!

7. What new topics for stories are you working on now and for the future?
I am always working on new possible books, but it is hard to explain the topics until the stories find their voice and plot. Topic or themes that are always part of my writing include kindness, bravely trying new ideas, and laughter.

8. How can families use this story about Rabbit, Donkey, Deer and Goat's generosity to inspire their children to help others?
We can all enrich our days through sharing. If we have money, food or clothes to spare we share those. We can also share the gift of our time by helping someone with a chore or errand. And, we always have the chance to smile and say "hello" to the people we meet. Even something as simple as a genuine smile is a gift to others. It lets them know (and reminds us) that we are all connected and here for one another during our life on earth.

Thank you George Shannon for sharing your time and your delightful story about giving and sharing. Learn more about our author on his website: www.georgeshannon.org