I’m trying to locate a children’s book for a friend. She recently suffered a stroke (recovering fairly well), but this is all she could remember of the book:
It features a family of rabbits, who live in an underground warren. This is near a road or trail, where horses commonly travel. The horses’ hooves throw up dirt, which falls into the holes of their rabbit warren. The rabbits are upset and possibly scared because when they come home they can’t figure out who is filling up their home with dirt, or why.
Would have been a children’s book available in the rural Midwest USA circa 1945 or thereabouts.
I have been looking and thought Rabbit Hill a possible, but as far as I can see, in this book and in its sequel, Tough Winter, There is no mention of a horse. Plenty of other animals including cats and dogs, but no horse.
Rabbits are a popular subject for children’s literature. Of course the most famous is Beatrix Potter, but I certainly don’t remember any plot like the one described.
Fifteen Rabbits, by Salten? It was one of the lesser known books by the same author as Bambi. I read it as a kid and I think there was a scene sort of similar to what you’re describing. I remember it was sad and mawkish for a kids book. My grandmother gave me the book, which was probably circa 1930.
Just got the books to her Sunday. Her aide will read them to her and let me know.
That does sound like the closest one to what she remembers. Thanks everyone, for the suggestions.
