‫איתמר פוגש ארנב‬
‫ אורה איל‬:‫ דויד גרוסמן | איורים‬:‫מאת‬
‫תרגום לאנגלית של ההצעות להורים המודפסות בדפים האחרונים של הספר‬
Itamar Meets a Rabbit
By: David Grossman
Illustrations: Ora Ayal
Dear Parents,
Itamar thinks rabbits are very dangerous animals. He is so fearful of rabbits that he even refuses to
look at pictures of them in books. This humorous story by leading Israeli writer David Grossman
explores what happens when Itamar finds himself face to face in the woods with a real live rabbit who is terrified of little boys! The story encourages candid and sensitive conversation within the
family about fears and anxiety of the unknown.
"Do not be afraid of sudden terror" (Proverbs 3, 25)
Everyone is afraid at times. Fear plays an important developmental role, ensuring survival and
keeping us away from danger. Yet sometimes our fears can be detrimental. Because of fear we
may miss out on new experiences and limit our personal growth.
The story "Itamar Meets A Rabbit" demonstrates the importance of facing our fears and getting to
know those who are different from us. Reading the book with our children and looking at the
humorous illustrations that accompany the story may be helpful in furthering candid discussion of
fears and concerns, empowering our children, and opening a window into the world of imagination.
Suggested Family Activities

Ora Ayal's charming illustrations shed a humorous light on the encounter between Itamar
and the rabbit. You can flip through the pictures and tell the story in your own words. Note
the way she chose to depict the imaginary rabbit in Itamar's mind, and compare it with the
scary creature conjured up by the rabbit when imagining little boys. You can invent your
own scary imaginary creature and draw it together.

Itamar's parents are aware of his fear of rabbits. They try to alleviate his fear, but do not
succeed. You might ask your children why, in their opinion, the parents were not able to
relieve Itamar of his fear, and what ultimately helped him overcome it.

Look for the illustration depicting Itamar and his parents in the woods. What are his parents
discussing? You can ask your children if they too experienced someone talking about them,
and how this made them feel.

Itamar and the rabbit each have magical phrases that keep scary creatures away from them.
You can invent your own magical words to help keep away scary thoughts.

What did you fear when you were young? Were you every afraid of something or someone
you did not know? This is an opportunity to share your life experience with your children
and tell them how you overcame your fear.

"Itamar and the Rabbit" is the last book distributed this year through Sifriyat Pijama. The
school year is coming to an end and soon your children will set off on new experiences –
whether they move to a different kindergarten or start elementary school, or join the group
of older children in the same setting. We hope that this story and the ensuing family
discussion will help your children in their adjustment to the new circumstances. Wishing
you a wonderful vacation from Sifriyat Pijama!