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The Rabbit and the Squirrel: A Love Story about Friendship
A stunning picture book about love, friendship and sexuality, with a dash of absurdityLit with longing, and tender questions of the heart, The Rabbit and the Squirrel is a fairy tale for the modern dayby one of India's much-loved young authors. Illustrated by Stina Wirsén, this poignant and moving fable for all ages was originally conceived by the author as a private gift of love for a beloved friend. Featuring a bisexual bunny and an heiress squirrel, by turns witty and absurd, endearing and brave, this little book harbours a fine ache that lends it a timeless quality.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2018
7 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
9 books123 followersShanghvi was born in Juhu, Mumbai, India in 1977. He is an alumnae of Mumbai’s Mithibai College, and later pursued an MA in International Journalism at the University of Westminster, London, where he specialised in Photography in 1999.
He is an Indian author in English-language whose notable books include, The Last Song of Dusk and The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay. His book, The Last Song of Dusk, has been translated into 10 languages.
He is an Indian author in English-language whose notable books include, The Last Song of Dusk and The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay. His book, The Last Song of Dusk, has been translated into 10 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 21, 2021
Review is up at my YouTube channel @Reading Tamishly
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*Will put up the review here soon.
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*Will put up the review here soon.
November 1, 2019
A story so refreshing. A tale that is life like. A story of love about friendship.
The Rabbit & the Squirrel by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi and illustrated by Stina Wirsén elicited a feeling which softly touched and warmed the strained reader in me. It is about the friendship of a rabbit and a squirrel, their separation and heartfelt reunion. Society has entailed its cruel structure on me and I used to not look at picture books the way a child would. I know I shouldn't be an adult I am wanted to but when it comes to reading, I have to be. I am so glad that this book exists - a book that looks like a children's book but it is for adults. It was for me, the frosted land, a winter sunshine. I urge you to try this one. It wouldn't disappoint, if only you can sit still and do nothing for the next half an hour or so.
The Rabbit & the Squirrel by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi and illustrated by Stina Wirsén elicited a feeling which softly touched and warmed the strained reader in me. It is about the friendship of a rabbit and a squirrel, their separation and heartfelt reunion. Society has entailed its cruel structure on me and I used to not look at picture books the way a child would. I know I shouldn't be an adult I am wanted to but when it comes to reading, I have to be. I am so glad that this book exists - a book that looks like a children's book but it is for adults. It was for me, the frosted land, a winter sunshine. I urge you to try this one. It wouldn't disappoint, if only you can sit still and do nothing for the next half an hour or so.
August 4, 2019
I have had a crush on Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi ever since I read his beautiful ‘The Last Song Of Dusk,’ while being marooned on an island in the South China sea. I can’t recommend that book highly enough and now this amazingly good-looking guy and fantastic writer has created magic again in ‘The Rabbit And The Squirrel.’
I don’t know how to describe this fable with the most gorgeous illustrations. This is not a picture book for children; this is a picture book for adults. It’s an ode to friendship, a gentle warning to the time we squander instead of living lives with the ones we love, and a wise tale of life’s patchwork quilt of sorrows and memories.
“What have we been to each other?” the squirrel asks the rabbit as they finally meet at the end of a long life of parting. Indeed. A question that will haunt me.
I don’t know how to describe this fable with the most gorgeous illustrations. This is not a picture book for children; this is a picture book for adults. It’s an ode to friendship, a gentle warning to the time we squander instead of living lives with the ones we love, and a wise tale of life’s patchwork quilt of sorrows and memories.
“What have we been to each other?” the squirrel asks the rabbit as they finally meet at the end of a long life of parting. Indeed. A question that will haunt me.
October 13, 2018
Some books just slither through the crevices of your heart and expand from within. This is one such. Its heart warming, visual and at a pace that allows you to become a cosy comfortable pillion rider in the journey. Must read.
October 18, 2019
Fav quote: "The only love that sticks around is the love you let go"
Without reading the blurb (as usual!), bought this for my kid assuming it to be a children picture book. The cute cover and title gives that feel!
And this turns out to be such a heartwarming read about love and longing!
An honor to have it in any collection. The publishing quality is top notch. Each page is glossy and elegant. Around 35% is water color abstract artwork depicting the interactions of rabbit and squirrel.
The author created this as a personal collection of cards stitched together for a lady friend leaving for the states.
What's it about?
Lovers agony, where one of them was forced to marry into a "filthy" rich family (represented by a pig).
Reminiscence into their perfect ideal place on top of a rock, in the company of each other, where they could be really themselves.
The other one ends up in a monastery and years later they accidentally meet again. What kind of emotions do they stir?
Told in a profound manner with quite a few quotable quotes.
Why not for kids?
Has sexual references.
The squirrel indulges in rolling joints.
Has idioms such as "fucks like a bunny"
Recommended: As a coffee table book. For a quick and refreshing read
Without reading the blurb (as usual!), bought this for my kid assuming it to be a children picture book. The cute cover and title gives that feel!
And this turns out to be such a heartwarming read about love and longing!
An honor to have it in any collection. The publishing quality is top notch. Each page is glossy and elegant. Around 35% is water color abstract artwork depicting the interactions of rabbit and squirrel.
The author created this as a personal collection of cards stitched together for a lady friend leaving for the states.
What's it about?
Lovers agony, where one of them was forced to marry into a "filthy" rich family (represented by a pig).
Reminiscence into their perfect ideal place on top of a rock, in the company of each other, where they could be really themselves.
The other one ends up in a monastery and years later they accidentally meet again. What kind of emotions do they stir?
Told in a profound manner with quite a few quotable quotes.
Why not for kids?
Has sexual references.
The squirrel indulges in rolling joints.
Has idioms such as "fucks like a bunny"
Recommended: As a coffee table book. For a quick and refreshing read
April 29, 2020
Who said adults don't need picture books?
A very short read but deceptive in its brevity. The picture book narrates the tale of two friends: a rabbit and a squirrel, whose paths separate, till they meet each other again. The rabbit is forced into marriage to a wealthy boar by her parents. The marriage is doomed from the start. Soon she is declared an incompetent mother and lunatic, and becomes a social pariah. She leaves her family and travels the world.
The Rabbit is infamous as a denigrate. He tries to join a monastery but is disgusted by the sexual scandals within organised religion. In his old age he works at a flower shop, reminiscing about his youth, till the squirrel shows up at his door one day.
The book explores, in beautiful language and haunting images, themes of love, friendship, loss and what is the meaning of life.
A very short read but deceptive in its brevity. The picture book narrates the tale of two friends: a rabbit and a squirrel, whose paths separate, till they meet each other again. The rabbit is forced into marriage to a wealthy boar by her parents. The marriage is doomed from the start. Soon she is declared an incompetent mother and lunatic, and becomes a social pariah. She leaves her family and travels the world.
The Rabbit is infamous as a denigrate. He tries to join a monastery but is disgusted by the sexual scandals within organised religion. In his old age he works at a flower shop, reminiscing about his youth, till the squirrel shows up at his door one day.
The book explores, in beautiful language and haunting images, themes of love, friendship, loss and what is the meaning of life.
January 5, 2021
It is a small book that leaves a big impact. What an absolute delight!
July 14, 2022
A stunning picture book about love, friendship and sexuality, with a dash of absurdity
Lit with longing, and tender questions of the heart, The Rabbit and the Squirrel is a fairy tale for the modern day
by one of India's much-loved young authors. Illustrated by Stina Wirsén, this poignant and moving fable for all ages was originally conceived by the author as a private gift of love for a beloved friend. Featuring a bisexual bunny and an heiress squirrel, by turns witty and absurd, endearing and brave, this little book harbours a fine ache that lends it a timeless quality.
Lit with longing, and tender questions of the heart, The Rabbit and the Squirrel is a fairy tale for the modern day
by one of India's much-loved young authors. Illustrated by Stina Wirsén, this poignant and moving fable for all ages was originally conceived by the author as a private gift of love for a beloved friend. Featuring a bisexual bunny and an heiress squirrel, by turns witty and absurd, endearing and brave, this little book harbours a fine ache that lends it a timeless quality.
October 30, 2018
The Rabbit (a legendary rake and castaway) and the squirrel (expert roller of joints and impotent rebel) are best friends. The Squirrel’s social climbing parents do not approve of her friendship with the fly-by-night Rabbit and soon make a "suitable" match for her with the titled, boorish, wealthy Boar.
As the two friends’ paths diverge….they face a lot of heartache and soul searching and eventually come together after many many years in a painful but deeply intuitive reunion.
This is a melancholic fable with heart, ribaldry and thought-provoking snippets. It is about loneliness, friendship that spans decades, being completely present with a person (Hineni – Here I am), having no artifice, no need to put on show, just being. There. In this moment.
It is definitely not a fable for small children. It is a sad but true state of affairs for weary adults and all that life has thrown at them. Shanghvi is eminently quotable in a Paulo Coelhoesque way. He inserts little snippets of wisdom throughout this book and blends it effortlessly with bawdy jokes and cutesy puns.
Everyone takes something different away from these kind of tales. For me, as for many….it would be about the ever-present flame of friendship where you do nothing more than be completely present for your friend and listen to all that’s being said and that which has been left unsaid.
Poignant and worth a read.
As the two friends’ paths diverge….they face a lot of heartache and soul searching and eventually come together after many many years in a painful but deeply intuitive reunion.
This is a melancholic fable with heart, ribaldry and thought-provoking snippets. It is about loneliness, friendship that spans decades, being completely present with a person (Hineni – Here I am), having no artifice, no need to put on show, just being. There. In this moment.
It is definitely not a fable for small children. It is a sad but true state of affairs for weary adults and all that life has thrown at them. Shanghvi is eminently quotable in a Paulo Coelhoesque way. He inserts little snippets of wisdom throughout this book and blends it effortlessly with bawdy jokes and cutesy puns.
Everyone takes something different away from these kind of tales. For me, as for many….it would be about the ever-present flame of friendship where you do nothing more than be completely present for your friend and listen to all that’s being said and that which has been left unsaid.
Poignant and worth a read.
February 14, 2019
Unintended, I read the perfect book for Valentine’s Day, regardless of your status with respect to having a valentine or not. Wow, this book was much more than I expected, even with the subtitle that so intrigued me: “A Love Story About Friendship.” I was also drawn in by the illustrations and the cover design’s likely nod to Beatrix Potter, whose books I will always cherish. This story is beautiful and sublime, while being told in a down-to-earth way full of every day language (some of which is funny!) and a real-life feel (yes, even though the characters are non-human animals.) This short, lovely little book moved me, made me reflect on life and love, and overall delighted me even as some of it surprised me given the children’s book look. This is, without a doubt, a “charmed fable for grownups” as the inside cover says. There are some clear life lessons here, so a nod also to Aesop.
August 5, 2019
I read this book in about 20 minutes but the pictures it paints are that of a lifetime. Or life, rather. Squirrel and Rabbit are best friends, and the adult fable traces their journey as they go through different phases and changes in life. Peppered with whimsical characters like the joint-smoking Squirrel and laden with witticisms The Rabbit and the Squirrel takes a good, long look at relationships, especially friendships. The prose is precious and the illustrations magical. I am going to keep returning to this book.
Don't be misled by the size of it because it packs a wholesome punch.
Don't be misled by the size of it because it packs a wholesome punch.
May 18, 2022
Received as a gift. Read it on a flight. Now I feel like gifting it to everyone.
October 8, 2024
It is everything the description says it is :)
October 9, 2018
Loved the writing, didn't like the message.
December 31, 2018
will reread to confirm if this is my rating cause im still not sure what the hype is about
November 2, 2019
just two words "MUST READ"
August 22, 2020
The Rabbit and The Squirrel
Have you ever been wrong in judging a book? I normally don’t perceive things neither form any prejudice but this time around things were different. Last Diwali I purchased few books for my son and The Rabbit and The Squirrel was among that lot assuming it to be an illustrated children’s book without reading the blurb. Today I picked up this fable and finished reading it in less than an hour and it left me elated.
Review:
The rabbit and The Squirrel is a beautifully illustrated and a picture book that is meant for an adult. This is a story of love, friendship and pain of letting go someone you love. This book tells a story that is relevant and prevalent in the Indian society where everything else is ranked higher in priority than love. It also narrates the ordeal of a young couple who has to part ways because of the financial divide and lack of social approval. A beautiful Squirrel is madly in love Rabbit but had to marry a filthy rich(pig) to fulfill her parents wish. This book charts the course of their lives after separation and how they accidently meet in the end to be united for rest of their lives. This is among rare few books that is not only visually appealing but also a delight to read. This book describes the divide and stigma prevailing in the society. It also narrates the plight of a girl who is assumed to compromise all her dreams and aspirations and get settle in an arrange marriage. Siddharth’s storytelling is beautiful and sublime and touches your heart straightaway.
Have you ever been wrong in judging a book? I normally don’t perceive things neither form any prejudice but this time around things were different. Last Diwali I purchased few books for my son and The Rabbit and The Squirrel was among that lot assuming it to be an illustrated children’s book without reading the blurb. Today I picked up this fable and finished reading it in less than an hour and it left me elated.
Review:
The rabbit and The Squirrel is a beautifully illustrated and a picture book that is meant for an adult. This is a story of love, friendship and pain of letting go someone you love. This book tells a story that is relevant and prevalent in the Indian society where everything else is ranked higher in priority than love. It also narrates the ordeal of a young couple who has to part ways because of the financial divide and lack of social approval. A beautiful Squirrel is madly in love Rabbit but had to marry a filthy rich(pig) to fulfill her parents wish. This book charts the course of their lives after separation and how they accidently meet in the end to be united for rest of their lives. This is among rare few books that is not only visually appealing but also a delight to read. This book describes the divide and stigma prevailing in the society. It also narrates the plight of a girl who is assumed to compromise all her dreams and aspirations and get settle in an arrange marriage. Siddharth’s storytelling is beautiful and sublime and touches your heart straightaway.
April 14, 2025
"Without love, age leapt into him like a demon."
Book - The Rabbit & The Squirrel
Author - Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
Illustrator - Stina Wirsen
Pages - 88
Published - March 15 2025
⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Squirrel's greatest joy is to dance with her beloved friend, The Rabbit, and he loves it all too well. So when she is forcibly married to Count Boar, both their lives take a turn. Mourning someone who's alive, and navigating their own grief takes the two to different places.
What can I even say about this book? The first thought I had upon holding it was that it was too pretty to actually end on a 'and they lived happily ever after' note. And boy did that happen! I feel like in the case of such a book, the less that's talked about the book is better as it makes you more aware of what you actually felt while reading it.
If you ask me, I felt all shades of comfort, and grief. After all, even I have lost friends to time, with no way to contact them and after such, all that is left for you is to grieve them and their presence. This book beautifully encapsulates this feeling with its beautiful metaphors and quite an adult language. It was honestly shattering to read something so bloody humane and gut wrenching from the perspective of animals who know what noise cancelling headphones are, who drink cognac and sometimes roll a doobie. And oh the illustrations! I would be lying if I say I did not tear up upon seeing a few, because they are just that magnificent.
The Rabbit & The Squirrel is a tale of growing old, written for grownups, and people who are still figuring it out.
Book - The Rabbit & The Squirrel
Author - Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
Illustrator - Stina Wirsen
Pages - 88
Published - March 15 2025
⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Squirrel's greatest joy is to dance with her beloved friend, The Rabbit, and he loves it all too well. So when she is forcibly married to Count Boar, both their lives take a turn. Mourning someone who's alive, and navigating their own grief takes the two to different places.
What can I even say about this book? The first thought I had upon holding it was that it was too pretty to actually end on a 'and they lived happily ever after' note. And boy did that happen! I feel like in the case of such a book, the less that's talked about the book is better as it makes you more aware of what you actually felt while reading it.
If you ask me, I felt all shades of comfort, and grief. After all, even I have lost friends to time, with no way to contact them and after such, all that is left for you is to grieve them and their presence. This book beautifully encapsulates this feeling with its beautiful metaphors and quite an adult language. It was honestly shattering to read something so bloody humane and gut wrenching from the perspective of animals who know what noise cancelling headphones are, who drink cognac and sometimes roll a doobie. And oh the illustrations! I would be lying if I say I did not tear up upon seeing a few, because they are just that magnificent.
The Rabbit & The Squirrel is a tale of growing old, written for grownups, and people who are still figuring it out.
October 2, 2020
“The only measure of time is the fun you have with it.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Most people come to this book for the gorgeous illustrations. 𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯, 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺!! Others seek it out for the illustrious author. 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘺. If you need more convincing, the reasons are aplenty.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s an insightfully modern fable on friendship, for adults. Innocuous thought it may look, with its large font and picture book style art direction, it strictly is for grown ups with not just mature minds but more so mature hearts. That it has style is clear, but oh the substance!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What Stina Wirsen does with the soothing illustrations - be it the nuances of chic wallpaper and a smoking squirrel or the comfort of having shared secrets between friends - will be undoubtedly admired by one and all. That ‘𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥’ can be depicted so beautifully, and in watercolour too, was news to me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The deceptively simple story, however, will tug at different heartstrings unique to their individual aches. A staple of SDS’s writing is its ability to trample your heart and mend it again, while you inexplicably enjoy the process.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s always a pleasure to have one’s heart handled so by his prose thus, instead of racking my brains to think up what praise hasn’t been sung about SDS’s work, I’ll just urge you to pick this one up. Even if it’s simply to show off on the coffee table, because seriously look how pretty!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Most people come to this book for the gorgeous illustrations. 𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯, 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺!! Others seek it out for the illustrious author. 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘺. If you need more convincing, the reasons are aplenty.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s an insightfully modern fable on friendship, for adults. Innocuous thought it may look, with its large font and picture book style art direction, it strictly is for grown ups with not just mature minds but more so mature hearts. That it has style is clear, but oh the substance!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What Stina Wirsen does with the soothing illustrations - be it the nuances of chic wallpaper and a smoking squirrel or the comfort of having shared secrets between friends - will be undoubtedly admired by one and all. That ‘𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥’ can be depicted so beautifully, and in watercolour too, was news to me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The deceptively simple story, however, will tug at different heartstrings unique to their individual aches. A staple of SDS’s writing is its ability to trample your heart and mend it again, while you inexplicably enjoy the process.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s always a pleasure to have one’s heart handled so by his prose thus, instead of racking my brains to think up what praise hasn’t been sung about SDS’s work, I’ll just urge you to pick this one up. Even if it’s simply to show off on the coffee table, because seriously look how pretty!
April 9, 2025
“Some loves are forever. Others are not. And only the heart really knows the difference.”
This book is a deceptively simple fable—elegant, poignant, and quietly devastating. On the surface, it’s the story of two forest creatures: a rabbit and a squirrel, who share a deep, platonic bond that teeters on the edge of something more. But beneath this gentle narrative lies a meditation on love, loss, the passage of time, and the heart’s resilience.
I loved the character picturization of the protagonists. The rabbit is contemplative, tender, and introspective. The squirrel is vibrant, full of life, and always yearning for something just beyond the horizon. They are, in many ways, opposites—and yet they find solace in one another. Their conversations are filled with warmth and emotional intimacy, but there's always the shadow of unspoken desire and the bittersweet tension of what could be. This I believe is the actual magic that the author has weaved in his narrative.
What truly elevates this book is the collaboration with Swedish illustrator Stina Wirsén. Her delicate, expressive illustrations capture the nuanced emotions of the story with striking clarity. The visuals add a layer of melancholy and charm that lingers long after the final page.
I loved the way how the Whether you see it as a children’s book for adults or an adult book masquerading in a child’s format, *The Rabbit & The Squirrel* is a beautiful reminder that love doesn't always follow a path we expect. Sometimes, the most powerful connections are the ones that remain incomplete.
This book is a deceptively simple fable—elegant, poignant, and quietly devastating. On the surface, it’s the story of two forest creatures: a rabbit and a squirrel, who share a deep, platonic bond that teeters on the edge of something more. But beneath this gentle narrative lies a meditation on love, loss, the passage of time, and the heart’s resilience.
I loved the character picturization of the protagonists. The rabbit is contemplative, tender, and introspective. The squirrel is vibrant, full of life, and always yearning for something just beyond the horizon. They are, in many ways, opposites—and yet they find solace in one another. Their conversations are filled with warmth and emotional intimacy, but there's always the shadow of unspoken desire and the bittersweet tension of what could be. This I believe is the actual magic that the author has weaved in his narrative.
What truly elevates this book is the collaboration with Swedish illustrator Stina Wirsén. Her delicate, expressive illustrations capture the nuanced emotions of the story with striking clarity. The visuals add a layer of melancholy and charm that lingers long after the final page.
I loved the way how the Whether you see it as a children’s book for adults or an adult book masquerading in a child’s format, *The Rabbit & The Squirrel* is a beautiful reminder that love doesn't always follow a path we expect. Sometimes, the most powerful connections are the ones that remain incomplete.
January 4, 2019
What did I just read?’ this book will make you wonder. ‘Was I high or something?’ It’s fantastic. The illustrations are brilliant.
A rabbit and squirrel are best friends, spending their happiest times together, often quite stoned. The squirrel is forced to marry a boar, while the rabbit enters a monastery. Decades later, they meet. What happens then? Magic, love and a bittersweet moment.
This graphic story is a treat for the child in you. There are beautiful nuggets hidden within, a reminder to enjoy the small beauties in life, to never forget what a privilege every moment is. But there is very little preaching, just a lot of humor, excellent anthropomorphizing of animals, and a sly sarcasm of the human condition that’s understanding (and sometimes, resigned to the inevitable) instead of snarky.
The only thing I’d change would be some lines that want to sound highly philosophical and wise but fall rather flat. There is a thing as trying too much.
But full marks for the experimentation, the laughs and wry satire of human problems, and the amazing pictures shining through.
A rabbit and squirrel are best friends, spending their happiest times together, often quite stoned. The squirrel is forced to marry a boar, while the rabbit enters a monastery. Decades later, they meet. What happens then? Magic, love and a bittersweet moment.
This graphic story is a treat for the child in you. There are beautiful nuggets hidden within, a reminder to enjoy the small beauties in life, to never forget what a privilege every moment is. But there is very little preaching, just a lot of humor, excellent anthropomorphizing of animals, and a sly sarcasm of the human condition that’s understanding (and sometimes, resigned to the inevitable) instead of snarky.
The only thing I’d change would be some lines that want to sound highly philosophical and wise but fall rather flat. There is a thing as trying too much.
But full marks for the experimentation, the laughs and wry satire of human problems, and the amazing pictures shining through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
The Rabbit and the Squirrel
Author: Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
Illustrated by: Stina Wirsen
This book is a heartfelt exploration of friendship that endures time, distance, and life’s unexpected turns. The Rabbit and Squirrel share an unbreakable bond—one built on pure emotions, free from judgment or expectation. Their companionship is a source of joy, but fate leads them down separate paths—Squirrel into an unwanted marriage and Rabbit into a monastery.
Years later, they reunite, both having endured life’s trials and the pain of separation. Longing for the comfort they once shared, they seek to reclaim the joy and freedom of their past, even as time slips away.
With raw, deeply felt emotions, this book resonates on a profound level. The stunning illustrations further amplify its impact, drawing readers into its poignant narrative. It speaks to that quiet, hidden corner of the heart—one that holds our deepest feelings—and gently encourages us to revisit it. A truly moving read ♥️♥️
Author: Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
Illustrated by: Stina Wirsen
This book is a heartfelt exploration of friendship that endures time, distance, and life’s unexpected turns. The Rabbit and Squirrel share an unbreakable bond—one built on pure emotions, free from judgment or expectation. Their companionship is a source of joy, but fate leads them down separate paths—Squirrel into an unwanted marriage and Rabbit into a monastery.
Years later, they reunite, both having endured life’s trials and the pain of separation. Longing for the comfort they once shared, they seek to reclaim the joy and freedom of their past, even as time slips away.
With raw, deeply felt emotions, this book resonates on a profound level. The stunning illustrations further amplify its impact, drawing readers into its poignant narrative. It speaks to that quiet, hidden corner of the heart—one that holds our deepest feelings—and gently encourages us to revisit it. A truly moving read ♥️♥️
July 20, 2025
I mistook this for a children's book. But I was drawn in by the promise of a platonic love story. But there's more grief than there is love in this book. Life has treated the protagonists very, very badly. It felt like a meditation on loss and acceptance which would've made this a 4 for me, but I give it a 3 because it didn't speak to my notions about platonic love or its transformative powers. Rabbit and Squirrel never stood a chance.
February 28, 2019
“The only love that sticks around is the love you let go”, is one of the most beautiful line I have read in past few days. A short book with beautiful illustrations and heart warming story of love about friendship between the Rabbit and a Squirrel ❤️ Who says illustrated books are not for adults, Siddharth Dhanvat Shanghvi you once again stole my heart with your words.
January 9, 2019
So simple yet so profound; both the writing and the art style.
This is one of those books that says little and gives you a lot of food for thought.
Don't be fooled by the fact it's a children's book, This can definately be read and enjoyed by all age groups.
This is one of those books that says little and gives you a lot of food for thought.
Don't be fooled by the fact it's a children's book, This can definately be read and enjoyed by all age groups.
March 10, 2020
Dark themes addressed with cute characters. And wow, the illustrations were beautiful.
Struck a chord with me because, I'm currently in my mid-20's and I could totally relate to the situation of Squirrel in the story.
Struck a chord with me because, I'm currently in my mid-20's and I could totally relate to the situation of Squirrel in the story.
October 1, 2018
Story of friendship with colour illustrations. Easy and quick read.
December 26, 2018
Such a cute book for adults about friendship and love with beautiful illustrations.
January 21, 2019
I loved it especially because of illustrations. It's so soothing to eyes and soul. I dont have anything extraordinary to say, I loved it and that's it.
March 31, 2019
beautiful, otherworldly yet relatable
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