Bunny Rabbit's Pranks

Otley, UK. NA. Loose. Very Good. Charming animal story manuscript, in the tradition, if not inspired by Peter Rabbit, with a strong kinship to Bugs Bunny. In this story, the rabbit prankster manages to get the best of all the other, mostly bigger and stronger animals, even when at first the rabbit appears to be in a bind. It bests a fox, a bear, a lion, a wolf and turtle in various ways. If there is a moral to this tale of a manipulative rabbit, it is that brains can beat out brawn, and do so consistently. N.d., but our sense is circa 1940s. As far as we know, this story was never published, but this manuscript was definitely already well along in the publishing process, with intended color plates set up for the several steps required of printing them. 16 sheet manuscript, all of card stock. Two sizes: the two versions of the title, 22.5 by 15 cm, all others, 17.5 by 13 cm. One title fully colored, other title, pen and ink with color wax paper overlay. Six other pages similar -- intended as plates, with pen and ink on card, with coloring on wax paper overlay. Eight text sheets, all handwritten, four with illustrations on them as well. Condition: some chipping to the wax paper, and a few of these overlays are loose. Light soiling and wear besides.