Garth Montgomery Williams was a prolific children's artist, penning some of the best known illustrations from books such as Little House on the Prairie and Charlotte's Web. While his work was seen by millions, his name was not at the forefront in those endeavors. He did write his own children's stories and one of them started a controversy.
In 1958 Williams wrote and illustrated a book called The Rabbits' Wedding. It was a simple story, beautifully illustrated about bunnies in love. They frolicked together, played games together, and decided to get married. It was a simple story, but it wasn't the story that was controversial. It was the images of a black bunny and a white bunny playing together and getting married. One Orlando editor commented on the story as reported by Life magazine.
"Such miscegenation, stated an editor in Orlando, was 'brainwashing . . . as soon as you pick up the book and open its pages you realize these rabbits are integrated.'
The book was removed from Montgomery Alabama shelves and tucked away in a reserved section. A segregationist newspaper, The Home News, denounced it as integration propaganda. Williams responded to the criticism with this:
"I was completely unaware that animals with white fur, such as white polar bears and white dogs and white rabbits, were considered blood relations of white beings. I was only aware that a white horse next to a black horse looks very picturesque." Williams said his story was not written for adults, who "will not understand it, because it is only about a soft furry love and has no hidden message of hate."
The book was successful, is still in print, and available on the regular shelves of libraries.
-Professor Walter
"What are you always thinking about?"
asked
the little white rabbit.
"I'm just thinking about my wish," replied
the little black rabbit.
"What is your wish?" asked the little white
rabbit.
"I just wish that I could be with you forever and always,"
replied
the little black rabbit.
The little white rabbit opened her eyes
very wide
and thought very hard.
"Why don't you wish a little
harder?"
asked the little white rabbit.
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