Mikhalkov, S. V. Rabbit Nose-in-the-Air: A Fairy-Tale in 2 Acts and a Prologue, 1957. Drawings by E. Rachev. In English.

Mikhalkov, Sergei.
Rabbit Nose-in-the-Air: A Fairy-Tale in 2 Acts and a Prologue. / Drawings by E. Rachev; Translated by I. Zheleznova.
Moscow : Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1957.
62 pp. : ill. ; 29 cm. Hardcover. First edition in English.

This 1957 first English edition of Sergei Mikhalkov’s Rabbit Nose-in-the-Air is a striking example of the Soviet Union's mid-century efforts to export its premier children's literature to the Western world. Published by the Foreign Languages Publishing House, the volume presents Mikhalkov's satirical and moralistic play-tale, which follows a boastful rabbit who finds a hunter's gun and becomes overconfident, only to learn the value of true bravery and humility. The translation by Irina Zheleznova captures the rhythmic spirit and wit of the original Russian text. The book provides a deep dive into the internal logic of the fable genre, including the arrangement of the forest community, the tension between predator and prey, and the theatrical structure of the prologue and two acts, which were designed for the stage of the Central Children's Theatre in Moscow.
The true distinction of this edition lies in the vibrant illustrations by Evgeny Rachev (1906–1997). Rachev was the undisputed master of anthropomorphism, famous for depicting animals in traditional Russian costumes, thereby infusing them with recognizable human traits and social archetypes. His large-scale, colorful drawings in this 29 cm volume transform the animal fable into a vivid costume drama. The 62-page hardcover format, featuring high-quality lithography, reflects the "Golden Age" of Soviet book production intended for international audiences. As a primary source for the study of Cold War-era cultural diplomacy and the history of animal illustration, this book is a significant rarity. It remains a definitive representation of Rachev's artistic legacy and Mikhalkov’s enduring influence on 20th-century juvenile drama, making it a highly desirable find for collectors of vintage Soviet imprints and fans of classic children's theater.