Barnaby's Bunny

In this gentle and humorous springtime story, Barnaby learns the importance of responsibility and honesty when he and his friends try to convince their teacher, Mrs. Sealey, to get a class pet.

Spring has come and Barnaby is very happy. Only one thing would make him happier: having a class pet. He asks his teacher, Mrs. Sealey, but she decides the class first needs some practice. Everyone will make a pet egg. If they can show they are responsible by taking good care of their pretend pets, they will get a real class pet.

Barnaby is sure this will be easy. He already cares for a pet--his dog, Baxter. But when his egg cracks, Barnaby isn't sure what to do. Should he lie to Mrs. Sealey? In the end, Barnaby tells the truth and the class is rewarded with a wonderful real pet--a bunny.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Barnaby, of coloring-book fame, is a sweet and cuddly bear whose friends include a frog and a giraffe, among others. In response to her students' request for a class pet, Mrs. Sealey assigns each pupil the care of a pet egg, with the promise that if they are responsible, they can get a real pet. All of the classmates care for their charges, except the overly confident cub, who admits in the end that he was careless. After careful consideration, his teacher decides to commend him on his honesty. The didactic, almost pedantic tone results in a very long read. Some pages are divided into thirds, making the format somewhat awkward; the tale is rather cumbersome. The lively artwork, suggesting the many adventures the classmates experience, has a frolicsome feel. A marginal choice.
Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.