I Love You, Bunny Rabbit

When Mama tells her son Micah that it is time to buy a new rabbit, he decides he loves Bunny Rabbit the way she is--worn, stained, and thoroughly chewed--and the new store bunnies do not change his mind.

PreSchool-Grade 1?A sweet, simple tale about a boy and his favorite stuffed toy. Bunny Rabbit has been through the proverbial mill, so Micah's mother suggests that they give it a bath. But after it has been scrubbed and dried, the beloved animal still looks a mess. "It is time, Micah, to buy a new rabbit," says mom. They go to the toy store, and a double-page spread shows myriad stuffed animals from which Micah might choose. (But astute readers will know that he never had any intention of replacing his well-worn friend.) In a double-page closeup picture, when he tells his mother that he doesn't want a new bunny, she touches his forehead and offers a milk shake instead. Walking home, they discuss the similarities between a messy Bunny Rabbit and a messy boy?both of whom are infinitely lovable. The vibrant, detailed colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations are dominated by greens and purples, with lots of interesting flecks of color scattered about. A welcome addition on a popular topic.?Lynn Cockett, Nutley Public Library, NJ
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Stained with applesauce and chocolate milk, frayed by chewing and worn to its stuffing, a beloved toy bunny is overdue for a bath. "Don't worry," Micah encourages his go-everywhere pal; "I've had lots of baths." But the rabbit does not come clean, so Mama suggests a trip to the toy store for a replacement. Faced with the profusion of possible substitutes, Micah balks: "I don't want a new rabbit, thank you." He then applies some irrefutable child logic to the situation, and the three return home renewed. Moore's colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations playfully and tenderly accompany Oppenheim's text as it moves from joviality to disquieted attachment to strengthened affection. A winsome tale of love remaining love in spite of dirt and grime. Ages 2-5.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 3-6. Micah's Bunny Rabbit has been so well loved that it has no fur left and is covered with spots of chocolate milk, applesauce, and muddy water. The rabbit is still a mess after a bath, so Mama insists they take a trip to the store to buy a new stuffed animal. But eventually Mama comes to understand that a new friend could never take the place of her daughter's rabbit. This tender story of love, friendship, acceptance, and understanding is told in a reassuring manner. Illustrations of various sizes and shapes are executed in colored pencil and watercolor. A soothing tale for story times. April Judge