Title: How to Be a Bigger Bunny
Author & Illustrator: Florence and Wendell Minor
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 2017
Ages: 4-8
Themes: being the smallest, standing out, adventure, wordplay
Opening:
Tickles the bunny yawned.
It was time to get out of bed.
She called to her bunny family:
“Nibbles! Wiggles!
Giggles! Jiggles!”
But nobody answered.
Synopsis:
Tickles, the smallest bunny in her family and her siblings often forget to include her in their outdoor, bunny adventures. Tickles tries not to let it bother her and because she loves to read and keeps busy with her favorite books and new stories, Never Give Up, How to Be a Pirate and How to Think Your Way Out of Tricky Places. When Tickles the bunny’s family goes on an adventure without her, Tickles reads her book, How to Be a Bigger Bunny, and ends up on an adventure of her own. When she finds her furry family in trouble, she must become a bigger bunny and save the day.
Why I like this book:
I love wordplay and layers in a story, even for the very young, and Florence achieves this masterfully here. The title contains a wonderful double meaning that kids will get and of course, the three stories Tickles reads provide immediate answers to her immediate questions about saving her siblings. Stories so often meet our needs.
The simple sentences, pacing, repetition and mix of narrative, action and dialogue make this a read aloud that should grip even the tiniest listener. Tickles is of course adorable, as are Wendell’s characteristically warm nature illustrations.
Activities/Resources:
Ask children how the three stories Tickles reads might be applicable to situations in which they have found themselves.
Check out my interview with Wendell Minor.
Find more “Perfect Picture Book Friday” reviews at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog HERE.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Gorgeous looking book Joanna. Kids will certainly relate especially in new schools etc where they feel left out. Love that the three stories Tickles (love the name) reads help her in saving her family. Great choice.
Yup, the names are fun!
The cover grabs your attention. It’s beautiful. Fun rhyme. I love the theme of this book. It will help younger siblings find their place in the family! Lovely choice!
It’s a warmhearted tale, Pat.
Sounds like another winner from this amazing book creator. Thanks.
Wendell and Florence Minor are an amazing team.
Joanna, what a fun book. I love finding solutions in books! Put this on hold at the library. Thanks for featuring it.
Yes, I liked this problem solving.
The gentle humor here sounds spot on and the cover is adorable. I’ll check it out — thanks for sharing!
gentle humor is a perfect description!
Must read this one. I love wordplay and it has a clever title.
And even little kids love wordplay!
I love wordplay & reading to solve problems is such a wonderful message. I look forward to reading this one, which looks perfect for spring.
Yup, it made me want to rush outside to play in the daffodils!