MMGM: Fluffy Fiction for Kids: A Bunny Lover's Reading List

In honor of Easter next weekend and springtime, I’m featuring a few of my favorite rabbit-themed reads. Honestly, it doesn’t have to be spring for me to dive into a book about rabbits. They are my favorite animal, and my first pet was Flopsy, a mini lop. In fact, in fourth grade, I wrote a story about him. I didn’t win the writing contest I entered, but my story was in my school library for a time, and a few people checked it out, so there’s that. Keep reading to see the cover.

Picture Book:

My favorite rabbit themed picture book is a classic that never goes out of style.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward, Pictures by Marjorie Hack.

When I pick this up, it takes me back to hearing this story on my mother’s lap. As a child, I was drawn to the colorful illustrations, the magical aspect, and the golden egg that shone like diamonds. Now, I enjoy how the country bunny trains her children to be independent, how she continues to follow her dream (of being an Easter bunny) despite naysayers, and her strength and determination not be looked down on as a country bumpkin. It reminds me that ordinary people can do great things.

The wild rabbit that sometimes sneaks into our yard. Don't tell Max!*

Middle Grade

Mr. And Mrs. Bunny Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath (review updated  from 8/9/21).

 

Not only is this a mystery, it’s hilarious, and it includes bunnies (of course!) It has a marvelous, unique setting. Most people have heard of the San Juans, but did you know Canada has the Gulf Islands? They have a similar feel, but are more remote. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon. They are rustic and beautiful—and I’ll never forget seeing a pod of Orca whales a few feet from our kayaks.

Map of Gulf Islands (to the southwest is Vancouver Island (Victoria BC). from https://vancouverisland.travel/

This hilarious middle grade features a girl who’s smarter than her ex-hippie parents (think Matilda). The bunnies have distinct personalities. Mr. Bunny thinks making car noises will start a car, and Mrs. Bunny is a sweet, tenderhearted bunny who is more of a mom to Madeleine than her parents. And, of course, if you did not guess from my allusion to Matilda, this has all the humor of a Roald Dahl book. Even though you might have the mystery figured out from page one, you’ll want to read the whole book to enjoy the wonderful humor!

And there’s a sequel: Lord and Lady Bunny—Almost Royalty!  (Mr. and Mrs. Bunny go on a cruise to England and meet the Queen!)

Upper Middle Grade

 

Watership Down by Richard Adams Adapted by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin

Favorite quote: “Every rabbit that stays behind is in great danger. We will welcome any rabbit who joins us.”

Watership Down is one of those classics that has formed the backbone of our family culture as my kids were growing up. There was even a time we sprinkled rabbit language into our conversations. It’s an adventure novel of a group of rabbits trying to find a new home after their warren is destroyed. Although the rabbits act like real rabbits, they have their own culture, language, proverbs, poetry, and mythology. 

But it's very long (478 pages!) and can be a bit complicated for a lot of middle grade readers. So, I was excited to see this beautiful graphic novel version, which my son loved: Watership Down the Graphic Novel adaoted by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin (illustrator), winner of the Eisner Award and Ohio Book Ward.

The illustrations have a classic feel which fits the story well. I liked how the rabbit mythology and Hazel's prophetic dreams were illustrated in a different style. And the map at the beginning is brilliant!

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

Max, the Reading Dog*

🦴🦴🦴🦴

I love rabbits! Yum! Too bad these are just pictures on paper. And why are you hiding that rabbit in the backyard from me?

Your Turn:

What is your favorite book for spring? Do you like rabbit books or book about animals? What is your favorite part of spring?
 

If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

 And for fun, here is the cover of The Cottontail book I wrote in fourth grade:

 

Cover of my first published book.* 

My first pet was named after the character from Beatrix Potter, of course!*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Photos by Jenni Enzor