Fear the Bunny

December 15, 2018
A tiger can't believe it's being upstaged in this picture-book riff on William Blake's famous poem.A group of zoologically diverse animals huddle around a fire, listening to a porcupine read from a chilling poem: "Bunnies, bunnies, burning bright, / in the forests of the night--." An incredulous tiger interrupts, saying that the poem is actually about it. But a squirrel matter-of-factly states that "Here, it's 'bunnies, bunnies.' " The tiger still doesn't understand why the animals would be so afraid of bunnies but not afraid of tigers and tries to explain why it, an apex predator, is far more threatening. The smaller animals remain unimpressed, calmly telling the tiger that "In this forest, we fear the bunny" and that it should "Hide now, before it's too late." An amusing and well-done premise slightly disappoints at the climax, with the tiger streaking away in terror before a horde of headlamp-wearing bunnies, but eager readers never learn what, exactly, the bunnies would do if they caught up. But at the end, a group of tigers joins the other animals in their awestruck reading of the adapted Blake poem, included in full at the end. Cute, fuzzy illustrations contrast nicely with the dark tone and forest background.A quirky, fun story that will appeal to young audiences looking for a little bit of scare, with a premise so good it overcomes a weak conclusion. (Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-Who has ever been afraid of a cute little bunny? In this literary picture book twist, readers find that even a tiger can be afraid of something small and fluffy. Tiger, one of the most feared creatures of the forest, comes across a group of woodland creatures reading poetry. He steps in to correct the version of William Blake's "The Tyger" being read. Tiger is proud of being the star of the poem but the woodland creatures have replaced the word tiger with bunnies instead. Tiger, of course, thinks this is absolutely ridiculous. "What is a bunny going to do, hop on my head?" he asks the woodland creatures. The woodland creatures keep trying to warn Tiger that he must hide and be afraid. Tiger continues to make light of the feared bunnies suggesting that he should go protect a vegetable garden. Suddenly, the woodland creatures begin to scamper off and hide as they hear the feared bunnies coming. Tiger continues to protest until a bunny shows up. Tiger still does not run and hide but as the whole band of bunnies arrive he realizes he should have taken the woodland creatures advice seriously. Tiger takes off with bunnies hot on his tail. Blake's poem is appended for readers and teacher alike to reference. The illustrations are colorful and very appealing to young listeners. VERDICT An enjoyable read-aloud about a fierce creature finding his own weakness that deserves a place on most picture book shelves.-Erin Olsen, The Brearley School, NY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.