Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
What is it going to take to get Little Bunny to bed? Mrs. Rabbit gamely tries a lullaby, bubble bath and warm milk, but nothing seems to work. Enjoying some rare alone time (as one of four bunny offspring), "He wanted to stay up all night long with his mommy." No sooner does Little Bunny vow that "I'll never be ready for bed" than he bunny-hops himself right into slumberland. In Hansen's (Big Bears Can!) honey-toned watercolors, the domestic scenes have the ring of authenticity and the long-eared critters combine just the right amount of cuddly, funny and sweet qualities. Little Bunny's character is a hybrid of winsomeness and a toddleresque iron will. British author Johnson's punchline won't come as much of a surprise with Little Bunny finally asleep, Mrs. Rabbit utters the words, "Peace and quiet at last" and, as if on cue, another bunny sibling awakens. The tale seems as warm and familiar as a much-beloved blanket. Ages 3-6. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-Every parent has felt Mrs. Rabbit's exhaustion as she gets her children to sleep only to have the youngest one perk up and need lots of attention before slumbering again. In this well-worn scenario, "Mrs. Rabbit tried warm milk. `Swirly, whirly, creamy white,' she yawned. `Time to cuddle and say `Good night.'" However, only after little bunny hops around a bit does he wear himself out and finally fall asleep just in time for Mrs. Rabbit to hear a second child pipe up. The delightful illustrations rest in a palette of soft blues, reds, and greens on velvety vanilla pages. The engaging characters have warm caramel and butterscotch colored fur. Mother Rabbit's fatigue is evident, and her child's delight in being awake a little longer is equally apparent. A bedtime story with lots of appeal.-Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When her wee bunny is unable to sleep, a mother rabbit calls upon her entire repertoire of soothing tactics to settle her little one down for the night. Awakened by cries of "I can't sleep," the bleary-eyed mother looks into the sparkling eyes of her youngest offspring and knows she's in for a rambunctious night. Little Bunny has decided that staying up all night is the best way to get some extra-special Mommy time. From lullabies to warm baths, to even warmer milk, nothing seems to tucker out the tireless pip-squeak. Eventually it is the sheer exuberance of the young bunny that wears him out, as he dozes off mid-hop. Yet, as is the lot of weary parents and caregivers everywhere, the beleaguered Mrs. Rabbit just settles into bed when she hears the now-familiar wail from her next youngest child. Johnson's tale is simply, sweetly told. Mrs. Rabbit exhibits endless patience and care, enveloping her child with warm, albeit weary, affection. Young readers will readily recognize Mrs. Rabbit's familiar lullaby and playful rhymes, which are given a bunny twist: "Hush-a-bye bunny on the tree top," and "Rub-a-dub dub, my bunny needs a scrub." Hansen's gently shaded, soft-pastel illustrations echo the tender loving care of the tale. Her captivating pictures feature an utterly cuddly bunny with an impish glint in his eye and a jaunty tilt to his long floppy ears. Like its energetic protagonist, this winsome tale is hard to resist. (Picture book. 3-5)
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