Rabbit Food [Hardcover]

Susanna Gretz (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Uncle Bunny stands as an excellent role model for John, a young bunny who has a difficult time appreciating the "fine", edible delicacies of life, such as celery, tomatoes, peas, mushrooms, and carrots.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A diminutive bunny who refuses to eat his vegetables answers with a big "NO" when his mother asks the question that has plagued untold generations of kids: "Don't you want to grow up big and strong?" John has no interest in turning into a grownup, he says, because they eat all the vegetables he despises. His antipathy disappears when Uncle Bunny baby-sits for the weekend and organizes outdoor activities that increase even a veggie-hating rabbit's appetite. But why does Uncle Bunny keep hiding his own portions of carrots? Young vegetable foes and fans alike will appreciate the humorous twist Gretz (Frog, Duck & Rabbit) gives to her cheerful tale. From the title page, which shows Jack scowling as the rest of his family schleps home oversize veggies, her watercolor art is as fresh and crisp as her narrative. The exaggerated facial expressions alone will keep readers happy. Even picky eaters will find the message palatable in this zippy delivery. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-In this entertaining twist on the fussy-eater theme, children will discover that adults can also be picky about food. John, a young bunny, refuses to eat his vegetables. Frustrated, his father enlists the help of Uncle Bunny, who is left to care for his niece and nephews over the weekend with the implicit instruction that, "...John eats some of everything." By engaging the youngsters in rigorous physical activities such as soccer, tug-of-war, and mountain climbing, Uncle Bunny makes sure everyone becomes hungry, including John, who succumbs to his voracious appetite and digs into his veggies. However, as Uncle expounds on the need to eat vegetables, he manages to avoid eating his carrots. When confronted by his nephew, Uncle Bunny admits to his dislike for the root but tries some, agreeing, "...they're not bad." Gretz's watercolor illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. The portrayals of the bespectacled and bandanna-wearing uncle and the varied facial expressions of John are especially endearing. This book will be enjoyed by young children, and adults trying to prod finicky eaters can utilize it along with Vivian French's Oliver's Vegetables (Orchard, 1996) and Nicholas Heller's Peas (Greenwillow, 1993).
Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (March 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763607312
• ISBN-13: 978-0763607319
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,100,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Even non picky eaters will find this story tantalizing, September 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rabbit Food (Hardcover)

Although my 5-year-old is not a picky eater, this engagingly presented tale has helped her to think about eating foods that she claims she does not like. As with John in the story, the lesson learned is that you cannot make a judgment until you have at least tasted the veggie in question. She still is not enthused about celery, but after reading Rabbit Food she was at least willing to taste it!