Customer Reviews

Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book has been a favourite in my family for about 30 years! The central idea of the book is simple and heart-warming, and is demonstrated in an almost hypnotic formula throughout the text. This means that, after just a few pages, the child being read to can join in and have the satisfaction of guessing correctly part of what is coming next. The theme is one which can be applied in the child's own life, and from my own experience, I can promise that it stays with you for a very long time. The illustrations are beautiful; as far as I know, they are quite unique in Mr Sendak's output. They add meaning to the text, and help to make this a classic. I would recommend reading this to anybody from 3 to 7 (and any adults who happen to be around!).

I had originally given this book a 4 star review, but in hindsight, I think it deserves 5. (The site wouldn't allow me to edit my star rating- sorry). This is a book that I would like to have discovered earlier, but my four year old boy enjoys it anyway, and I would gladly add it to our family library. A 2 or 3 year-old would easily appreciate this story as well. Both the author and illustrator are accomplished and well respected, and the proof is in reading it to a child. Children love the idea that they can converse with the animals, and Mr. Rabbit and The Lovely Present all but makes it seem possible to the reader. A valuable life lesson is well taken from a well meaning and sympathetic rabbit, in a young girl's search for great gift ideas for her mother. A tiny bit redundant from a grown-up's point of view, but the audience gets the bigger vote (children love repetitive stories and gain much from them). I'm hoping that demand will bring this book back to the printers for the next generation of readers, Especially considering the copyright date (1962). Judging from the illustrations, I would have placed it somewhere in the early 30's 40's. This book must have been very popular in the sixties with parents looking for wholesome stories and rich, high quality artwork for their children.

This was my favorite book when I was little. The dialogue, which follows a clearly-defined pattern without being repetitive, and the gorgeous illustrations are calming without being boring. Now that I am expecting my first child, I am thrilled to see that this classic is still in print.

I received this book today and am so pleased that I bought it because it's a stunning book. It's a lovely little tale (already explained by other reviewers!) that contains subtle repetition for early readers and would be great for teaching colours to a younger child. The illustrations are lovely and have a 1960s feel about them - subtle but intricately drawn and enhance the text perfectly (they don't look anything like the illustrations of We're The Wild Things are but are equally as fantastic!). I think you'd be really hardpressed to find anything faults with this book - a totally charming must have classic for your children's library - don't pass this one up. It's one of those books that totally enchants you the very first time you read it.

As a student at West Virginia State College I was required to view a Calecott honor award winning book. I chose this book because of the beautiful illustrations. A little girl asks the assistance of Mr. Rabbit in deciding what to get her mother for her birthday. Mr. Rabbit suggests some rather foolish gift for each of the colors the little girl says her mother likes. He suggests such things as a red roof and a blue lake. Each time he also suggest a fruit of that color. The little girls says her mother likes that fruit but she needs something else. After they go though a few colors the little girl relizes she could make a fruit basket. Mr. Rabbit says he has a basket.

I had never even heard of this book until I stumbled upon it at the library. This book can be only be described by plucking a word right from the title and thats "LOVELY". My daughter could not get enough of it! The conversations between Mr. Rabbit and the little girl are simply so realistic I'm almost shocked cause I found myself wrapped up in it as well. It is too cute! The only negative observation I have is my daughter found Mr. Rabbit a little creepy but Maurice Sendak has a slight darkness to him so maybe thats it. Don't let that stop you from buying this though!

This was one of my favorite picture books as a child. Every child can relate to wanting to give a perfect gift to his or her mother for her birthday, and yet without having money. Sendak's illustrations are softer and dreamier here than they are in his more well-known books, which goes well with the dream-like quality of the story.
I am giving this copy to my niece for a Christmas present. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.

Item arrived in a very timely manner. Although, the book had a large sticker on the back, which had not been mentioned on the description. All in all, a great buy for $0.75. I'll do it all over again, with sticker remover on hand.

This is a very nice bedtime fantasy that teaches the names of the colors and pairs them with real things such as Pears and the color green. Mr. Rabbit makes a great imaginary friend and develops into a very lovable character as the storyline progresses.
I don't like the fact that the main character besides the rabbit (the little girl) is not given a name. It is hard for children to relate with a nameless character. I also felt like meeting her mom at the end of the story would have added so much to it. The book should have included the little girl giving the birthday present to her mom and her mom being so excited and grateful for it. Possibly sharing a piece of fruit with her daughter and Mr. Rabbit would have made "mom" an embraceable character. I see these ideas as lost opportunities that could have made this story a more memorable nightly choice for bedtime reading.
The illustrations are simple, yet colorful. I do like the storyline and the use of real world items to teach children their colors. Overall, this should be a highly recommended children's book for early readers as well as a bedtime book for infants and toddlers.

I love this book! It is a sweet story with enchanting pictures. I have used it to review color words with my young students.