This Little Bunny Can Bake (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This promising if rocky debut lets readers eavesdrop on a class at a world-famous School of Dessertology, where Chef George, an imperious owl instructor, is whipping both egg whites and his hapless anthropomorphized students into shape (What's an ingredient? whispers one student, after the chef unveils a chalkboard with a whirlwind of information for them to absorb). There's a retro-chic sensibility, visual wit and good sense of character in Stein's gray-toned brush-and-ink drawings (a vain poodle is shown weighing herself on a digital scale when George commands, Take the time to measure carefully). But despite these strengths the story falls short. The titular bunny, distinguished by her diligence and rose-hued skin (nearly the only use of color in the book), never emerges as a character worth following. And the story feels more like a series of similar incidents strung together—the common thread being the contrast between the teacher's instructions and the students' incompetence—rather than a truly satisfying narrative arc. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)
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From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—Several animals sign up at Chef George's School of Dessertology to learn the fine art of making sweets. Kitty is interested in cheesecake, Spoonbill longs for fish cakes, and Poodle is only interested in looking good. Throughout the day, while the other students are playing and creating strange dishes, Bunny studies, listens to the chef, measures, and bakes a fancy cake, which she shares with her teacher and classmates. Everything in the brush and ink spreads and vignettes is black and white except the titular bunny, who, like her cake, is pink. The chef's statements are printed in red ink while the animals' comments, in black ink, look as if they were composed on a typewriter. Eight recipes for desserts are featured on the endpapers. The illustrations and the slight story line have limited appeal and will not hold the attention of children.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (March 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375843132
• ISBN-13: 978-0375843136
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,230,069 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars This Little Bunny Can Bake, August 4, 2009

By	R. E. Ewoldt (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think it would be convenient if this book was reduced to a smaller size. The hard cover is nice. The recipes could be added as a tear out section. I probably didn't think about the size when ordering. Otherwise, the book as a whole is really nice.
Thank you for letting me write my suggestions.

R. E. Ewoldt

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun story of a little bunny who ultimately proves successful, July 22, 2009

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Janet Stein's THIS LITTLE BUNNY CAN BAKE tells of Chef George's dessert school where one eager student proves the only one willing to follow the basic rules. Black and white and pink drawings accept a fun story of a little bunny who ultimately proves successful.

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from www.firrkids.com, April 7, 2009

By	www.firrkids.com - See all my reviews

With Easter quickly approaching, what better time to welcome the tale of a baking bunny? This book is a visual treat, offering the coolest retro black and white drawings. Well, it's not all black and white. The star of the show - Little Bunny - stands out in a rosy pink hue.

Baker Bunny signs up for Chef George's School of Dessertology to learn from the master of sweets. She is only one of many eager students racing to class. Chef George knows everything there is to know about desserts and his students know nothing! He must teach them the basics (sigh) starting with identification of a pot and spoon.

The other students are not as diligent as Little Bunny, spending their class time napping, playing egg toss and just generally goofing off. But Bunny means business, dutifully practicing with the pastry bag until her frosting letters are iced perfection.

Readers will get a good laugh from the antics of the other animals. Chef George issues a serious instruction and the results are a hoot. When he announces a dessert should smell as good as it tastes, we see those silly students adding flowers, perfume and even ... a sock.

These illustrations are a great throwback, very unlike today's typical children's book. This is a wonderful book, almost like taking a step back to a more simpler time. And the end result of the dessertology class? Little Bunny pays attention, tries her hardest and produces an amazing creation. The other students produce ... interesting dishes.