Book Description
for A Very Big Bunny by Marisabina Russo
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Being different is rarely easy, and Amelia is painfully aware that she is the biggest bunny in her class. When they line up in size order, Amelia is always last. Her feet are too big for hopscotch. The seesaw? Out of the question. Amelia learns to keep to herself in an effort to avoid unwanted attention. When little Susannah shows up in class, she faces a similar—yet different—set of obstacles. Her feet are too small for hopscotch. The seesaw? Out of the question. But unlike Amelia, Susannah doesn’t keep to herself. In fact, she tries to engage Amelia in conversation again and again, despite Amelia’s rebuffs. And when Amelia contemplates developing a bad cold to avoid picture day, it’s irrepressible Susannah who shows up with the supplies necessary to ensure that both bunnies, large and small, will be looking their very best for their close-ups. Perfect pacing pairs with appealing gouache illustrations in this welcome and gentle attempt to help children understand what it’s like to stand out from one’s peers. (Ages 4–8)
CCBC Choices 2011. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2011. Used with permission.