You're Lovable to Me

January 1, 2010
PreS-Gr 2-Six little bunnies prepare for bed after an active day in which they demonstrate behavior and emotions familiar to young children. Mother Bunny assures her little ones, "I'm your mama, you're my bunnies. And you're lovable to me" no matter what feelings they displaysadness, fear, loneliness, anger, exhaustion, or just shyness. She tucks them in bed, and then continues her household chores. Grandpa arrives for his evening tea and finds her sleeping on the couch. After watching her awhile, he says that even though she is grown with a family of her own, she is still his little bunny and lovable to him. The illustrations present a busy family in a cozy atmosphere. The childlike actions and emotions displayed by the bunnies will be familiar to most children as they examine the pictures. The dainty drawings were done in a pastel palette with lots of white background, reflecting the mood and simplicity of the story. From the soft illustrations to the tone of text, there is an overall sense of gentleness. However, while children will understand the message of mother's love, the grandfather's tender feelings for his daughter may be a bit beyond their ken. The concept is similar to Robert Munsch's "Love You Forever" (Firefly, 1995)."Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2010
Preschool Six little bunnies misbehave all day long and at bedtime wonder if their mama still loves them. She tucks them in and says, Bunnies, let me tell you something someone used to say to me . . . . She lists all the times when a bunny needs loving: when hes sad, frightened, or lonely; or shes worried, exhausted, embarrassed, or shy. No matter what your feelings are, whatever they may be . . . Im your mama. Youre my bunnies. And youre lovable to me. The story doesnt end there (as others with the same theme have), as Grandpa comes home and recalls all the adult moments when Mama was lovable to him: graduation, wedding, and having bunny babies. Its the wispy whimsy of the finely lined illustrations that imbues the tale with feeling without making it saccharine. The gentle tone reassures with its warm sense of a family coming full circle.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)