Busy Bunny Days

Starred review from December 16, 2013
Three stories about an active family of rabbits, originally published in Germany, come together in this Richard Scarry–esque outing full of questions to answer and mini-narratives to pursue. Each story opens with a dramatis personae, picturing and naming the smartly dressed animals found within (“Don’t forget to keep an eye out for that pesky Benny Badger,” cautions the introduction to “In the Town”). The view of each setting remains fixed—although there’s plenty of movement and activity on each page—making it easy for children to flip between pages to notice the changes as each day progresses and answer the questions posed (“Who is Baxter’s teacher?”). A stylish study of urban and rural life with just a hint of mischief. Ages 4–8.

January 1, 2014
Bright-eyed, neatly drawn little animals in human dress crowd three successive settings from morning to night in this low-key seek-and-find import originally published in Germany as three separate, stand-alone titles. Each section opens with a pictorial cast page that introduces Dr. and Mrs. Bunny, their two little bunnies and about 50 different or recurring fellow residents--including Benny Badger or, as he's repeatedly styled, "that pesky/sneaky/lazy/unruly Benny Badger." Teckentrup provides three questions on each spread as invitations to initial engagements with the pictures. These range from "Oh no! Who is slipping on a banana peel?" or "Where is Henry Hound fishing now?" to repeated heads-ups that Benny can be caught in some misbehavior like lounging lazily on a bench or trying to steal a chicken. Viewers who keep looking will see plenty of other activity, though aside from the odd small fire or other minor mishap, the action runs to easily identifiable playtimes, farm chores, meals, sightseeing and other quotidian occupations. There's plenty to reward nose-to-page viewing, but even Richard Scarry fans may find this a little dull. (Picture book. 3-5)

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April 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-When reading this German import, one can't help but notice the similarity in style to the classic books by Richard Scarry. In each of the three sections, children can search for pesky Benny Badger. There is no specific plot or story line. Rather, the overarching theme is time as depicted by the clock at the top of each verso. Older readers can observe and compare what happens in the various sections at 6:00 am, 9:00 am, noon, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. Under the clocks are questions such as "What is Bailey Bear doing?" Children find the answers by studying the page of labeled characters before each section, scrutinizing the spread, and creating their own stories. Cartoonlike artwork attempts to create interest for those who relish the Waldo-type "seek and find" books. However, these animal characters lack charming or endearing qualities, and the book does not blaze any new trails. Strictly supplementary.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2014
Preschool-G This attractive book offers crowded yet pleasing scenes in which dressed animals engage in everyday human activities. The large-format volume is divided into three sections, originally published as separate titles in Germany. Each shows a single location at seven different times of day, indicated by a clock in one corner. In each section, the first page introduces the characters, small figures identified by their names and sometimes grouped into families. The next page introduces the location (town, farm, or dockside scene) that is reproduced on the seven broad double-page spreads that follow. A few questions prompt kids to search for certain characters, such as Benny Badger, a petty thief appearing in every scene. Reminiscent of Richard Scarry's Busytown books, Martin Handford's Where's Waldo? series, and Jean Marzollo's I Spy series, the book will captivate the same audience with its inviting, intricate illustrations, which appear to be digital collages. A treasure trove for kids who love a visual challenge.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)