That's Not Bunny!

November 15, 2015
A hawk with deplorable aim seems fated to become an unhappy vegetarian. The long-eared protein element on his menu seems to have more lives than a cat. The hawk gets the bunny in his sights, zooms in with talons splayed, and comes away with...a carrot? Amid a growing collection of nonmeat items in his nest, and a lot of nonproductive screaming, the stymied hawk suffers an identity crisis. "I'm a carrot hawk." / "I'm a cucumber hawk." / "I'm a lettuce hawk." // "I'm a... / I'm a...." Jack's lively, 1950s-ish digitalized illustrations successfully capture the escalating frustration against a backdrop of stark white pages. Both hawk and bunny are dapper in button-down shirts and spiffy vests, triggering memories of old Warner Bros. cartoons. However, Jack misses a golden opportunity to elicit a few chuckles by not providing titles to two books (one green and one blue) in Hawk's "hands." This is especially unfortunate as in the introductory pages, Hawk is avidly reading the green book, whose title there--in microprint--reads, How to Cook Rabbits. Barton introduces elements of humor, but the book fails to fully execute--think Coyote vs. Roadrunner without the payoff. A disappointing effort, particularly when compared to Barton's much more entertaining and creative Shark vs. Train. (Picture book. 3-6)

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November 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-A near-sighted hawk attempts to catch a rabbit and fails repeatedly, ending up each time with its talons full of vegetables. This, in turn, causes Hawk to question his identity. "Was he a carrot hawk, or was he a hawk hawk?" His ritual of speeding downward, opening his talons, and screaming is repeated several times throughout the story, each time revealing a more deflated predator. The digital cartoon art features close-ups on the characters' expressions; each illustration is devoid of background. The result is an intense focus on the choreography of the two characters as well as on the spoils of Hawk's repeated failed attempts. The structure of this character-driven story makes it easy for an audience to join in the storytelling and provides many opportunities for kids to audibly express their sympathy for Hawk. VERDICT Perfect for reading aloud, this is a great addition to picture book collections.-Matthew C. Winner, Ducketts Lane Elementary School, Elkridge, MD

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2016
Preschool-K Perched precariously on the end of a tapering branch, Hawk spies a tasty bunny below holding an orange vegetable. Speeding downward, talons open, he dives! Butswooshall he catches is a carrot! Dropping it into his nest, he resolves to try again. He swoops, screaming fiercely, but this time, Bunny holds up a cucumber. The bumpy green thing goes into his nest as well. Third try: lettuce?!! Frustrated, Hawk wonders if he is a hawk hawk or a . . . vegetable hawk? When Hawk tries to entice Bunny into his nest, Bunny outsmarts him once again. Conclusion: Hawk, zero; Bunny, salad! Barton's hilarious story is enhanced by Jack's cartooned digital artwork. A close-up of Hawk's descending talons and another of his eyes reflecting a terrified Bunny heighten the intensity of the drama. Colors are vibrant, emotions high, and the two active combatants have distinct personalities. A fun read-aloud for those who enjoyed a similar showdown in Barton's Shark vs. Train (2010).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)