Cat & Bunny

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 14, 2015

Review

Gentle, muted pencil and watercolor illustrations are the star of this picture book about friendship, jealousy and inclusion that tidily resolves the conflict between Cat and Bunny in its final pages. Using short, simple sentences paired with each drawing, children in an array of animal suits encroach on the best friendship of Cat and Bunny (also children wearing the costumes of, well, a cat and a bunny) - or at least Cat thinks they do. Having always only played together ("Just us!" said Cat), Cat is quite dismayed when one day others ask to join in the game. Bunny answers, "Yes, of course!" and eventually Cat runs away, feeling left out. Only when a real cat appears and the two start a new game does Cat receive the opportunity for magnanimity, allowing others to join in. When Bunny asks to play and Cat says yes, the story comes full circle. Clearly, there's a message here and though it doesn't feel overly didactic, there never seems any real question that Cat will come round. The whimsical element of all the children in their sweet costumes and the quiet, restrained, lovely illustrations will appeal to young children in the mood for a quiet one-on-one read.

Overall Book Score: good