Bunny's Lessons

A stuffed toy learns many of life’s lessons from his owner and constant companion, Charlie. When Charlie plays the tuba, Bunny learns about “loud.” When Charlie plays doctor, Bunny learns about “ouch.” Harriet Ziefert and Barroux charmingly tell the tale of an inseparable pair who learn about the daily delights (along with the bumps and bruises) of friendship and love.

"'He's Charlie. I'm his bunny,' explains the tentative speaker of this smart and sweet story that provides a very clear picture of common toddler emotions, experiences, and demands. Bunny, who wears a coral-orange shirt that matches Charlie's hair and has ears the shades of Neapolitan ice cream, learns everything he knows from his caretaker — for better and worse. 'When we play doctor, Charlie is the boss. I learn about OUCH!' Bunny learns about 'pretend' when Charlie plays the father and Bunny is the baby, and when Charlie's mother sends him to his room, Bunny learns the meaning of 'time-out' as Charlie finds authority where he can. And although Bunny learns how it feels to be alone or jealous when Charlie is less attentive, a warm hug teaches Bunny about love. Barroux's paintings pair bold colors with shadowy, matte tones and wobbly line drawings, as if to emphasize the gamut of Bunny and Charlie's moods. Bunny's perspective honestly conveys a relationship's give-and-take, while underscoring the feelings of vulnerability that can arise from being dependent upon a loving guardian's care. Ages 4 — 8. (Mar.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright PWxyz LLC)

Bunny, Charlie's favorite toy, learns about life from the boy who takes him everywhere. When Charlie plays the tuba, Bunny learns about LOUD; when they play doctor, Bunny learns about OUCH; when they eat dinner, Bunny learns about MESSY. Harriet Ziefert and Barroux charmingly tell the tale of the relationship between an inseparable and irresistible pair who learn about the delights (along with the bumps and bruises) of friendship and love.

Harriet Ziefert is the author of over 200 children's books. The mother of two and the grandmother of five, she lives in South Orange, New Jersey.

Barroux studied photography, art, sculpture, and architecture in France at the famous École Estienne and École Boule. He went on to work as an art director in Paris and Montreal. While in Montreal, Barroux began illustrating by creating linocut images, and he is now well known for his children's book illustrations.