The Little Rabbit

by Judy Dunn

Full-color photographs. "The warm, cuddly world of a real rabbit family is introduced to young readers in enchanting photographs."-- Children's Books of the Year, Child Study Assn.  

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Rabbits, Fiction, Pre K, Storytime

32 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1980

About the author

Judy Dunn is the author of many books for young children. Some of her most popular titles are projects she worked on with her mother, acclaimed photographer Phoebe Dunn. Those works include The Little Rabbit, The Little Duck, The Little Puppy, The Little Kitten, and many more.

Reviews

[Jake Forbes · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Little Rabbit is a story of irresponsible pet-keeping hidden behind heart-melting photos as adorable as any internet meme.Do not let the cuteness sucker you in! For one thing, pet rabbits should NOT be allowed to wander in meadows (however idyllic) without leash or pen, especially if the pet-keeper is prone to napping. More troubling is how the human girl, Sarah, handles the titular Little Rabbit's *spoiler!* litter of babies, handing them out willy-nilly to every kid in the neighborhood. Keeping a rabbit is a serious commitment of up to a dozen years; distributing baby rabbits as a way to endear yourself to your peers isn't just tacky -- it's an act of cruelty. Shame on you, Sarah. And shame on your parents.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This oldie-but-goodie has been around since I was a little bitty kiddo! I had this in my childhood library and am so pleased to see it re-published and re-issued as a beginning-to-read book for a new generation. Phoebe Dunn's photography stands the test of time, and though it is dated now, those nostalgic for the original will appreciate the newly-packaged reprint.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

All two of my stars are for the photograph of Buttercup the rabbit sniffing a butterfly. Otherwise, the plot and characterization are deplorable.

Buy this title from Powell's Books.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood favorite that is still adorable, especially the photos of the sweet bunny.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so nostalgic for me. I used to carry this book around with me wherever I went when I was a little girl. It is about this girl, Sarah, and her rabbit, Buttercup. Buttercup eventually has 7 baby bunnies which Sarah then names after the different days of the week. How cute! I remember I used to love this book so much because I always wanted a bunny of my own. This is such a coincidence because I am actually going to place a down payment on a bunny tomorrow! I am beyond excited but also a little bit nervous!

One thing that caught my eye as a little girl when reading this book was the pictures. The pictures in this book are not hand-drawn, but instead actually photographs. Honestly, even now, I don't think I have read any other book that is fully based on photographs; it's very interesting and different. I do have to say I am sad that this is not a nonfiction story. After all these years, I thought it was. For some reason, when I found out, I was a little bit heartbroken! But that's okay! I still think it's a great book.

[NadineMichele Christman-Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with my 7yo daughter, from the Rainbow Resource Literature package for before Five in a Row.
We did not use the lessons for this book, as she is clearly too old for it, but we are reading through all of the books before passing them on to our friends.
Edit: Our version is a Step into Reading Step 1 Ready to Read book.
I generally avoid these type of leveled early readers because they focus much more on decodability than on a quality story. This is an exception. By no means complex, but the story and photography are cute.
There is a little issue at the end with a rabbit living in isolation giving birth to baby bunnies. No explanation is given or even hinted at. This would IMO be a great opportunity to talk about the necessities of reproduction, if parents choose to bring that into it.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple early reader for young children. We enjoyed the colour photographs.

Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copyright 1980. This is a Random House book. Photographs instead of illustrations.

Very wordy, might not hold a younger child's interest. This tells the story of a rabbit named Buttercup from a baby to all grown up & a mother. Kind of dull, but means well.

[Kelly]

Girls couldn't get over the names of the bunnies (days of the week). And kept exclaiming, "How can she tell them apart?" We're big fans of this series. I like that it shows kids being capable caretakers. The photography is lovely, too.

[Kalley the Chipmunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book because I love rabbits and it reminds me of Blackie.

[Rikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

My oldest doesn't care for it, and it's not my favorite. My toddler likes it though.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with Lucy

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read to Sam.

[Lacy | literary_lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. It follows a real rabbit around for the day. I think we would have enjoyed it more, if the rabbit were a cartoon, maybe.

[Shayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a little rabbit and her owner. It talks about how they grow up together.
I like this book because instead of illustrations, there are photographs. So that makes this story more like a scrapbook. You feel close to the characters because you see them as you would in real life. The story is cute as well.
I would use this book so that my children could see the differences between illustrated picture books, and photographed picture books. They could relate to this book and the story that it tells.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this to my rabbit. loved this story!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for picture books with good photographs!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Buttercup, a little rabbit.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes:
real animals and kids in gorgeous photos
perfect for preschool age 3-4
love all these Dunn books

[Sarah]

Loved this book as a little girl.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really touching little book about rabbits. Great photographs by Phoebe Dunn. Read this one in French "Le petit lapin"

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a realistic story of a girl and a bunny. This can tell the reader a lot about rabbits.

[Ashley]

a good book but whars the summary??!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as a kid! So glad to see it republished.

[Hillvan]

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[Little Champs]

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