Buns Gone Bad

by Anna Humphrey, Irma Kniivila (illustrator)

For fans of The Bad Guys series, this is the origin story of the terrifying group known as The three bad-bunny kingpins. A brand-new graphic novel chapter book series for ages 6 to 9.

This story starts, as stories often do, with a tragedy.

Three bunnies are left without their mother when she goes off to Brazil to learn jiujitsu.

The bunnies, Flop, Biggie and Boingie, learn some hard truths about life pretty squirrels will take over your cozy nest as soon as you leave and refuse to give it back, dogs are to be avoided at all costs and raccoons will believe anything you tell them.

With quick thinking, ingenuity and maybe a little bit of raccoon manipulation, these three buns will take on all comers to be the rulers of the park. Will they win?

Well, this IS an origin story . . .

Genres: Graphic Novels, Animals, Middle Grade, Childrens, Juvenile, Fiction, Humor

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Anna Humphrey is the author of Rhymes with Cupid (HarperTeen, 2010), Mission (Un)Popular (Disney/Hyperion Books for Children, 2011), Ruby Goldberg's Bright Idea (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2014) and Clara Humble & the Not-So-Super Powers (OwlKids Books, 2016)—all books for young readers. She lives in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband and kids.

Reviews

[Tristann Graves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, these bunnies certainly went bad. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't this. I thought the bunnies would get in to mischief and play some pranks, I didn't expect the destruction, the deceit, or the bullying from all the animals. The graphics were great and showed the story well but the story itself was very mean. There's bad and there's destructive. Hopefully the bunnies and the other animals grow out of this truly mean behavior and learn some good life lessons.

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

If you've ever read the Bad Guys books and said to yourself, "There's way too much story here. I wish less happened and the story didn't go anywhere," then I've got the book for you.

[OopsieMommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy read and fun for kiddos. Recommended for cool parents to read to their kindergarten kids or 1st graders.

[Mrs. Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute 🥹

[Corinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think a middle schooler would like this, but I wanted more badness and less fluffle.

[Raven Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe kids will find things amusing, but I do not find rabbits manipulating (dumb stereotype) raccoons to plug up the playground toilets funny. I also do not find a light bug being a stereotype "city rude old man" and also, not that bright, funny. The bunnies had potential with their less than "all there" mentality, but to become less nice Penguins of Madagascar was not my thing. I understand that it is aimed for the six and up crowd, but it was too short and all set up and no pop.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the title of this book and had hoped this would be a really good read. I love rabbits and thought that a graphic novel with rabbits could be really good. I was a little disappointed with it. It reminded me of a knock off version of The Bad Guys only with bunnies. It was a quick read. I'm not sure if I will read any other books that come out in this series.

[BooksThrillJessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abandoned by their mother, bunnies Flop, Biggie, Boingy must now fend for themselves in a public park. They soon find that the big world is a scary place for little bunnies. The park is filled with other animals and people who make life a little rough for the fluffy bunnies. When Flop finds a letter that their mother left behind it entices them to change their ways. Thinking smarter not harder all while eliciting help from some other park dwellers.
Overall rating 4 / 5
I read this book with my 6 & 9 year-olds and they thoroughly enjoyed the quirky humor and story line. I loved how the animal names seemed spot on and funny puns. The illustrations were charming and gave the animals so much character, our favorite was the details on the “time machine”. I would love to see the pictures in color just to have more depth and connection with children. Both of my kids stated that they would definitely read a second one if ever made.

*Thank you to Anna Humphrey and Irma, Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada l Tundra Books for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buns Gone Bad is an Fluffle Bunnies origin story, about how Flop, Biggie, and Boingie learn about some hard truths in life pretty quick when their mother leaves to learn jiujitsu. 

First, they leave their nest on search of food, only to not find any, having their net over taken by squirrels and being chased by dogs. With some quick thinking and a little bit of raccoon manipulation will they be able to over come their hardships, and become rulers of the park? 

The book was a cute origin story in how the Fluffle Bunnies became tuff bunnies & taking the power into their own paws- changing their bad luck into a plan on overcoming everything that was thrown their way. 

Here is what my 9 year old had to say: 

"I liked it, it was funny, and silly. Easy to understand, and I liked the illustrations." 

Perfect for fans of the Bad Guys and ages between 6 through 8, this book is an easy read with plenty of illustrations throughout.  4⭐ out of 5 ⭐. 

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluffle Bunnies: Buns Gone Bad tells the humorous story of three bunnies who, after being abandoned by their mother, need to figure out how to reclaim their home and hole from fellow critter bullies.

The narration from the grizzled neighborhood lightning bug makes this a fun, lighthearted read. And though parents might not want to cheer for the bunnies' diabolical scheme, those of us who attempt spring and summer gardens know that these critters are anything but cute and innocent, as the raccoons will soon find out. The illustrations are adorable (and would be even more standout in color) and the story is simple and easy to follow. It's recommended for children ages 6-9, and would also be a great starting point for reluctant readers.

Thanks to Tundra books for the gifted copy through LibraryThing!

[mad mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free book for review through Library Thing's Early Reviewers program.)

Siblings Biggie, Boingy, and Flop have to learn to fend for themselves when their mom runs off to Brazil to learn jiujitsu (after they are weaned, of course, she's not a monster). But the real world isn't easy to navigate: as soon at the trio leaves their warren, it's taken over by a pair of chipmunks. And when they find a bit of food in the garbage bins, they're forced to compete with trash pandas (aka raccoons). Luckily, Flop is a bit of an evil genius, and - aided by clues left by their equally Machiavellian mother - the "Fluffle Bunnies" soon trick the entire park into bending to their will. Up next: the entire town!

BUNS GONE BAD is a cute graphic novel for younger readers, ages 6 to 8. While I sometimes enjoy children's books, I think the appeal here is limited to the target demo. The art is cute and the storytelling okay, though the bathroom and garbage scenes were pretty gross. It didn't leave much of an impression on this adult reader, though animal-loving kids might enjoy it.

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flop, Biggie, and Boingie, three wee bunnies, are left to fend for themselves when mom leaves to become a jiujitsu master. The real world outside their hole is terrifying—encountering dogs, squirrels, and raccoons. As the bunnies learn more about their surroundings, they learn they can put their wits to become kings of the park! Will the raccoons fall for their tricks? VERDICT: Fans of the bad guys will enjoy a similar style of illustrations and humor. Although the original plot with their mother is left behind, the bunnies wish to rule the park is quite a random turn of events. A silly but fun story.

[Mary Smrek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buns gone bad is a rather silly tale of three young bunnies that once abandoned by their mother decide to take on the world. While the first attempt did not go well, the manipulation of the raccoons changes everything. I know this book is intended for a young audience and so its humor is rather repetitive. I also see that it is geared to be a series. The scenes are well depicted and the bunnies are great. I think it will have a good appeal for those interested in graphic novels that are silly.

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids will love this fun story of a group of bunnies whose mother leaves them alone in the park. Yet just because they are alone doesn't mean that they can't fend for themselves. When animals start to encroach on the bunnies homes they take it into their own hands to defend their den. Through some quick thinking and very cunning means the bunnies are able to create a safe home for themselves.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Children, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was a decently cute graphic novel. I can definitely see the similarity to The Bad Guys: Episode 1 series.

It's not my favorite but I do think that students will like it. That being said, I'm not rushing to purchase it.

I did think that seeing how the bunnies spun the wishes that the racoons made was pretty funny.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biggie, Boingy, and Flop's mother have left them to figure out life on their own but things are going as planned as Bark Beasts (dogs) are mean and nasty, Sky Snacks (bees) taste sharp and spicy, and toilets do not make good swimming pools but they decide to become bad bunnies to take back the park with the help of two raccoons that they believe is rightfully theirs. Fans of the Bad Guys graphic novels will find these young rabbits sassy and amuzing. Though the monocrome cartoonish illustrations maybe enticing to younger readers but the humor is aimed at older 3rd-5th grade readers.

[Elizabeth Tysdal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title cracked me up Fuffle Bunnies Buns Gone Bad 🤣 A really good intro into graphic novels for young children (and their G’Mas 😂). A pack of wild bunnies is a Fuffle and this fuffle is made up of a Mom and three littles. It seems Bunny Moms don’t hang around long after weening and this Mom was off to Brazil to learn jujitsu. The story is about how the Buns learn to survive and take over the park. ❤️🤣

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Mama leaves her bunnies to explore a career as a jiujitsu master, Biggie, Boingy, and Flop are left on their own. As they go explore the park around them and realize how scary it is, some chipmunks steal their nest. They are forced to take refuge in a public bathroom. How can they get their nest back? By going bad! It's pretty clever how the bunnies grant the raccoons three wishes while still getting what they want. Definitely a Bad Guys readalike.

[J E R S O N · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's was a great idea, I was even very interested in the tone of the plot and the characters although I felt it was kind of rushed. I thought it was a short story, and only in my opinion it can keep getting better. What I did have a good time for this first part 😅. I hope that franchise improve showing all their potential next book

[Cynthia T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC. I know my students will enjoy this book very much. The loveable rabbits are so cute but so mischievous. They need to survive now that their mom has left them on their own. Finding a safe place is number one priority, but some chipmunks and raccoons have other ideas. My students will enjoy this book very much.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

An attempt at quirky. The moth wearing a hat who narrates the story thinks the buns are the most evilest thing ever. We get introduced to the tough lives of three rabbit siblings trying to fend for themselves until one finally decides to trick a pair of raccoons into helping them. The logic of the story doesn't really hold up. The black and white artwork is okay.

[Roben · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of cute, fluffy bunnies who plot to take over the park. And then the city. And then... who knows? Narrated by a moth and including guest appearances by raccoons and chipmunks. Our young bunnies, heading out on their own for the first time, learn that sky snacks and bark beasts are NOT good things.

Cute. If they like DogMan, give this one a go.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of bunnies is called a fluffle. This fluffle has three. When chipmunks take over their nest the bunnies try to find a new home where they can feel safe. They try many places but can' seem to find the right fit. They get chased by dogs, raccoons and people. Will they find a safe home? They have a plan to trick raccoons into helping them.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a somewhat very wild read about fluffy bunnies, but nothing is as what it seems to be at first, and it goes dark and crazy real fast. It was bad, but in a good way. It was a wild ride. One of the weirdest (yet good) wild bookish rides lately!

[Dippit! with E.S.Jennette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a cute one about these bunnies who live on the street who are trying to find food to eat when they make friends with a raccoon who teaches them about trash cans in order to make sure that they can keep eating.

[Readersaurus · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover drew me right in but the story was meh. Parental abandonment, bullying, destructive behaviors, a big nothing of an ending. Kids who aren’t turned off by all the meanness might still like it, though.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three bunny siblings must make their way in the wild city park area, fending off chipmunk squatters and competing for resources with area raccoons. These buns come up with a clever plan, but will it work? The whole thing is silly and fun.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom is gone and the bunnies have to learn to fend for themselves. They trick some dimwitted racoons. I enjoyed the bug narrator character.
Yes, there is bathroom humor, literally. But I think young kids K-2 are going to get a kick out of this new series.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I read a digital advanced copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
Three fluffy bunnies live in the park and are eventually abandoned by their mother when they are weaned. Three fluffy bunnies soon become the evil overlords of the park by using their bunny brains and learning from their experiences. Funny.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Gross in a couple places, and the bunnies can be seen as clever or manipulative depending on your take. Nice illustrations in this silly little bit of fluff.