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I Am A Bunny
Cuddle up with Nicholas the bunny in Richard Scarry's beloved classic.
I am a bunny. My name is Nicholas. I live in a hollow tree.
In the spring, Nicholas picks flowers and chases butterflies, and in the summer, watches the frogs in the pond. In the autumn, he sees the animals preparing for the winter. When winter comes, Nicholas watches the snow falling from the sky, then curls up in his hollow tree and dreams about spring. In print for well over 50 years, this beautifully illustrated, gentle story has been a favorite Golden Book for generations.
I am a bunny. My name is Nicholas. I live in a hollow tree.
In the spring, Nicholas picks flowers and chases butterflies, and in the summer, watches the frogs in the pond. In the autumn, he sees the animals preparing for the winter. When winter comes, Nicholas watches the snow falling from the sky, then curls up in his hollow tree and dreams about spring. In print for well over 50 years, this beautifully illustrated, gentle story has been a favorite Golden Book for generations.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1963
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2325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
April 14, 2008
A spiritual tale of a rabbit who goes by the name of Nicholas. No last name is given. In a way, he is Everybunny, making his way through the seasons of life as best he can. This is a classic "bunny v. environment" conflict, one which Nicholas survives through his wits. In one scene, he is threatened by rainfall, and just when you think it is going to be the end for him he decides to keep dry under a toadstool. A profound statement about the instinct to survive.
November 10, 2018
Oh I loved this book when I was little! I loved the illustrations so much! The bunny and his outfit and especially the mushrooms fascinated me! I need to see if I can find it! Oh nostalgia — take me home !
I remember one page or set of pages where there was rain! Beautiful and my favorite. 🐇
I remember one page or set of pages where there was rain! Beautiful and my favorite. 🐇
May 30, 2019
Now for the intended age group, for very young children, Ole Risom's 1963 I Am a Bunny might well and totally hit the proverbial sweet spot. However, as an older and of course therefore a much more critical reader and as someone who also never did encounter I Am a Bunny as a young child (and thus having no fondly nostalgic memories of Ole Risom's text and Richard Scarry's accompanying pictures either), I have to admit that albeit I do consider Nicholas Bunny Rabbit telling us all about his life and what he enjoys doing during the four seasons sweetly tenderly engaging (and that I indeed very much do enjoy and aesthetically admire Richard Scarry's illustrations and their visually magical celebration of spring, summer, autumn, winter and nature in general, even as I do wonder a bit how Nicholas would be able to fit under a fly agaric mushroom to shelter from the rain), I personally have to indeed question why since I am a Bunny clearly is a narrative celebrating nature and the natural world, why Nicholas is then still depicted by Richard Scarry as being clad like a human being and not like a truly natural rabbit just in his fur.
So yes, while I have indeed very much aesthetically enjoyed in particular Richard Scarry's pictorial renderings of nature in I am a Bunny (and that I do tend to find them so much more soothing and less aesthetically frenetic than his illustrative style for say Best Word Book Ever or What Do People Do All Day?) the fact remains that to and for me, I most definitely and strongly consider it somewhat unnatural that even with Richard Scarry's illustrative emphasis on nature, Nicholas Bunny Rabbit is still drawn as being clothed liked a human and indeed I furthermore also kind of consider Ole Risom's presented and featured text as just a bit too simple and unimaginative (and as such with not really enough detail and information and this even in a picture book geared to very young children)
So yes, while I have indeed very much aesthetically enjoyed in particular Richard Scarry's pictorial renderings of nature in I am a Bunny (and that I do tend to find them so much more soothing and less aesthetically frenetic than his illustrative style for say Best Word Book Ever or What Do People Do All Day?) the fact remains that to and for me, I most definitely and strongly consider it somewhat unnatural that even with Richard Scarry's illustrative emphasis on nature, Nicholas Bunny Rabbit is still drawn as being clothed liked a human and indeed I furthermore also kind of consider Ole Risom's presented and featured text as just a bit too simple and unimaginative (and as such with not really enough detail and information and this even in a picture book geared to very young children)
November 2, 2016
This is my grandson's favorite book; it's a really sweet story with colorful illustrations. He was dressed as Nicholas for Halloween this year--yellow shirt, red overalls, white bunny tail and a helmet with bunny ears. So cute! <3
November 19, 2007
Great alpha waves of contemplative calm emanate page by page from this exceptional book.
May 28, 2008
Ok, I lied. This isn't one of Kate's favorite books, it's my favorite book to read to Kate. She only likes it if I change the words so instead of "snow", I say "marshmallows" or something like that, and she can laugh and correct me. But then if I don't change the words, she gets mad and tells me "No, do it wrong!", but then it isn't really as fun, because how much of a surprise is it for me to read the words wrong when she just told me to.
Great illustrations too. And it's dang short.
Great illustrations too. And it's dang short.
November 2, 2016
One of my girls first favorite books and what she learned to read (memorize) first. That little girl has been teaching English for 15 years. Now it's for the grandchildren to discover
October 6, 2008
I am a Bunny
This book is perfect for babies and toddlers who are actively discovering the natural world around them. A cute bunny in red overalls named Nicholas narrates the story; he lives in a hollow tree and shows us how he enjoys observing the changing seasons and playing with plants and animals.
Although Richard Scarry painted the illustrations, they don’t have the cartoonish quality of his later books—they are brightly colored, but show subtle details such as the fall coloration on maple leaves, and different kinds of butterflies--ambitious parents could identify and teach their children the names of the different trees and birds that appear. The text is simple—about one sentence per page, but lends itself to further discussion, i.e. “I blow the dandelion seeds into the air”, or “I watch the animals getting ready for winter”.
I therefore disagree with Marilyn Courtot's review in Children's Literature, which says "there is nothing particularly exciting about this little romp through the seasons". Laura Tillotson's article in Book Links cites a school library media specialist who always gives this book as a gift and receives rave reviews. The review isn’t descriptive, but I agree with it.
Courtot, Marilyn, Children's Literature Reviews Database, retrieved 10/3/08
Tillotson, Laura. Board Book Love Affair, Book Links, Mar2005, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p4-4, 2/3p.
This book is perfect for babies and toddlers who are actively discovering the natural world around them. A cute bunny in red overalls named Nicholas narrates the story; he lives in a hollow tree and shows us how he enjoys observing the changing seasons and playing with plants and animals.
Although Richard Scarry painted the illustrations, they don’t have the cartoonish quality of his later books—they are brightly colored, but show subtle details such as the fall coloration on maple leaves, and different kinds of butterflies--ambitious parents could identify and teach their children the names of the different trees and birds that appear. The text is simple—about one sentence per page, but lends itself to further discussion, i.e. “I blow the dandelion seeds into the air”, or “I watch the animals getting ready for winter”.
I therefore disagree with Marilyn Courtot's review in Children's Literature, which says "there is nothing particularly exciting about this little romp through the seasons". Laura Tillotson's article in Book Links cites a school library media specialist who always gives this book as a gift and receives rave reviews. The review isn’t descriptive, but I agree with it.
Courtot, Marilyn, Children's Literature Reviews Database, retrieved 10/3/08
Tillotson, Laura. Board Book Love Affair, Book Links, Mar2005, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p4-4, 2/3p.
September 3, 2011
I still have a copy of this book from when I was a baby, and I have just started reading it with my one year old. The pictures are absolutely beautiful, and the story is simple and short enough that my baby can pay attention the whole way through, without being annoyingly simple or cutesy. It's just a really sweet book, one that I cannot recommend enough. While my baby's not quite at the talking stage yet, I think the pictures are really helpful in pointing out what the story is about - flowers, butterflies, birds, frogs, leaves, rain, and snow are all beautifully illustrated in vibrant colors that capture the baby's attention and (hopefully) are helping her learn too.
December 22, 2019
I Am A Bunny is one of my all-time faves. Beautifully and simply written by Ole Risom, and perfectly illustrated by Richard Scarry, this was one of the few children's books I never tired of reading aloud.
The charming Nicholas, (the bunny of the title), takes us gently, sweetly, thoughtfully, and happily through the four seasons of the year. We learn about the seasons, weather, colors, counting, animals, plants, and having fun outdoors. I learn, each time I read it, to take a deep breath, smile, relax, and give thanks...for all these things...but especially for the child on my lap.
That's a lot to learn from one little bunny.
The charming Nicholas, (the bunny of the title), takes us gently, sweetly, thoughtfully, and happily through the four seasons of the year. We learn about the seasons, weather, colors, counting, animals, plants, and having fun outdoors. I learn, each time I read it, to take a deep breath, smile, relax, and give thanks...for all these things...but especially for the child on my lap.
That's a lot to learn from one little bunny.
January 10, 2025
A little bunny tells us all his favorite things to do through the seasons. He likes to watch the birds in the spring. He watches insects and toads by the pond. He likes to watch the snow in the winter, and then curl up all cozy and warm in his little den.
I love the pretty illustrations in this book! Every page is so beautiful and sweet!
I love the pretty illustrations in this book! Every page is so beautiful and sweet!
March 17, 2023
cute ass illustrations, sweet story/ theme/ message. Love that it went through all the seasons and highlighted the value/ good parts of each. what can I say, this mf is a bunny.
October 31, 2025
نقاشیهاش خیلی ناز و گوگولی بودن🥹🥹
February 27, 2010
An almost mystical paean to the seasons, illustrated by Richard Scarry. A peaceful book that is still fraught with the raw power of nature.
Such a contrast to that fraud Eric Carle, whose anti-capitalist screed "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" drips with socialistic, vegetarian dogma in every sentence.
Such a contrast to that fraud Eric Carle, whose anti-capitalist screed "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" drips with socialistic, vegetarian dogma in every sentence.
July 24, 2015
An epic tale covering a whole year in of a naturalist rabbit's life. The rabbit has a very limited wardrobe.
February 7, 2023
Adorable run through of the seasons with Nicholas and his surroundings.
Mother Tongue notes: The illustrations are lovely and perfectly paired with the more challenging reading words. While most of the words are at the beginning reader’s level, each page introduces a challenge word that was often repeated at least 1 more time to help with retention. Quick enough that older students (1st grade) were interested in reading despite being geared toward younger listeners.
Mother Tongue notes: The illustrations are lovely and perfectly paired with the more challenging reading words. While most of the words are at the beginning reader’s level, each page introduces a challenge word that was often repeated at least 1 more time to help with retention. Quick enough that older students (1st grade) were interested in reading despite being geared toward younger listeners.
August 4, 2020
Mein Kinderbuch 😍
Großartig durch seine Zeichnungen und wahrscheinlich wurd mir das so oft vorgelesen, weil es so wenig Text hat 😂
Ist aber echt immer noch schön zum durchblättern und träumen.
Großartig durch seine Zeichnungen und wahrscheinlich wurd mir das so oft vorgelesen, weil es so wenig Text hat 😂
Ist aber echt immer noch schön zum durchblättern und träumen.
August 9, 2024
Nicholas sounds like a great bunny. I also like chasing butterflies and looking at flowers. He’s welcome at my house any time. Enjoy your winter slumbers.
November 9, 2012
This book is, quite literally, the FIRST book I ever read. It was read to me many, many times. I very clearly remember the day that I wanted my mother to read it to me, but she was doing something else at the time, so I sat in the doorway of my closet and opened it up, wanting to look at the pictures again, at least.
And suddenly.
I knew how the words went, because I could have recited it to you from memory.
But now the words on the page connected with the words in my head.
And I was off to the races for the rest of my life.
I still own the book.
I may never have a child of my own to read it to, but someday it will be passed along to someone who will love it as much as I did, and still do.
And suddenly.
I knew how the words went, because I could have recited it to you from memory.
But now the words on the page connected with the words in my head.
And I was off to the races for the rest of my life.
I still own the book.
I may never have a child of my own to read it to, but someday it will be passed along to someone who will love it as much as I did, and still do.
August 24, 2009
This my my book as a child. I found it in one of my old boxes just before my daughter was born. It was the first book she would let me read all the way through was she was a tiny baby. Now I would still have to say it is her favorite book at 18 months. When I am done reading it to her she always says "more". I don't even have to read it anymore because I have it memorized.
Sometimes when she gets fidgity when we are somewhere that she needs to behave I just recite it to her and it usualy calms her down!
Sometimes when she gets fidgity when we are somewhere that she needs to behave I just recite it to her and it usualy calms her down!
November 21, 2022
I think kids would like this book.
I didn't. I had high hopes for it, the art is old school, as it would be for something that was originally published in the 60s, and I usually like older art. But I kept getting confused by the scale. Sometimes the bunny was quite large and sometimes micro sized.
Big enough to blow dandelion fluff and yet small enough to hide under a mushroom....
I...have a hard time turning my brain off...
I didn't. I had high hopes for it, the art is old school, as it would be for something that was originally published in the 60s, and I usually like older art. But I kept getting confused by the scale. Sometimes the bunny was quite large and sometimes micro sized.
Big enough to blow dandelion fluff and yet small enough to hide under a mushroom....
I...have a hard time turning my brain off...
March 18, 2008
I remember enjoying this book when I was young, but I don't think my son enjoys it as much. It is a nice way to teach about the seasons.
September 17, 2009
Um... I guess it's OK. What I want to know is... why is this bunny the ONLY ANIMAL WEARING CLOTHES?
June 30, 2010
Better than the usual claptrap. Not very accurate in its depiction of bunny life though. Also books with animals dressed in people clothes kinda ick me out, but I need to get over it I suppose.
September 30, 2016
Bunnies = cute. Bunnies in overalls drawn by Richard Scarry = cute overload.
September 9, 2014
8* art
3* story
I would love to frame these illustrations and hang them in Squirt's room. The book is merely an excuse for Richard Scarry to revel in the seasons. The words hardly matter, and the author made them scarce. Does Squirt like this book as much as his Mom does? That's the question.
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3* story
I would love to frame these illustrations and hang them in Squirt's room. The book is merely an excuse for Richard Scarry to revel in the seasons. The words hardly matter, and the author made them scarce. Does Squirt like this book as much as his Mom does? That's the question.
December 26, 2019
This book is perfect. It was my first book, and it still gives me the strongest possible cozy feeling. The bunny is adorable, and the sweeping vista illustrations add so much to the experience of the book. The idea of a little toadstool being an umbrella for littler creatures was, and still is, the cutest thing I can fathom. It probably explains my love for mushrooms and my delve into fairy lore. I couldn't contain my feels and live-tweeted my reread here: https://twitter.com/hissingpotatoes/s....
May 11, 2019
Nothing pleases me more than my kids falling in love with the same books I obsessively read as a child.
I Am a Bunny is a thing of beauty. I am such a fan Richard Scarry's painted illustrations. I remember pouring over each page of this book when I was little, staring intently at the animals as they moved through the seasons. My 16m olds want to hear it over and over and love when I point out things such as the snow, frogs, leaves etc.
Truly, a beautiful book that stands the test of time.
I Am a Bunny is a thing of beauty. I am such a fan Richard Scarry's painted illustrations. I remember pouring over each page of this book when I was little, staring intently at the animals as they moved through the seasons. My 16m olds want to hear it over and over and love when I point out things such as the snow, frogs, leaves etc.
Truly, a beautiful book that stands the test of time.
April 20, 2024
A sweet cozy find from a friends of the library sale. My little and I just love the illustrations and the writing.. seeing the bunny in each season and then snuggled up at the end. A bedtime fave in our house.
October 1, 2017
The only book my 13-month old ever brings to me to read. The story about cute little bunny Nicholas going through the seasons is calming (pleasantly soporific if the time is right) and the illustration of Nicholas lying in the sun and watching the birds is very pretty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews