Just Like Rabbit

by Katy Hudson

It was spring. Rabbit’s season to shine. But this year, Frog was taking over. He had always wanted to be just like Rabbit. He already had the hops, and the rest he could learn with the help of his friends. But when disaster strikes, Frog must decide who he's really meant to be. With her stunning illustrations and relatable storytelling, best-selling author/illustrator Katy Hudson seamlessly weaves themes of friendship, self-acceptance, personal growth, and self-worth into this heartwarming picture book.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

Katy Hudson won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award Gold in 2014 for her illustrations in the book Animal Teachers. Her debut picture book, Bear and Duck, received strong reviews, including a starred review from Kirkus. Katy is the author of the best-selling picture books Too Many Carrots and A Loud Winter's Nap, which both received numerous positive reviews. Katy lives in London.

From Google Books.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalleyand the publishers.

Just Like Rabbit is an adorable and fun children's picture book all about accepting and loving yourself for who you are.
It's Spring and Frog sees Rabbit appear at last. Frog admires everything about Rabbit and wants to be just like them and enlists his friends to help him look, move, eat and hop like Rabbit. The friends try to tell Frog that he is amazing and unique just as he is by highlighting all he can do that Rabbit can't do and that they admire about him, but Frog won't listen. Frog starts to feel a funny feeling and isn't feeling as happy as he was before he started to try to be like Rabbit. Then an accident occurs, and Frog is needed with his special skills to save the day and learns that whilst he admires and wants to be just like others, they infact want to be just like him.
The story is so beautifully written for children to get the meaning from it and has very fun and adorable illustrations, sure to make all children laugh at every read.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Point Five Stars
What a lovely tale of Frog during the spring season. Frog suddenly decides that he wants to be like Rabbit. His friends are shocked at first, (specially enjoyed Raccoon’s comments throughout) but then they all help Frog.
In the end, while carrying the egg, something unexpected happens and Frog is able to realize the truth.
Beautiful story about accepting oneself for what one is. The illustrations were beautiful and I loved the graph sheet comparing the rabbit and the frog jump. Lovely read for both adults and kids.
Thank you for the eARC Netgalley.
Review also found at:
https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

The message in this children's book is something that many pret-teens, teens, and adults could benefit from, even more than preschoolers, I think. Not to say that it isn't a good message to teach in preschool, obviously, just that I was thinking how many people could use this reminder. It's okay to pretend to be someone else, but you are best at being you. Don't try being anyone but yourself.

Definitely would recommend this. Not just to preschool kids, either. Think this might make a good book for counselors to use while working with kids dealing with kids with anxiety and/or self-esteem issues.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story! It's about a frog who wanted to be a rabbit. Frog's friends said frog was better as itself but because they supported frog, they tried to help frog to be a rabbit.

This book represented the messages of loving yourself in refreshing storyline. The tight friendship between characters was also heartwarming to read. My son could easily grasp those moral values. The lighthearted yet meaningful story was so perfect for the little ones.

My son especially loved the illustrations. They were so colorful and full of details. Each animal character represented themselves really good and made sense for the story. This book is currently on top of my son reread shelf.

Thank you to Katy Hudson, Capstone, Capstone Editions, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was too cute! I loved that it teaches kids about self acceptance and self worth. When I was a kid I always wanted to be someone else so I think this message is more important than we realize. It also shows examples of true friendship. The illustrations were adorable and very necessary for the story. I can definitely see this being in school libraries and teachers rooms. 5 stars ⭐️

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You for the ARC. The message in this story was phenomenal and so important to teach children. Just be yourself. I love how this story and lesson was presented and will be reading this again to my son once he gets older as it’s such an important message for kids. The pictures were also wonderful.

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Capstone and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

This was really funny, Frog wants to be just like Rabbit so he recruits all their friends to help figure out how to do that. From costume, to food, to sleep and hopping. Frog tried to figure out exactly how to be like rabbit but it’s not the easiest challenge he set for himself.

I really enjoyed reading this it was really whimsical and very creative. I loved looking at all the illustrations throughout the pages, seeing frog transitioning as best he could be like rabbit. I enjoyed how he struggled with each element constantly, but still tried anyway. I also loved that he realised he was good as a frog.

This is certainly going to be a story children are going to love reading, it’s incredible, it’s fun, very funny, so clever, has so many illustrations to look at on each page. It’s also a standalone from a series all about the same animal characters, which means children can continue going on fun adventures with them.

[Little Batties · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Like Rabbit is a sweet story about acceptance and trying to be something you are not. It centers around a frog that wants noting more than to be like his friend, Rabbit. He convinces all of his other forest friends to help him become like Rabbit, from looking like him and hoping like him.

It is a story that I can see little ones enjoying, but it is also one that I can see them resonating with to some extent. This story holds an important message, and it is one that could be discussed, in depth, in any classroom. I would recommend this story to anyone that has and works with littles. It's the a good mix of silly and sweet, making it a decent read.

Thank you NetGalley and Capstone for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbit teaches such a lovely lesson here—no one can do your special things quite the way you can. And if you hide those parts of yourself, who’s going to do all those wonderful things the world needs? I also liked that the story gently reminds kids that even when you don’t feel very impressive, the people around you see how amazing you are.

The illustrations are colorful and soft, almost like watercolor pages you could hang on a wall. And Frog? Holy moly—those eyes! He’s absolutely adorable, both in his natural froggy form and in his costume. Totally giggle-worthy.

This is a fun book with a sweet message about being proud of yourself. I think all sorts of children would enjoy reading it—especially those who need that little reminder that being yourself is kind of your superpower.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Just Like Rabbit" follows a frog who would do anything to be more like Rabbit, even if it means giving up who he really is. But, when help is needed, Frog remembers his true strengths and lends a helping hand.
This is a wonderfully illustrated children's book about loving yourself and accepting your own unique strengths. I would recommend for children 3.5 to 4+ because there are some pages at the end that require a small bit of inferring based on the illustrations. That being said, it was well written and included concepts that we all can use reminders about sometimes.

Thank you, Capstone /Capstone Editions for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful book!

Frog just wants to be like Rabbit and asks his friends to help him accomplish that. When Rabbit ends up really needed Frog [as Frog, not as Rabbit], will be be able to be there for his friend?

A fantastic look at what it's like to want to be someone else, and how lovely it is to learn to love yourself just as you are.

You can never [in my very humble opinion] go wrong with a Katy Hudson book and I highly recommend this one; you AND your littles will love this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katy Hudson, and Capstone/Capstone Editions for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rina Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC review this book.

Just Like Rabbit is a children's picture book depicting a the main character's, Frog's, admiration for the skills, talents, appearance and abilities of another animal within the forest that he lives- to the point of wanting to become him. Through adorable and tonally suitable illustrations and storytelling, the audience is taught through a delightfully humorous lens the value of simply being oneself. This is a book that I would absolutely recommend to parents and teachers alike.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I am evaluating the quality of children’s book, I am looking at how the artwork matches up with the written word or the story. I thought the artwork was whimsical and matched the story and the story was good as well. It taught a moral message without being over the top. I think this book opens up possibility for parents to talk about the universal message implied in the book to think about how one’s identity is not contingent on being like everyone else.
Thanks to NetGalley for this book.

[Casey Densmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations absolutely drew me to this book. Then I noticed the author was Katy Hudson, and I had to read it. I have quickly became a fan of her books and this one did not disappoint! I love how the characters are the same as some of her other books, like the "The Big Snowdown." Both books are great and have a wonderful message.
The illustrations are everything. I enjoyed the detailed, silly scenes. The colors are very inviting and make this book very memorable for me. I will be adding this book to my classroom library!
This was such a wonderful story about self acceptance and friendship. It would also be a great story to read around springtime or Easter, as one of the characters is a bunny delivering eggs. I enjoyed how his friends helped him out even if they thought Frog didn't need to be more like Rabbit. It made my heart happy when he jumped into the water with his rabbit costume and it fell off as he came back to the surface. Those small details make this book amazing to me. I would highly recommend it to anyone with children!

Thank you Katy Hudson and Capstone for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I love Katy Hudson picture books and this one is another hit! Frog sees spring and all that Rabbit has to do and wants to be just like Rabbit but ultimately even with the help of friends he fails. Luckily Frog has skills Rabbit doesn't have and can help Rabbit out in a crisis. A good book for any kid who ever tried to be something else.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for this eARC in exchange for my review.
My son and I really enjoyed this! We were thrilled about receiving this, as my son adores Too Many Carrots by this author.
The enchanting, whimsical illustrations throughout were a delight and the uplifting message of self-acceptance and the importance of friendship was truly heartwarming, rendering it a memorable read. This will undoubtedly be a new favourite for my son.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. In this book frog wants to be just like rabbit. Frog asks their friends to give a hand. They try ears and small hops and even an egg. But there’ll come a time when rabbit really needs a frog and frog will learn that they are perfect the way they are. This story is well written and full of heart in the illustrations put it completely over the top. I love the books in this little forest and I hope the author continues.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

We enjoyed this heartwarming tale of remembering that you are awesome and we don't have to be someone else! This story was a nice reminder for us all to celebrate what makes us unique. The author painted a beautiful picture of friendship, self-acceptance and personal growth. My son appreciated that the frog's friends were willing to help and support him. Thank you for the ARC!

[Tristann Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with super cute illustrations. The story shows the value of being yourself and how your talents and individually are unique and needed by others. The story also shows how friends can be supportive of each other and help others try new and different things. I'm looking forward to reviewing the book again and taking more time to explore all the details of the illustrations.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Like Rabbit is a wonderful story about learning to like what is unique about yourself. It’s easy to get envious of others but, little do you know, they may be envious of you too.

The illustrations are gorgeous and so cleverly humorous.

I will be buying this book either for my children or for gift to my classroom,

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jessica H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book was so adorable! I love the illustrations and the story.

What a great message! We all have people in our lives we want to be like, but at the end of the day, we can only be ourselves.

**I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.**

[Christina Hiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute story about being yourself no matter what. Also teaches kids about supportive friendships. The illustrations in this book were absolutely stunning! I wanted to look at them longer but my daughter wanted to know what happened next! She was very excited for this frog.

[Kimberly Tierney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
An adorable reminder, or maybe first lesson, to young readers that who you are is the most essential thing because everyone is meant to be different.

[Dark Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an adorable childrens book with a great message. The illustrations are unique and very well done, and the message of loving yourself as you are is a great one for kids of all ages. My 6-year-olds loved it.

[Marlyn Bursey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Will definitely recommend it. What a powerful message of the importance of self-acceptance. The illustrations were cute. I kept flipping the pages to see how it would end.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute story about accepting yourself and not comparing yourself to others. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses!

This would be a fun Storytime book :)

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frog wants to be just like Rabbit, until he realizes he's awesome just as he is, as a frog.

Themes: rabbits/animals
Ages: K-2nd grade (shorten as needed)
Pub year: 2026