Be Brave, Baby Rabbit

by Lucy Bate, Fran Manushkin, Diane deGroat (Illustrations)

While playing follow-the-leader with his big sister, Baby Rabbit can't manage to jump over a bushel basket; but, after he stands up a to a Halloween monster, he has the confidence to make the leap.

Genres: Halloween, Childrens, Picture Books, Holiday

32 pages, Unbound

First published August 29, 1990

About the author

Born in DC, moved to Baltimore, then NYC as a young child. Got a BA in English at Brandeis, then moved back to NYC to work in editing. Got married and moved to Boston, where she lived until her death. She has two daughters, Gabrielle (Gabby) and Rebecca.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whereas Manushkin's earlier Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth was very clearly about a specific "issue" -- concerns and questions children might have about losing their baby teeth -- this one seemed a bit unfocused. The story is set at, but not really about, Halloween. Very present and authentically voiced are some of the tensions that arise between older and younger siblings. But the story doesn't really offer anything for children or parents in terms of how to discuss or resolve such problems, or delve into underlying fears.

[Sonam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great when working with characters + asking question & making connections. It a great book to read aloud for Halloween.

[Carley Moisio]

This book is about a rabbit who is scared in the beginning of the story and becomes brave by the end of the story when they are trick or treating.
If I were to use this in my classroom, I would read it around Halloween and discuss stereotypes and how we need to be careful choosing our costumes.