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Marshmallow
Oliver is a tabby cat who is always the center of attention.
Marshmallow is a baby rabbit who moves into Oliver's home.
At first Oliver does not welcome Marshmallow, but the little bunny's charms are impossible to resist. This is the true story of how Oliver and Marshmallow become friends.
Clare Turlay Newberry's lifelong passions for cats and for drawing come together in this elegantly illustrated book, winner of the 1943 Caldecott Honor. Her legacy as an author of more than fifteen picture books, most of which feature cats, still endures.
Marshmallow is a baby rabbit who moves into Oliver's home.
At first Oliver does not welcome Marshmallow, but the little bunny's charms are impossible to resist. This is the true story of how Oliver and Marshmallow become friends.
Clare Turlay Newberry's lifelong passions for cats and for drawing come together in this elegantly illustrated book, winner of the 1943 Caldecott Honor. Her legacy as an author of more than fifteen picture books, most of which feature cats, still endures.
28 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1942
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
January 21, 2021
A sweet story that tugged at my heartstrings! Newberry has beautifully transcribed both Oliver's and Marshmallow's feelings of trepidation, and then later acceptance, into a short yet heartwarming story of love and affection.
May 11, 2018
Sweet story about a bunny and a cat. Charcoal drawings were popular in this time of the WWII 40s which must have had to do with resources. They are skillful and beautiful drawings. A cat owner has a happy cat Oliver until she brings home a baby white bunny. She realizes she has to keep them separated. By the end of the book they are bosom buddies.
The kids enjoyed this. They weren't too warm or too cold with it. They finished this and went on to the next story for the night.
The kids enjoyed this. They weren't too warm or too cold with it. They finished this and went on to the next story for the night.
June 18, 2019
The illustrations are exquisite and super cute. Who could resist a such a beautifully observed drawing of a cat cuddling a rabbit, the rabbits expression is wonderful, it manages to say that I know this is meant kindly but instinct tells me I would rather like this to stop! The illustrations are amazing but I felt there wasn't much of a storyline. Worth looking at if only for the illustrations.
Read on openlibrary
Read on openlibrary
September 17, 2014
And they lived happily ever after with lots of snuggling the end.
February 2, 2013
This was my favorite book when I was 3-4 years old. My mother would take me to the local library once a week and ask me to choose a book. Week after week I took home Marshmallow. Finally my mother said I needed to choose something else. I was sad. Nothing was as good as Marshmallow. But the next week she let me take it home again! So naturally, this was the first book I bought for my own children.
Marshmallow is the story of a baby bunny introduced into a home that already has a full grown cat. Newberry is amazing at accurately describing the animals in all her stories and this book is certainly no exception! (If you've ever loved a cat, I recommend all her books that feature cats!)
Its a longer story book and some of the wording is a bit old fashioned, but that adds immensely to its charm. That being said, however, it might not be well suited for a very young child or infant who's attention span can't handle several minutes of uninterrupted reading. Otherwise, I highly recommend it!
Marshmallow is the story of a baby bunny introduced into a home that already has a full grown cat. Newberry is amazing at accurately describing the animals in all her stories and this book is certainly no exception! (If you've ever loved a cat, I recommend all her books that feature cats!)
Its a longer story book and some of the wording is a bit old fashioned, but that adds immensely to its charm. That being said, however, it might not be well suited for a very young child or infant who's attention span can't handle several minutes of uninterrupted reading. Otherwise, I highly recommend it!
August 26, 2016
A cat and a bunny become friends. AND THEN THEY CUDDLE.
April 19, 2022
A true story of a relationship between the quiet and peaceful Oliver the gray tabby and the frisky and inquisitive Marshmallow the bunny. This Winner of the 1943 Caldecott Honor fondly shows that every home is incomplete without a bunny and every cat deserves a companion. Hippety-hop!
March 24, 2022
This could've ended very differently.
I hadn't even heard of this book, even though it was first published in 1942. It's a simple classic, though somewhat heavy on the text by today's standards.
Oliver the cat is content... until Miss Tilly brings a baby bunny named Marshmallow into the household. At first, the cat is afraid. But then his instincts start kicking in... and, for a moment, I was a little worried that this story was going to take a dark turn. Don't worry, though! This true story is safe for readers of all ages.
The illustrations are simple but effective, done in black and white with a few touches of peach. And the text perfectly captures the behaviour of both animals.
Overall, this is a cute classic that deserves a new generation of readers.
I hadn't even heard of this book, even though it was first published in 1942. It's a simple classic, though somewhat heavy on the text by today's standards.
Oliver the cat is content... until Miss Tilly brings a baby bunny named Marshmallow into the household. At first, the cat is afraid. But then his instincts start kicking in... and, for a moment, I was a little worried that this story was going to take a dark turn. Don't worry, though! This true story is safe for readers of all ages.
The illustrations are simple but effective, done in black and white with a few touches of peach. And the text perfectly captures the behaviour of both animals.
Overall, this is a cute classic that deserves a new generation of readers.
January 28, 2021
Part of my collection of rabbit-themed books when I was in elementary school included this book, Marshmallow. I liked this story so much when I was younger that I purchased my own copy as an adult just to keep in my current collection; I previously only ever read the book from my school library, so it's nice to have my own copy now. There is a lot to like about this children's book, and it is definitely worthy of the Caldecott Honor it so prominently boasts on its cover.
In a household lives a cat named Oliver. He has become accustomed to being the only pet in the house and likes it that way. One day, however, a new pet comes along – a bunny named Marshmallow. At first, Oliver is fearful of this newcomer and is hesitant to make any contact with him. As these children stories so often go, they eventually meet and get along swimmingly, becoming inseparable friends. Marshmallow and Oliver demonstrate that anyone can be friends with one another, teaching kids a valuable lesson about how appearances do not matter in a meaningful friendship.
In addition to teaching a commendable life lesson, Marshmallow's art style offers a very pleasant and relaxing set of visuals for children and adults. The gentle watercolors and relaxing simplicity illustrate nicely the tone of the book's warm message. I remember always being enamored by the illustrations in the book, which added to my love of checking it out from the school library.
Marshmallow is a book I can actually relate to on a strangely literal level. Not that I was ever a rabbit or a cat that befriended a member of the other species...but I did have several pet cats and rabbits as a kid. One of my rabbits (named Bun Bun) and cats (named Midnight) were able to coexist peacefully and actually got along exactly like Marshmallow and Oliver. They would hang out together and never fight, which I always found endearing and entertaining. Having seen a live-action rendition of Marshmallow play out in my living room as a child makes me appreciate this book even more!
This is definitely a book that kids will love if they have an interest in animals or need to be taught that people don't always have to look the same to be best friends. Truly one of the best children's books about animals out there and should not be passed up.
In a household lives a cat named Oliver. He has become accustomed to being the only pet in the house and likes it that way. One day, however, a new pet comes along – a bunny named Marshmallow. At first, Oliver is fearful of this newcomer and is hesitant to make any contact with him. As these children stories so often go, they eventually meet and get along swimmingly, becoming inseparable friends. Marshmallow and Oliver demonstrate that anyone can be friends with one another, teaching kids a valuable lesson about how appearances do not matter in a meaningful friendship.
In addition to teaching a commendable life lesson, Marshmallow's art style offers a very pleasant and relaxing set of visuals for children and adults. The gentle watercolors and relaxing simplicity illustrate nicely the tone of the book's warm message. I remember always being enamored by the illustrations in the book, which added to my love of checking it out from the school library.
Marshmallow is a book I can actually relate to on a strangely literal level. Not that I was ever a rabbit or a cat that befriended a member of the other species...but I did have several pet cats and rabbits as a kid. One of my rabbits (named Bun Bun) and cats (named Midnight) were able to coexist peacefully and actually got along exactly like Marshmallow and Oliver. They would hang out together and never fight, which I always found endearing and entertaining. Having seen a live-action rendition of Marshmallow play out in my living room as a child makes me appreciate this book even more!
This is definitely a book that kids will love if they have an interest in animals or need to be taught that people don't always have to look the same to be best friends. Truly one of the best children's books about animals out there and should not be passed up.
November 11, 2022
Parents, be forewarned that there is a side effect to reading this book. Your child will want a bunny. So if you're prepared for the mournful pleadings, the protruding lower lip and the puppy-dog eyes, by all means, read this book. Because it really is superbly cute, both the story and the illustrations.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
May 9, 2017
This is one of those rather longer and wordier picture books which seemed more common years ago. Many of those have worn thin and are no longer interesting to modern children. This book though is still darling. There are quite a few words per page, so, you may have to break it up into a couple reading sessions if you have a fidgety little one.
These illustrations are clearly done by someone who just loved a little rabbit like Marshmallow. They are charming and capture just what it's like to have a house rabbit. Made me sentimental for my own pet rabbits.
I feel that this book really holds up well and can be enjoyed by modern children so long as they have the attention span for it.
These illustrations are clearly done by someone who just loved a little rabbit like Marshmallow. They are charming and capture just what it's like to have a house rabbit. Made me sentimental for my own pet rabbits.
I feel that this book really holds up well and can be enjoyed by modern children so long as they have the attention span for it.
March 30, 2010
A sweet story about interspecies friendship (based on a real-life pair) as Miss Tilly, owner of Oliver the cat and new Marshmallow the bunny, composes poems on her typewriter:
Birdies twitter, chirp, and tweet;
Moo-cows moo, and lambkins bleat;
Some creatures bellow, others bray;
Some hoot, or honk, or yap, or neigh;
Most creatures make annoying noises,
Even little girls and boyses.
Newberry's charcoal drawings are sublime.
Birdies twitter, chirp, and tweet;
Moo-cows moo, and lambkins bleat;
Some creatures bellow, others bray;
Some hoot, or honk, or yap, or neigh;
Most creatures make annoying noises,
Even little girls and boyses.
Newberry's charcoal drawings are sublime.
April 12, 2020
Though I have to question the wisdom of anyone who buys a young rabbit for a pet when they already have a cat, things work out okay for everyone in this sweet tale of interspecies friendship that was originally published in 1942.
December 17, 2014
The illustrations are just lovely! And the story is adorable. This is the book that has brought us the famous lines,
A bunny's a delightful habit//
No home's complete without a rabbit.
and
Galoshes, boxes, books, and string--//
A bunny nibbles everything.
A bunny's a delightful habit//
No home's complete without a rabbit.
and
Galoshes, boxes, books, and string--//
A bunny nibbles everything.
March 2, 2021
Very sweet story based on the author's own Oliver and Marshmallow. She captures life with a busy little bunny quite well. I love the little poems she writes and has included as part of the storybook. Just please don't feed your bunny carrots, except as a small treat. Seriously.
January 26, 2020
A solitary bachelor cat who enjoyed quiet naps and being waited upon by his human, Oliver was unprepared for the arrival of a small fluffy bunny in his Manhattan apartment. Frightened at first by this leporine intruder, and then all-too-interested in his movements, Oliver had to be separated from tiny Marshmallow when Miss Tilly wasn't around to supervise. Then one day, when Miss Tilly was late returning home, Oliver found a way out of his room, and encountered the happy hoppy little bunny at play. Undecided as to what he should do - continue watching the amusing display? or pounce upon the unsuspecting creature? - he was surprised when Marshmallow, mistaking him for a mother rabbit, took matters into his own paws.
This adorable picture-book exploration of an unlikely cross-species friendship was chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1943 - the other title to be so distinguished that year was Mary and Conrad Buff's Dash and Dart - and it is not difficult to see why. Clare Turlay Newberry's soft artwork, which looks like it was done in charcoal and pastel, skillfully captures the winsome appeal of both cat and bunny. The pink accents used on the kitty and bunny noses and ears make a nice contrast to the gray and white of their bodies. The story is just as appealing, although readers should take note: apparently recent reprints have significantly reduced and revised the text, robbing it of much of its descriptive detail. I was lucky enough to find an edition that contained the original text, which opens:
"Oliver was a cat of middle-age, gray with tabby markings. He was a bachelor without wife or kittens, and lived in an apartment in Manhattan. A housekeeper, Miss Tilly, who had been with him since kittenhood, looked after the place and prepared his meals.
Many a cat has to catch his dinner before he can eat it, but Oliver was lucky. When he was hungry all he had to do was mention the fact to Miss Tilly, and she would open the refrigerator and get out his liver or chopped beef."
Compare this to the opening of the revised edition:
"Oliver was a gray cat with tabby markings who lived in an apartment. Many a cat has to catch his dinner before he can eat it, but Oliver was lucky. When he was hungry all he had to do was mention the fact to Miss Tilly, and she would open the refrigerator and get out his liver or chopped beef."
It's unfortunate that such a charming book has been rewritten and abridged in this fashion, especially as I understand that there is nothing on the newer editions specifying this fact. I recommend readers track down the original text, if they can, and enjoy the book as it was originally written.
This adorable picture-book exploration of an unlikely cross-species friendship was chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1943 - the other title to be so distinguished that year was Mary and Conrad Buff's Dash and Dart - and it is not difficult to see why. Clare Turlay Newberry's soft artwork, which looks like it was done in charcoal and pastel, skillfully captures the winsome appeal of both cat and bunny. The pink accents used on the kitty and bunny noses and ears make a nice contrast to the gray and white of their bodies. The story is just as appealing, although readers should take note: apparently recent reprints have significantly reduced and revised the text, robbing it of much of its descriptive detail. I was lucky enough to find an edition that contained the original text, which opens:
"Oliver was a cat of middle-age, gray with tabby markings. He was a bachelor without wife or kittens, and lived in an apartment in Manhattan. A housekeeper, Miss Tilly, who had been with him since kittenhood, looked after the place and prepared his meals.
Many a cat has to catch his dinner before he can eat it, but Oliver was lucky. When he was hungry all he had to do was mention the fact to Miss Tilly, and she would open the refrigerator and get out his liver or chopped beef."
Compare this to the opening of the revised edition:
"Oliver was a gray cat with tabby markings who lived in an apartment. Many a cat has to catch his dinner before he can eat it, but Oliver was lucky. When he was hungry all he had to do was mention the fact to Miss Tilly, and she would open the refrigerator and get out his liver or chopped beef."
It's unfortunate that such a charming book has been rewritten and abridged in this fashion, especially as I understand that there is nothing on the newer editions specifying this fact. I recommend readers track down the original text, if they can, and enjoy the book as it was originally written.
May 3, 2008
My older daughter picked this up at her library at school for her little sister, and it is such a cute book.
I don't think I've ever seen any books by Ms. Newberry before because I certainly would have remembered her artwork. She was born in Enterprise, Oregon in 1903.
Here's how you know her drawings are beautiful. I abhor cats, and can barely stand the idea of having a rabbit in the house. And this book had the cutest cat named Oliver. Oliver's owner, Miss Tilly, brings home a baby rabbit. "Oliver was appalled. He took one wild lok at the creature, then squinched his eyes tight shut. ......But Oliver was afraid. He was too frightened to even run away, but crouched in a corner, opening and closing his eyes as if it actually hurt them to look at a rabbit."
Later, Oliver adjusts, and decides pouncing on Marshmallow seems like a great idea. I won't spoil the ending for you.
After reading the book, I really wanted to get our house a baby bunny.
I don't think I've ever seen any books by Ms. Newberry before because I certainly would have remembered her artwork. She was born in Enterprise, Oregon in 1903.
Here's how you know her drawings are beautiful. I abhor cats, and can barely stand the idea of having a rabbit in the house. And this book had the cutest cat named Oliver. Oliver's owner, Miss Tilly, brings home a baby rabbit. "Oliver was appalled. He took one wild lok at the creature, then squinched his eyes tight shut. ......But Oliver was afraid. He was too frightened to even run away, but crouched in a corner, opening and closing his eyes as if it actually hurt them to look at a rabbit."
Later, Oliver adjusts, and decides pouncing on Marshmallow seems like a great idea. I won't spoil the ending for you.
After reading the book, I really wanted to get our house a baby bunny.
March 18, 2009
I did not grow up with this book, so knew nothing about it until a few days ago. This past weekend I was walking by Every Picture Tells a Story on Montana Avenue and the book cover caught my eye because the illustration was so beautiful. I asked about the book in the store and the one in the window was the last copy. Without even reading the book, I bought it b/c the rest of the illustrations were also so beautiful. When I got home, I read it and what a great story. It's all about how Oliver the cat comes to terms with this new creature in the house and how Marshmallow the rabbit makes peace with Oliver by showing no fear and learning to "love the one you're with." If I wanted to be glib, I could say it's just another story about an interspecies love affair (see the lion video on youtube), but it's too sweet a book for me to be that cynical. Enjoy it....and definitely buy it for the munchkins (not the Wizard of Oz kind) in your life.
October 13, 2010
I chose this story as my early childhood book.
This is the tale of Marshmallow the bunny and Oliver the cat whose home he takes over. Oliver doesn’t like Marshmallow at first, or at least doesn’t know what to make of him, but by the end they become best friends. This is based on a true story – the author/illustrator owned Marshmallow and Oliver and this is her story about them.
It’s a very cute story that children will love. The illustrations are quick life sketches of the animals with very little accent color. It’s mostly in black and white with a few spots of red or pink here and there. The little bunny looks like he could hop right off the page and the author captured every detail of her cat too!
This is the tale of Marshmallow the bunny and Oliver the cat whose home he takes over. Oliver doesn’t like Marshmallow at first, or at least doesn’t know what to make of him, but by the end they become best friends. This is based on a true story – the author/illustrator owned Marshmallow and Oliver and this is her story about them.
It’s a very cute story that children will love. The illustrations are quick life sketches of the animals with very little accent color. It’s mostly in black and white with a few spots of red or pink here and there. The little bunny looks like he could hop right off the page and the author captured every detail of her cat too!
July 16, 2015
Oh, I loved this! Mostly because I've had cats and bunnies together and seen just how they interact. She captures perfectly the feel of both creatures in how she draws and writes about them. I could see that she based this off of real life before I even read that she had. Such a cute story! This is one to share with my girls. :)
December 28, 2012
I read this book at the pediatrician's office. Dante then read it after I recommended it. There's more text in it than I guessed by looking at the cover. The story is delightful, as are the illustrations.
May 20, 2019
I've always liked the simple sketches of Marshmallow, and the Possum has always loved this book, too. She has a (formerly) white bunny stuffy named marshmallow, of course.
ETA: Marshmallow has been handed down, some time ago. 2012 March
ETA: Marshmallow has been handed down, some time ago. 2012 March
September 16, 2014
I just want to buy a bunch of copies of this book and hand it to people on the street . . .
September 15, 2019
Overall this Caldecott winner was very well illustrated and written. The pictures all retained the same color scheme and style but it fit the tone of the story quite well. There was a lot of white space on each page which honestly worked well as it did not attract the reads attention elsewhere from the main pictures. The two primary colors were grey and white. Grey symbolizing the cat as the one who is happy with the way things are In his life. Then you have white, symbolizing the Bunny. In my opinion the author chose white because it represents a new beginning for the grey cat as the bunny brightens up its life.
I feel like this book was well complimented by the colors and artwork illustrated. Both in simplicity and meaning. This book most definitely deserves the Caldecott and I would recommend this to anyone wanting to share the joys of life to another. This book can really show the benefits and joys that change and new things can bring to ones life.
I feel like this book was well complimented by the colors and artwork illustrated. Both in simplicity and meaning. This book most definitely deserves the Caldecott and I would recommend this to anyone wanting to share the joys of life to another. This book can really show the benefits and joys that change and new things can bring to ones life.
October 14, 2022
The drawings are fantastic. However it is a pet peeve of mine to further the idea of feeding carrots to rabbits. I understand that they like them, but it’s easy to overdo and the sugar content isn’t good for them without other things in their diet. I disliked Miss Tilly’s poetry and how she let Marshmallows chew on everything, even a lamp cord apparently. Sigh she also says that rabbits are silent, rabbits can scream and it’s disturbing.
April 10, 2019
Lovely drawings - ok story, despite the rabbit's early misery!
September 20, 2020
The pictures of this little bunny are so cute. But I still don't think I want to have one in the house.
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January 24, 2022Enjoyed it. Well written, and people who own rabbits and cats will find it a cute read.
March 21, 2022
This picture book is a Caldecott honor book and is such a heartwarming fantasy! The story is set in an apartment and the characters are a cat named Oliver and a bunny named Marshmallow. The story goes through the steps of Oliver and Marshmallow’s forming relationship and talks about their feelings as they go along. This book has precious illustrations and has such a sweet storyline. In addition, the book has some poetry that Miss Tilly, the protagonist wrote about the bunny. The story has a very sweet ending and would be perfect for any child!
February 23, 2024
Adorable! A must have for all rabbit owners like us 🐇🐇
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews