While We Were Out

by Ho Baek Lee

While We Were Out shows what a clever rabbit does when left alone.

Genres: Picture Books, Rabbits, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Humor, Adventure

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Ho Baek Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea. He studied graphic design and communications. After spending several years in Paris, he returned to Korea and founded a children's book publishing company, Jaiminage. He lives in Seoul with his wife and son.

Reviews

[Michelle Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read while researching books to give to a friend who is adopting internationally. This is a fantastic, highly original story. I loved the illustrations and the unique way in which the author/illustrator inserts cultural items (Korean writing on bag of chips, chopsticks, traditional dress, etc.). This book also rewards attention to detail -- keep an eye out for signs of the rabbit's visit! Highly recommend!!!

[Leena-Maaretta Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Secret life of Pets" done right. So cute.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the family is out, the rabbit comes in. She's a curious bunny who's eager to see what fascinating artifacts are around the house. No one will ever know if she pokes around a little, right?

You can tell this book is translated. It has a good plot and many clever lines, but it also defies many of the norms in the American picture book industry. Sometimes, this is used to great effect. Other times, it stands out as foreign. I giggled, and I'm sure my kiddos will enjoy this as a readalong.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book mainly because you always wonder what your pets are up to while you are away from home, and this is a story that shows what they could be doing! The illustrations are wonderful-from black and white to color!

[Arpita Rajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What animals do when humans are awayyyyy!!🤌🏼

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a prowler in the apartment. But no worries. She's just an adorable bunny rabbit.

What happened here? While the family has gone to Grandma's house, the balcony door has been left unlocked.

Consequently, a rabbit "breaks in" and has quite an adventure. Especially sweet, and accompanied by a full-color painting, is how the bunny finds a colorful costume. It fits her perfectly.

This bunny is also extremely good at walking (and standing) on two legs, incidentally. (Interesting!)

Look, the plot may strain credulity but this is a feelgood story with the innocence of a beautifully illustrated picture book.

FIVE STAR WORTHY, according to this Goodreader.

[Jolynne Dougherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

rabbits, mischief, adventure - When the people leave, the bunny hops on in. Reminiscent of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, she has a bit of an adventure and while she's not caught sleeping in Baby Bear's bed, she does leave behind a calling card of sorts. Cute and clever with lovely illustrations.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dunno; it just didn't wow me. I guess because I think a rabbit would want to do more rabbity things and fewer human things. For example, why waste time trying to read a book? But if you're more open-hearted than I am, and your library has this, you might want to check it out.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautifully illustrated, a charming story and sweetly humorous. Loved it.

[Julia]

Cute story. Made me wonder about what my pet does while I'm away.

[Ileana Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Annie MacPherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute!

[Suhasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabbit's Day In!

[Bianca Orellana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and hilarious ending!

[Jenna's Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute book loosely based on a true story. While the family is out, the bunny sneaks into the house from the balcony (I'm not entirely sure how the bunny ended up on the balcony to begin with...). The bunny does all kinds of things, including dressing up, putting on make-up, eating, watching a video tape and sleeping in the bed. In the morning, she sneaks back out of the house before the people come home, leaving no trace of her presence in the house...or...wait...what are those little brown things on the floor??? Yup, that's right...the story ended with an illustration of little rabbit turds trailing around the house. Ewwwww. But still a cute story.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

While a family is out for the evening, a bunny visits their house. She tries out the kitchen and the television, she doesn't quite understand the books. She finds rollerskates, but they are too big. Finally she lays down to sleep but wakes up and scurries back to the balcony before the family comes home.

A cute simple story perfect for an end-of-storytime book.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This imaginative telling of the secret hijinks of a sneaky little rabbit warms my heart. Without the usual entrapment issued upon young readers with most standard children's book illustration in this country, the reader is free to enjoy the quiet amusement of the little rabbit's brief visit While We Were Out.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rabbit has a fun day while the owners are away. This book could teach kids it is not nice to be dishonest and go to someone else's house when you are not invited. I think this book would make an interesting read aloud story.

[Chechoui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale of the family's pet rabbit and the adventures it has while the family is out. It has very cute drawings and Korean influence including traditional Korean dress and even snacks! It was clearly written by a real rabbit owner! Very cute.

[midnightfaerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book my 6 yr old as well as my twin 3 yr olds loved. A solid reading level 2 book, this cute story keeps all ages engaged with the bright colorful pictures and cute story. A great addition to any children's library.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS BOOK. Pictures were adorable and do a great job depicting this sweet story which is almost, but not really, a retelling of Goldilocks. As a former rabbit-owner, the end made me laugh out loud!

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the ending (so icky), this book is enjoyable for both reader and listener--shares a rabbit's adventure when someone leaves the door ajar while the family is away.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the art and the story was darling. I even LOL'ed!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of a retelling of Three Bears, soft illustrations and humorous ending will ring true with adults and children alike.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor found this book at the library for the girls, and it's our new favorite! For little kids, finding "treasures" left behind by a family's bunny is way too silly. We know it by heart!

[Lisa C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, and the images were lovely, but the last page is kinda gross.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feeds into the whole "What do the animals do while we're out of the house?" question. Thought the ending was pretty funny!

[Nadia Prigoda-Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures, a cute story. Jane was very engaged.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun.

[Emily Rozmus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once the ending is revealed, lots of smiles...