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Lawrence: The Bunny Who Wanted to Be Naked
In this funny, charming, and oh-so-relatable picture book, meet a young bunny named Lawrence who is determined to decide what he wears--or doesn't wear.
Ever since he was a tiny bunny, Lawrence's mother has dressed him up in all the most fashionable clothes--the brightest colors and the most interesting styles. Lawrence wears homemade sweater suits. And inflatible helium balloon pants. The only problem? Lawrence hates wearing clothes and longs to hop naked through the fields--just like all the other bunnies.
So Lawrence comes up with an ingenious plan to turn the tables on his mother. Ultimately, the mother-son duo devise a way to put their considerable creative talents to use, in a way that makes both of them happy. In this picture book that's perfect for Easter and year round, kids will laugh out loud at (and understand!) Lawrence's quest for independence, just as parents will identify with how hard it is to let go of your one-and-only special bunny....
Ever since he was a tiny bunny, Lawrence's mother has dressed him up in all the most fashionable clothes--the brightest colors and the most interesting styles. Lawrence wears homemade sweater suits. And inflatible helium balloon pants. The only problem? Lawrence hates wearing clothes and longs to hop naked through the fields--just like all the other bunnies.
So Lawrence comes up with an ingenious plan to turn the tables on his mother. Ultimately, the mother-son duo devise a way to put their considerable creative talents to use, in a way that makes both of them happy. In this picture book that's perfect for Easter and year round, kids will laugh out loud at (and understand!) Lawrence's quest for independence, just as parents will identify with how hard it is to let go of your one-and-only special bunny....
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 12, 2023
I can relate, it is hard to let go of your very special bunnies…but, you remind yourself (and them) that they got this.
January 27, 2020
Most picture books about empathy involve trying to teach it to the child. This book turns that idea on its head when Lawrence gives his mother a taste of her own (highly fashionable) medicine.
See, Mrs. Rabbit is one of those moms who likes to dress her kid up in fancy outfits... whether the kid likes it or not. All Lawrence wants to do is shed the ridiculous clothes and hop naked through the fields like all the other animals. But when he expresses his feelings to his mother, she's not willing to listen, so wrapped up is she in her little bunny being "special". So Lawrence decides to turn the tables on her, and whips up a special present: her own ridiculous outfit... along with a generous dollop of guilt. As Mrs. Rabbit wears the gift, she starts to realize how her son might have felt. And then she gets another brilliant idea...
The story is pretty cute, and the writing is solid for the most part. The illustrations of Lawrence's ridiculous garments are amusing and colourful, and you can't help but feel sorry for him.
Overall, this is a fun and relatable (at least for some kids) story about learning to listen to each other. The premise reminds me a little of Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K. G. Campbell, which is also about a kid forced to wear clothes he doesn't like to please adults. But I like the overall message here better, especially since Lawrence's wishes are ultimately respected.
Quotable moment:
See, Mrs. Rabbit is one of those moms who likes to dress her kid up in fancy outfits... whether the kid likes it or not. All Lawrence wants to do is shed the ridiculous clothes and hop naked through the fields like all the other animals. But when he expresses his feelings to his mother, she's not willing to listen, so wrapped up is she in her little bunny being "special". So Lawrence decides to turn the tables on her, and whips up a special present: her own ridiculous outfit... along with a generous dollop of guilt. As Mrs. Rabbit wears the gift, she starts to realize how her son might have felt. And then she gets another brilliant idea...
The story is pretty cute, and the writing is solid for the most part. The illustrations of Lawrence's ridiculous garments are amusing and colourful, and you can't help but feel sorry for him.
Overall, this is a fun and relatable (at least for some kids) story about learning to listen to each other. The premise reminds me a little of Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K. G. Campbell, which is also about a kid forced to wear clothes he doesn't like to please adults. But I like the overall message here better, especially since Lawrence's wishes are ultimately respected.
Quotable moment:
February 21, 2020
This picture book came to me unsolicited, and my family is definitely the wrong audience. We don't read books about nudity or underpants (my kids don't need encouragement to find either of those things funny), and we don't read stories that pit parent against child. Lawrence's mother is probably wrong to coddle him so much, but there is nothing constructive about Lawrence's plan to give her a proverbial taste of her own medicine. I hid the book from my kids and will be donating my copy.
January 27, 2020
There are few parents or kids who won't relate to this story. Parents will understand Lawrence's mom's desire to put her baby in all of those adorable outfits we as parents struggle to resist. Kids will understand Lawrence's frustration and desire to just run free. At it's heart, this is about the tug and pull between parents who love their babies and kids who want to be independent and decide things for themselves. The writing was a little too pointed in spots for my personal taste and I found the ending predictable, but it was quick and smart and great for reading aloud. There is also plenty of humor for kids to enjoy during a read aloud between the story and the illustrations. I see this being an amusing choice to share with a group of kids.
April 3, 2020
Lawrence: the bunny who wanted to be naked by Vern Kousky. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade (Random), 2020. $18. 9780525646655
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Lawrence’s mom bunny is always dressing him up in too loud, too tight, too many clothes! No matter how hard he tries to talk to her about it, she won’t stop insisting he wear clothes. Then Lawrence has a brilliant idea.
Lawrence is hilarious. The clothes his mother makes for him are hysterical! I especially love his ingenuity and persistence when it comes to dealing with his mom. It is totally passive-aggressive, but on the spot and funny.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Lawrence’s mom bunny is always dressing him up in too loud, too tight, too many clothes! No matter how hard he tries to talk to her about it, she won’t stop insisting he wear clothes. Then Lawrence has a brilliant idea.
Lawrence is hilarious. The clothes his mother makes for him are hysterical! I especially love his ingenuity and persistence when it comes to dealing with his mom. It is totally passive-aggressive, but on the spot and funny.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
July 19, 2019
Lawrence wishes he could be naked like every other animal he knows-- but his mother insists on putting him in her fanciest homemade outfits. He devises a plan... he'll make outfits for his mother, and we'll see how she feels wearing them every day! This book made me laugh out loud. Sometimes a well-meaning parent doesn't understand just how embarrassed their child might feel-- Lawrence is a clever bunny for finding a nice way to show it.
January 2, 2023
Lawrence just wants to be a normal bunny, and be naked like all the other animals, but his mother has other plans for what type of attire he will wear. Lawrence comes up with a plan that will put a stop to his mother making him wear all of her homemade fashions.
May 6, 2020
Kids will like this book more than their parents will, because parents, by their very nature, think that they are always right. :-)
You see, Lawrence just wants to be like the other little bunnies, hopping around in his own fur and enjoying life as a little bunny. Instead, his overwhelming mother insists on dressing him in clothing that is both un-bunnylike and wildly weird. My favorite of these odd bits of clothing was the set of helium-inflatable balloon pants, but that doesn't mean I'd want to wear them, and neither did Lawrence. Even the bathing suit she designs for him is more like a floating suit of armor, as she seems to be trying to protect him from absolutely everything, at all times.
In creative desperation, Lawrence comes up with a plan to get through to her that maybe her ideas are a bit much. That was wonderful, and I give the author credit for coming up with a means of communication that is creative, rather than destructive.
I am not a fan of the art in this book, but it worked pretty well for the story, and I really did like the story. For the reviewing parents who objected to discussions of nudity...you do realize that he's a rabbit, right? How often do you see rabbits wearing clothing? If you truly have philosophical reasons for making rabbits wear clothing, then I'm honestly a bit worried about how you're raising your children...
For the parents who objected to the idea of children trying to communicate with their parents when they think something needs to be talked about, I'm REALLY worried about how you're raising your children.
You see, Lawrence just wants to be like the other little bunnies, hopping around in his own fur and enjoying life as a little bunny. Instead, his overwhelming mother insists on dressing him in clothing that is both un-bunnylike and wildly weird. My favorite of these odd bits of clothing was the set of helium-inflatable balloon pants, but that doesn't mean I'd want to wear them, and neither did Lawrence. Even the bathing suit she designs for him is more like a floating suit of armor, as she seems to be trying to protect him from absolutely everything, at all times.
In creative desperation, Lawrence comes up with a plan to get through to her that maybe her ideas are a bit much. That was wonderful, and I give the author credit for coming up with a means of communication that is creative, rather than destructive.
I am not a fan of the art in this book, but it worked pretty well for the story, and I really did like the story. For the reviewing parents who objected to discussions of nudity...you do realize that he's a rabbit, right? How often do you see rabbits wearing clothing? If you truly have philosophical reasons for making rabbits wear clothing, then I'm honestly a bit worried about how you're raising your children...
For the parents who objected to the idea of children trying to communicate with their parents when they think something needs to be talked about, I'm REALLY worried about how you're raising your children.
August 10, 2021
"Lawrence: The Bunny Who Wanted to Be Naked" is a funny and touching picture book that shows sometimes that best way to show someone how you feel is by letting them experience life from your perspective.
The book begins with the statement that ever since Lawrence was a baby bunny, his mother loved to dress him up in fancy outfits. The corresponding pages show various fancy outfits Lawrence wears including original creations by his mother such as sweater suits, ear stockings, and inflatable helium balloon pants. Although Lawrence dreams of hopping the the fields naked like all of the other animals, his mother tells his that he's not like everyone else and since he's her only bunny, he has to wear clothes.
Eventually, Lawrence comes up with a plan to be rid of his mother's outrageous outfit once and for all and after his plan is enacted for a couple of months, his mother recognizes how Lawrence feels and they come to a compromise. This was a cute book and I love the colorful outfits that Lawrence was wearing as well as the overall message of the book which to me is that sometimes the best way to make someone understand you is by sharing your experience so they can see things from your point of view.
The book begins with the statement that ever since Lawrence was a baby bunny, his mother loved to dress him up in fancy outfits. The corresponding pages show various fancy outfits Lawrence wears including original creations by his mother such as sweater suits, ear stockings, and inflatable helium balloon pants. Although Lawrence dreams of hopping the the fields naked like all of the other animals, his mother tells his that he's not like everyone else and since he's her only bunny, he has to wear clothes.
Eventually, Lawrence comes up with a plan to be rid of his mother's outrageous outfit once and for all and after his plan is enacted for a couple of months, his mother recognizes how Lawrence feels and they come to a compromise. This was a cute book and I love the colorful outfits that Lawrence was wearing as well as the overall message of the book which to me is that sometimes the best way to make someone understand you is by sharing your experience so they can see things from your point of view.
February 29, 2020
Lawrence's mother insists on dressing him in the cumbersome, ridiculous, froufrou outfits when all he wants is to be naked like the other animals.
There are some mothers who always insist on dressing their children up fancy whether or not the children like it and no matter how impracticable it may be. Mrs. Rabbit is one of those mothers, and while her son Lawrence dutifully and unhappily tolerates this, he longs to just be unencumbered and naked.
Finally, Lawrence thinks up a plan to get what he wants by giving his mother a taste of her own medicine. Demonstrating impressive sewing skills, he begins making matching outfits for his mother who, after wearing them for the sake of their relationship, finally has enough and relents.
Young readers may have either witnessed or experienced Lawrence's predicament, so this story will allow them to reflect upon their own lives. The outlandishness of the outfits pictured are also rather humorous.
There are some mothers who always insist on dressing their children up fancy whether or not the children like it and no matter how impracticable it may be. Mrs. Rabbit is one of those mothers, and while her son Lawrence dutifully and unhappily tolerates this, he longs to just be unencumbered and naked.
Finally, Lawrence thinks up a plan to get what he wants by giving his mother a taste of her own medicine. Demonstrating impressive sewing skills, he begins making matching outfits for his mother who, after wearing them for the sake of their relationship, finally has enough and relents.
Young readers may have either witnessed or experienced Lawrence's predicament, so this story will allow them to reflect upon their own lives. The outlandishness of the outfits pictured are also rather humorous.
September 29, 2022
This is an overall cute and silly book, but has a good underlying message to it. Lawrence is a bunny whose mother dresses him up in extravagant outfits when in reality he just wants to be naked like a normal bunny. Lawerence is able to show his mother how he feels in a clever way... by making extravagant outfits for her to wear as well! Some may view this as Lawrence giving his mother "a taste of her own medicine", but I did not view it this way at all. This read is written for young children (K-3). I understood the overall message of this book to relate to children who have felt that the heaviness of others expectations, not to get revenge. The illustrations were great and it will be fun for children to see all his crazy outfits! It is an overall quick read with about only short a sentence on each page. Took me just a couple minutes to read, but could be longer if you stop and ask students/children questions!
July 19, 2020
With funny illustrations, Kousky tells the tale of a rabbit named Lawrence whose mother with the best of intentions makes amazing outfits for him to wear for every event when Lawrence would rather run free without these outfits. It must discover a way to let his mother know without hurting her feelings. He starts making similarly outrageous for his mother to wear. In the end each learns how to honor each other's clothing choices. Young readers will enjoy the comical illustration of each wearing this outlandish outfits.
July 16, 2020
3.5 stars -- LOL! This is a book for any kid (or adult) who had a parent who could be a bit overzealous in dressing them. With the amount of unwanted outfits I was forced to wear as a child (I HATE TURTLENECKS!), I could empathize with Lawrence's woes about his bizarre and uncomfortable clothing.
And then, one day, Lawrence starts making outfits for Mom...
(Mama Bunny's 40th birthday outfit is wonderfully hilarious.)
And then, one day, Lawrence starts making outfits for Mom...
(Mama Bunny's 40th birthday outfit is wonderfully hilarious.)
February 20, 2020
Lawrence just wants to be naked, but his mom keeps putting him in ridiculous outfits! Everyone else gets to run around naked, why can't he? Then Lawrence hatches a plan to put his mom in his shoes!
Adorable! Loved it so much! I can't wait to put it in the hands of every parent and child who walks past my desk!
Adorable! Loved it so much! I can't wait to put it in the hands of every parent and child who walks past my desk!
February 22, 2020
Lawrence is a bunny whose mother likes to dress him in fancy outfits that make him feel uncomfortable. He just wants to hop naked through the fields like other beasts. He comes up with a plan to help his mother understand his point of view. This is fun and beautifully illustrated story about empathy and compromise.
March 22, 2020
I was skeptical when I saw the title, but had to give it a chance and this little bunny won me over.
A cute and silly story about the relationship between Lawrence and his mom. This would make a perfect spring addition to anyone’s bookshelf.
We liked it so much we included it as our March Bookakery Box book.
A cute and silly story about the relationship between Lawrence and his mom. This would make a perfect spring addition to anyone’s bookshelf.
We liked it so much we included it as our March Bookakery Box book.
August 15, 2020
I don't know.. I guess I'm just uncomfortable overall with the idea of kids giving parents a taste of their own medicine. Although this idea was creative, I think that we can teach children many other assertive and respectful ways of expressing their feelings.
Cute illustrations and a relatable story, though..
Cute illustrations and a relatable story, though..
June 10, 2021
I read this on a morning when I was feeling like the world's worst mom so it felt good to have some company. Lawrence's mother goes above and beyond when it comes to dressing her little boy but I LOVE that when it's time for her to wear his outfits stitched with love she takes her medicine like...well, like a mom.
Be sure to check the author's picture above his bio for the story inspiration.
Be sure to check the author's picture above his bio for the story inspiration.
November 14, 2023
This is an adorable story about a bunny who is fed up with the silly outfits his mom makes him wear. I think there are plenty of kids that will relate to Lawrence. The illustrations are hilarious and just fun to look at. Lawrence takes a great approach to showing his Mom how he feels about not being able to choose his own style.
February 10, 2020
Lawrence's mother dresses him in the most bizarre outfits and he hates it. He decides to make his mother wear bizarre outfits until she understands how uncomfortable it is.
This book is sure to have little kids giggling and asking for rereads!
This book is sure to have little kids giggling and asking for rereads!
February 27, 2020
Young Lawrence Bunny's mother loves him so much that she hand-makes all of his clothes. And they aren't regular everyday clothes. They often make him look and feel ridiculous. Finally Lawrence comes up with a way to make his mother understand how her outfits make him feel.
April 11, 2020
A bunny that just wants to be naked, but a mom who loves to dress him.
I think my favorite part of the book was when he "tucks his tummy into teeny tiny yoga tights." and the picture of him doing warrior 3. That was awesome.
I think my favorite part of the book was when he "tucks his tummy into teeny tiny yoga tights." and the picture of him doing warrior 3. That was awesome.
April 13, 2020
I wanted to like this book. It's ultimately about a mother wanting to show love--so she makes her son really obnoxious outfits. (which the bunny boy hates!)
Still, I didn't think the book was anything special. The illustrations weren't my favorite....
Still, I didn't think the book was anything special. The illustrations weren't my favorite....
April 21, 2022
Cute art, and the story is kind of funny, but the "give mom a taste of her own medicine" element is a little mean spirited. A story about communicating better and standing up for what's best for yourself probably wouldn't have been as fun, though.
February 5, 2020
Lawrence is adorable. Lol.
February 7, 2020
Loved how Lawrence turned the tables
February 9, 2020
A mother loves to dress her son-
Which he hates-but he soon turns the table on her!!!
Which he hates-but he soon turns the table on her!!!
February 11, 2020
This was a cute toddler book, the overall message was a little weird for me haha. To each their own. Many little ones can relate, I'm sure.
February 18, 2020
Super cute, with a clever little bunny!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews