Pookie

Pookie #1

by Ivy L. Wallace

Pookie, a rabbit with wings, realizes he is not a fairy and leaves home to seek his fortune, stopping at Goblin Market, asking advice from a wise old elf, and looking in other places before winter comes.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Classics, Fantasy, Rabbits, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1946

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pookie, a little white rabbit with soft ears, big blue eyes, a lovable smile and gossamer rainbow wings, goes searching for his fortune in this delightful original fairy-tale, long something of a cult classic in its native Britain. Determining that he does not belong with the fairies who dance in the woods above his childhood home, our leporine hero sets out into the world, determined to find his Fortune, which he thinks must be "a mixture of happiness, lettuce and kind words." After many adventures with goblins, elves and other animals, Pookie finds what he has been seeking with a little human girl named Belinda. Namely: love...

Originally published in 1946, and followed by nine subsequent adventures, Pookie was a childhood classic in many parts of the Anglophone world, although remaining relatively unknown here in the states. It was brought to my attention a number of years ago by a friend, but I have only now gotten around to it. Better late than never, as I found it simply adorable. The story is immensely engaging, combining an exciting quest-type adventure with a heartwarming tale of feeling like a misfit and then finding love and acceptance. There was the occasional turn of phrase here that really caught my attention, from Pookie's endearing description of what "Fortune" must be, which made me laugh, to the narrator's statement that "cold fear flew like a wisp of thistledown into Pookie's heart," which tugged at my own heartstring. I also loved Pookie's traveling song, and found the accompanying artwork absolutely charming. Highly recommended to all picture-book readers who enjoy stories of anthropomorphic animals, fairies, and adventure. For my part, I am going to try and track down some of the other books about this character.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is the story of Pookie, a little white rabbit with soft floppity ears, big blue eyes and the most lovable smile in the world. He lived with his mother and father and four brothers and three sisters, deep down in the warm, brown earth under an oak tree in Bluebell Wood."

Sometimes, I come across a book that I know I would have just *adored* as a child and it captures my fancies and takes me back to the days when fairies played in our yard and magic whispered in the wind. "Pookie" by Ivy Wallace is one of those books. The story might not be quite perfect to my adult ears (Pookie's family just seem so mean! though it does provide the incentive for him to seek his fortune and ultimate happy ever after) but I can hear echoes of my girlhood self saying, "Read it again, please!" And the illustrations are complete gems! You can see more of them here:

http://www.marchhousebooks.com/?page=...

Adorable quote: "What was a Fortune? He had no idea, but he thought it must be a mixture of happiness, lettuce and kind words." Awww! ;-)

[Barbara Kallaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not published in the US, and then for a brief time it became available from Collins. It is one of my most cherished childhood books, and I have been collecting them over the past 2 decades. However, collectors have become aware of them and some of the prices are through the roof--upwards of $800!

I wish Collins would republish. There are lots of grown-up Pookie lovers out there, and lots of kids who have never met this resilient white rabbit with a Secret Sorrow--his wings!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most beloved story of childhood about a rabbit who is born with wings... The illustrations are magical...

"What was a Fortune? He had no idea, but he thought it must be a mixture of happiness, lettuce and kind words."

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never give this anything less than five stars. It was given to me by my grandma when I was small, and I made my mum or dad read it to me almost every night. the illustrations are beautiful, and the story even more so. Highly recommended for all ages.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very favourite book from an early age. Looked at and read many times.

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

so beautiful. my mum read this as a little girl and even as an adult I have such fond memories of this book.

[Khyati · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first gift i received (or remember) and there's no looking back 💞.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this read to me so many times as a child by my Gran. I love this book

[Anita Max Wyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

my mum's favourite childhood book 🥰

[Iona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited. I adored this story as a little child, and fell in love with Pookie's pictures and his courageous little heart. My copy got lost on the way and I never got round to finding another as it was out of print. So I was never able to share Pookie's story with my gorgeous gal when she was growing up. I now find the book has been reissued....and, indeed, there are several more Pookie stories. Happily I have bought a copy, and happily I will share his tale with my grandchild if they let me....but if they don't, then I will enjoy it all over again alone!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pookie & Belinda = OTP. Also, the chapter where Belinda put a pretty scarf around her hair so that she could do the spring cleaning totally made ME want to go and do the same. My mother did not complain ;)

[Donna Guilbault]

also read and loved all the Pookie books as a child..found a couple in a used book sale..felt I had struck gold!!!

[Irene Palfy · Rating 4 out of 5]

so cute.. and those names are lovely..

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say how many times I've read this book. And every time I do, I cry. It's such a wonderful story about acceptance of who we are.

I look forward to sharing this with my grandchild(ren).

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is no longer in print. It was one of my most beloved childhood books and I have loved sharing it with my son.

[Cherish · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favourite childhood story :)

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as a child, then lost the books at some stage. My daughter bought it for me when they were reprinted. A book to treasure. Beautiful illustrations, from when childhood was innocent.