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My Friend Rabbit

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 3; suggested age 3.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Award-winning book with great preschool lessons.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 3 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Mouse shows understanding toward his friend rabbit, no matter what happens.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of My Friend Rabbit was written by Patricia Tauzer

Parents need to know that this book promotes a healthy, loving message. Nothing objectionable is presented.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about friendship and sharing. How did Mouse feel when Rabbit flew his plane into the tree? Did Rabbit have a good idea for getting it down? Would that really work? Could you think of other ways to get the plane down? Why didn't Mouse get mad at him? How do you feel when you have a new toy? Do you feel like sharing it with just anyone? How about with your best friend? Have you ever wanted to play with something that was special to someone else? Would they share with you? Have you ever broken or lost a toy you have borrowed? What did you do about it? Was Mouse a good friend? What about Rabbit?
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More on My Friend Rabbit

Book Summary

Though he means well, Rabbit's exuberance gets him into trouble at times. Still, his friend Mouse lets him fly his toy plane, which of course ends up in a tree. Rabbit's inventive solution to get the plane down doesn't exactly work ... but wait, not to worry, he has a new idea.

Is It Any Good?

With its strong artistic lines, simple text, and uplifting message, the Caldecott Medal-winner MY FRIEND RABBIT should be a part of every young child's library. Readers will be drawn in by bold, graphic illustrations set within a black-lined frame, but they will stay because of the message. The tale is simple yet poignant, and kids and adults alike will relate.

The primary themes are how to play with the big kids, how to share a treasured toy, how to solve problems for yourself, and whether people will still be your friends when you mess up. All of this is addressed in the simple, supportive friendship of Rabbit and Mouse. Their relationship and Rabbit's shenanigans bring to mind other mischievous but well-meaning characters such as Curious George, the Cat in the Hat and, of course, the Froggy from the series by Jonathan London.

Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, Publication date: 05/01/2002
Number of pages: 32, Price: $16.95 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 4+, Read Alone: 6+

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