Common Sense Media Review
Feeble storyline lacks substance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The story tells how a family of two rabbits, a duck, and a mouse is created. The group refers to themselves as the Honeys and shares a special song.
Together, they play games, and each is the best at a different activity including running, swimming, and acrobatics.
Is It Any Good?
The story doesn't quite work; the most successful feature of this book is the watercolor-and-ink illustrations, which feature each character in a multitude of energetic poses.
The reader learns of a blended family that calls itself the Honeys and consists of a mother rabbit, her bunny, a duck, and a mouse. While it may be admirable to care for others in need, there is no indication as to why two animals required adoption. Further, there is an absence of emotion and a true sense of nurturing, care, and concern, which would be expected within a family.
Second, the story fails in its effort to highlight the important differences among the group. The contest concludes with the whole group playing the "Great-Big-Feet-Game that they are all best at together." At this point, young readers begin to question both the sincerity of the story and the logic -- obviously, the rabbits have the longest feet.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about differences among family members. How are the members of your family different from one another? What traits do you share?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Anita Jeram
- Genre : Family Life
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : January 1, 1999
- Number of pages : 32
- Last updated : September 28, 2015
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