Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spare story of ups & downs great for toddlers, preschoolers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS shows how things can go from carefree to crisis mode in an instant. This entertaining picture book features two friends, Rabbit and Mouse. Good news: Rabbit brings over a picnic basket. Bad news: It starts to rain. Good news: Rabbit picks up a fallen apple and gives it to Mouse. Bad news: Mouse finds a worm in it. And so on, until the two pals realize the \"very good news\" is that they stay friends, no matter what life throws at them.
Is It Any Good?
This nearly wordless story conveys so much with simple but highly expressive art. It captures each moment of exhilaration and disappointment as things go from good to bad to good again over and over during Rabbit and Mouse's picnic adventure. It also shows Mouse losing his temper, screaming at Rabbit, and then feeling bad about making Rabbit cry -- a good example of self-reflection and empathy. Mouse then becomes the one to offer Rabbit good news -- a renewed chance at a sunny picnic -- and the two hug in celebration of their resilient friendship.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to make the best of a bad situation and not let bad news ruin your day.
How is author-illustrator Jeff Mack able to tell a whole story with so few words?
What are some examples of good news when you're playing with a friend?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jeff Mack
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- Publication date : August 1, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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