Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rabbit learns to deal with mistakes in sweet concert tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MEI MEI THE BUNNY begins with the young, long-eared violinist fretting about being ready for her first recital with an orchestra at the H'Opera House. She practices "toward perfection," and her dream is "to share her music with the world." But the idea of playing in front of a crowd "makes the butterflies in her belly flit and flutter." She asks her mom, "What if I play the wrong note?" The inevitable happens and she does make a mistake, but gets through it thanks to her mom's advice: "Just keep playing, and you'll find the way to make it right."
Is It Any Good?
This gentle, encouraging story of determination and perseverance is beautifully illustrated and poetically told. Mei Mei the Bunny captures the relatable feeling of striving for perfection and being nervous about an upcoming performance. Author Laufey, a professional musician herself, also delivers an important message that making a mistake is not the end of the world, and you can get through it if you keep going. She does all this with a light touch and adorable characters, and Lauren O'Hara's inviting watercolors create a fun animal world that mimics our human one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the challenge of working hard for a goal like the rabbit does in Mei Me the Bunny. Is it OK to make mistakes, or do you have to be perfect?
Do you play an instrument? Is there one you'd like to learn how to play? How important is perseverance when you're learning to be a musician?
What's your favorite picture in the book? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Lauren O'Hara
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Arts ( Concert ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Workshop
- Publication date : April 21, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : June 9, 2026
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