The First Easter Rabbit
By Joly Herman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fluffy story about Easter's mascot good for young kids.

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What's the Story?
Ever wonder how the Easter bunny came to be such a busy guy? According to this cartoon, the Easter bunny started out as a stuffed animal that a little girl named Glenda got for Christmas. But when Glenda comes down with scarlet fever, her mother is forced to burn all of her bed linens, clothing, and even her favorite toy rabbit, Stuffy. Lucky for Stuffy, a fairy named Calliope decides to turn him into a real rabbit. She tells him that he has to get the Golden Easter Lily in order to save springtime from a bad guy named Zero, who wants to keep spring from springing. In order to save Easter, Stuffy enlists the help of some friends. Eggs are dyed, parades ensue, and Easter is saved.
Is It Any Good?
A little dated with Rankin Bass animation (think Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), but still a classic, THE FIRST EASTER RABBIT has some sweet musical numbers that young kids will enjoy. Parents might like the harmless trip down memory lane, when Easter was all about dying eggs and frolicking in the grass. Simple, quirky, fluffy -- there's nothing offensive or substantive about this classic holiday cartoon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how different religions and cultures celebrate the coming of spring. This cartoon is a non-religious story about Easter. Can you name two other religious or cultural holidays that occur right around Easter time?
The Easter Bunny likes to make chocolate chicks for his friends and give out lots of candy. For those who celebrate the holiday, are there other types of food you could enjoy on Easter?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 16, 2010
- Cast: Burl Ives, Robert Morse, Stan Freeberg
- Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Run time: 24 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
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