Common Sense Media Review
By Jan Carr
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hilarious, boy-friendly action story for beginning readers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
There are two stories here. The underlying one about a bunny having a birthday is the earnest sort enjoyed by readers in the 1950s; will Bunny's woodland friends remember his special day? Also, cleverly, the art is reminiscent of that era. But that story has been altered by a boy who's more interested in battles than birthdays. That boy is Alex, the fictional owner of the book. Under Alex's subversive pencil, \"Birthday Bunny\" becomes \"Battle Bunny,\" unleashing his dastardly plan. His \"Birthday\" becomes \"Doomsday,\" and the birthday hats morph into mind-control helmets. Who'll save the day? Alex will, of course, by inserting himself into the action with text and stick-figure art, taking on Battle Bunny and all the zombies he commands. There's even a cameo from an unmistakable President Obama, who gives a presidential order for Alex to step in.
Is It Any Good?
The word brilliant comes to mind. Who are the twisted masterminds who came up with this idea? Mac Barnett is the author-illustrator of the zany Count the Monkeys, and author Jon Scieszka founded Guys Read, a Web-based literacy program to get boys, who are too often reluctant readers, to enjoy books.
There's lots of cartoony violence here -- these woodland creatures are heavily armed. Younger kids may be overwhelmed by it all, or maybe only mystified, and sensitive kids might be turned off by the violence and tough-talking confrontation. But kids who jump into superhero stories and action-adventure will eat it up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about cartoon violence. How is it different from violence in the real world or on TV and in movies? What are some more effective ways for kids to solve problems and resolve differences?
Battle Bunny is a perfect book for male bonding. Dads or other male caregivers sharing the book with their boys can teach them their repertoires of explosive sounds.
Battle Bunny is tailor-made for inspiring kids' own storytelling and writing. Grab a piece of paper and draw your own superhero story -- telling it straight or in comics panels.
Book Details
- Authors: Jon Scieszka , Mac Barnett
- Illustrator: Matthew Myers
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes , Adventures
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication date: October 22, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 5 - 9
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate