If You Like Peter Rabbit…
Booklist: Bunny Books for Shared Reading with Children
When I first heard of the 2018 live action movie of Peter Rabbit, I must admit to being worried, because I adore Beatrix Potter’s detailed and delightful watercolor illustrations. Peter Rabbit, himself is also an irrepressible trickster with that balance of naughty and nice that makes him so lovable. Of course, ending one’s adventures or rather misadventures with a soothing cup of chamomile tea is a perfect precedent to continue. Whatever your thoughts on the movie, take time to read the original inspiration as well as some of Miss Potter’s other works.
For more about the author/illustrator Beatrix Potter see the 2006 PG movie Miss Potter https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/miss-potter
Before Shared Reading: Establish a Reading Routine
A reading routine can be soothing for children and help them focus on the story. Examples of routines include time and place of shared reading – before bedtime and in bed or a comfy chair. Include in your routine a way to introduce the book which includes highlighting the title, author, illustrator, and some story clues (blurbs from the back or dust cover flaps of books). This routine will help your child by building anticipation as well as listening skills.
During Shared Reading
Make the reading relevant to your child, by pointing specific character traits and behaviors. The lead characters in this booklist are all rabbits that act like people in both positive and negative ways. In folklore, rabbits often take on the role of the trickster, a clever character who can circumvent typical behaviors for their own positive outcome, for example, Uncle Remus’ Brer Rabbit or even Bugs Bunny. While reading, highlight naughty or nice behaviors that fits the rabbit in the story into the trickster role.
After Shared Reading
Children often enjoy characters that they can relate to, even if they are being naughty, such as Mo Willem’s Pigeon who whines and wheedles in order to get his way. Talk about what your child likes or doesn’t like about the behaviors of the rabbit character. Are they relevant to your child? Is the rabbit a good or bad model of behavior? Would they want to be friends with a person or character with similar behaviors.
Depending on the dialog and action, use homemade (finger, stick, or sock) puppets or even stuffed plush toys to dramatize favorite scenes from the books. Reenacting the story plot helps build reading comprehension skills.
If You Like Peter Rabbit…
Booklist: Bunny Books for Shared Reading with Children
White Rabbit’s Color Book
Words and Pictures by Alan Baker
Board Books Infants and Toddlers
White rabbit experiments with the paint pots and has a colorful adventure. If you find a paperback or hardback edition read that edition as the detailed full page spreads are easier to view. Also see by the same author/illustrator, Black and White Rabbit’s ABC
Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present
Words by Charlotte Zolotow
Pictures by Maurice Sendak
Caldecott Honor Book
Mr Rabbit helps a little girl find a present for her mother who loves colorful things.
If You Plant a Seed
Words and Pictures by Kadir Nelson
Picture Book Ages 4 – 8
Rabbit and mouse plant a garden and wait patiently for harvest, however, when it’s time to gather their carrots and cabbages unexpected visitors arrive. Gorgeous paintings by an award winner illustrator paired with a lovely story about friendship and cooperation.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
Words and Pictures by Mo Willems
Picture Books Ages 2 – 6
Knuffle Bunny Caldecott Medal
The adventures of Trixie and her cuddle buddy, Knuffle Bunny, from toddlerhood through preschool years will delight your family. Include The Velveteen Rabbit, words by Margery Williams and pictures by William Nicholson, during a reading session to extend the theme of rabbit shaped toy friends.
Bunny Cakes
Words and Pictures by Rosemary Wells
Picture Book Ages 2- 6 Part of the Max and Ruby series
Max wants to make grandma a cake with worms, but bossy Ruby wants to make an angel cake with icing. Which sibling will be in charge of the baking in the kitchen?
The Little Rabbit Who Lost Her Hop
Words and Pictures by Jedda Robaard
Board Book Ages 2 – 4
On the way to a party, little rabbit loses her hop – how will she get to her family’s celebration? Let children lift the flaps to see how she will get to the party on time.
Watership Down
Richard Addams
Fiction Fantasy
The classic tale of rabbits in search of a new home due to building on their former field. This would also be a good audiobook to listen to on a road trip. You might want to introduce younger children to the plot by viewing the animated adaptation from 1978, for more on the movie, see https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/watership-down
The Tale of Hill Top Farm
Susan Wittig Albert
First in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series
Fiction Cozy Mystery/Fantasy
Including real people and locations, this cozy mystery series brings a lighthearted look at the complexity of village life including the point of view and side stories of the animal inhabitants. Grown-up fiction which is approachable for older elementary and middle school readers.
So, what do you think? Peter Rabbit — movie or book? Share your thoughts below.