Bunnies in a Rocket by Philip Ardagh

BUNNIES IN A ROCKET

A Sunny Town Bunnies Tale

by Philip Ardagh

Illustrated by Ben Mantle

Candlewick

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 4th!!!

Climb aboard for a zany, out-of-this-world ride from the team who brought us Bunnies on a Bus, Bunnies in a Boat, and Bunnies in a Sleigh.

They have traveled in a bus, in a boat, on Santa's sleigh and now, in their most epic adventure of all, the Sunny Town Bunnies are going to the moon! They've snuck their way onto a rocket ready to launch, and in no time at all they are streaking across the sky, through the atmosphere, and into outer space. What happens when they reach the moon? And how will they ever get back home again? It’s one small step for a human but one giant leap for Bunnykind in this fantastic cosmic adventure brimming over goofy, lively fun.

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Everywhere these bunnies go, fun and giggles are sure to follow.

The bunnies are underway again, and it just so happens to be the same day that the panda-astronauts are launching into space. Excitement runs high as the pandas head to the rocket, give their interviews, and board...well, almost board the rocket. The bunnies have arrived and beat the pandas to the ladder and rocket's hatch. Before anyone realizes what's happening, the bunnies press the launch button, and it's off to space they go. With these bunnies, that means chaos and adventure pure with a big dose of silliness, too.

These bunch of bunnies always put a smile on the face, and this latest adventure isn't any different. It's the artwork which carries this read with tons of details to make gazing at each scene a delight. The bunnies are hyper-active, curious, adventurous, and full of ideas. This causes all sorts of activity with quite a bit to explore. While the bunnies handle everything with over-active-enthusiasm, this latest adventure takes a little scifi twist with adorable fantasy, and this invites to a little dreaming and imagination. 

The text is kept short and lets the adventure flow forwards at a nice pace. It's written in rhyme, which flows better some times than others. It fits the age group and creates a nice read-aloud, but listeners will be captivated more by the illustrations than story. After all, that's where the humor and action is.

It's another fun book for patient and reluctant listeners alike.

Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

 Today's read should hold tons of energy, chaos, and silliness. In other words, I'm really looking forward to diving into this one. So, without further babbling, let's join in on this adventure.

BUNNIES ON THE BUX

by Philip Ardagh

Illustrated by Ben Mantle

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

A romping, riotous read-aloud from best-selling author Philip Ardagh and award-winning illustrator Ben Mantle.

Bunnies on the bus!
Bunnies on the bus!
No wonder there’s a fuss
about the bunnies on the bus!

There are bunnies on the bus, and they’re causing mayhem in Sunny Town! Watch as they whiz past the bus stop, fly by the swings, and zoom over the crosswalk — these bunnies aren’t stopping for anyone. They finally reach the station, but where are they hopping off to now? Uh-oh . . . Acclaimed author Philip Ardagh’s rhyming, high-energy text and “Bunnies on the bus!” refrain is ideal for library or classroom read-alouds, and Ben Mantle’s colorful illustrations are chock-full of zany details perfect for repeat reads.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Chaos and silliness hit with adorable bunnies and tons of energy.

The streets of Sunny Town are definitely not safe, not when the bunnies are on the bus. Each one is a ball of energy, and there are quite a few of them on the journey to the train. The bus zips down the road, swerving, speeding, and causing all sorts of trouble and near mishaps. When the bus finally stops and the bunnies get off, the town can release a sigh of relief. But that was only the first leg of the journey. Next, comes the train, and no one knows what chaos will ensue now.

This is a book with the sole purpose to bring giggles and create smiles. These bunnies are very excited and can't sit still. But they aren't mean in any way. It's the bus driver, racing through the streets and creating all sorts of near misses, which is causing the biggest issue. It's hard not to gasp and giggle with wide eyes at every turn of the page. 

The rhyme flows almost like a children's song, making it a lovely read-aloud, which with a few readings, will have young listeners joining in themselves. The illustrations are what creates the silliness, though. These hold many details, which invites readers to flip through them and search every scene again and again.

And here they are...

Philip Ardagh is a prolific writer who has been published in forty languages. His titles include the best-selling Eddie Dickens trilogy; High in the Clouds, cowritten with Paul McCartney and Geoff Dunbar; and Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He lives in Kent, England.

Ben Mantle worked in animation, including on Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, before turning to children’s illustration. The illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman and many other picture books, he is also the author-illustrator of the Dinostars series as well as The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! Ben Mantle lives in Brighton, England.