  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 02/01/2019 PreS-Gr 2—Who has ever been afraid of a cute little bunny? In this literary picture book twist, readers find that even a tiger can be afraid of something small and fluffy. Tiger, one of the most feared creatures of the forest, comes across a group of woodland creatures reading poetry. He steps in to correct the version of William Blake's "The Tyger" being read. Tiger is proud of being the star of the poem but the woodland creatures have replaced the word tiger with bunnies instead. Tiger, of course, thinks this is absolutely ridiculous. "What is a bunny going to do, hop on my head?" he asks the woodland creatures. The woodland creatures keep trying to warn Tiger that he must hide and be afraid. Tiger continues to make light of the feared bunnies suggesting that he should go protect a vegetable garden. Suddenly, the woodland creatures begin to scamper off and hide as they hear the feared bunnies coming. Tiger continues to protest until a bunny shows up. Tiger still does not run and hide but as the whole band of bunnies arrive he realizes he should have taken the woodland creatures advice seriously. Tiger takes off with bunnies hot on his tail. Blake's poem is appended for readers and teacher alike to reference. The illustrations are colorful and very appealing to young listeners. VERDICT An enjoyable read-aloud about a fierce creature finding his own weakness that deserves a place on most picture book shelves.—Erin Olsen, The Brearley School, NY - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/01/2019 Doing a famous poem no justice whatsoever but (counterintuitively) mining it for an amusing twist, this episode opens with a hedgehog reading to a circle of enthralled forest animals: “Bunnies, bunnies, burning bright, in the forests of the night—.” “Excuse me,” says a tiger, stepping out of the bushes, “that’s NOT how it goes.” Ignoring the other animals’ assertions that in that forest it is, the tiger continues to scoff at the notion that bunnies could be dangerous. . .until one hops into view, then more, in a thundering herd that sends the startled cat scurrying. Burris likewise goes for cute, with cartoon illustrations featuring a domesticated-looking tiger that resembles Hobbes of “Calvin & Hobbes” fame, and goggle-wearing but otherwise normal, not exactly dangerous-looking bunnies. Readers who enjoy Alan Durant’s Big Bad Bunny and like tales of lagomorphic role-reversal will get a chuckle from the boasting tiger’s discomfiture—and as the full poem, with its original spelling of “Tyger,” closes out the episode, at least some exposure to the thrilling fierceness of Blake’s language and imagery. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. Loading...
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