  | Chubby bunny Author: Murphy, Julie | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Bunny comes from a long line of Barbaras that started with her mother and grandmother. She loves putting her hair up in "bun buns," playing with her rabbit Ralph, and eating marshmallows. But when she participates in a marshmallow eating contest at field day called "Chubby Bunny," her classmates start teasing her--and suddenly her name doesn't feel so special anymore. Bunny is determined to change the narrative, and, with a little help from another Barbara, she finds the sweetest solution.
| Illustrator: | Searle, Sarah Winifred |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (-) (09/01/23)
School Library Journal (10/27/23)
Booklist (+) (12/01/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 08/08/2023 *Starred Review* Barbara “Bunny” Links embraces her nickname in every aspect of life. She adores her pet rabbit, fashions her hair into two bunny buns atop her head, and even sports bunny-themed red boots. She can’t wait to take part in her favorite game, Chubby Bunny, at her school’s field day. Bunny and her classmates compete to stuff as many marshmallows into their mouths as they can while attempting to enunciate “chubby bunny, but a silly moment turns sour when the audience starts chanting the name in reference to Bunny's larger size. A dismayed but resourceful Bunny plots to distract her classmates in a variety of ways, leading to more trouble, and the nickname doesn't budge. After she swears off marshmallows and bunny buns, her sympathetic grandmother reminds Bunny that the word chubby is simply a descriptor. Reassured, Bunny determines that “the only bad thing about being chubby was when other people were mean about it” and marches to school and reclaims her beloved nickname with gusto. Adorable Bunny is an exuberant and inventive protagonist, approaching life with zeal and creativity. The supportive familial relationships are a joy, and happily, Bunny is given the agency to reclaim her name and confidence on her own terms. Searle’s darling cartoonish illustrations radiate emotion and energy and delight in diverse bodies. Murphy’s welcome first foray into picture books is an exceptionally friendly and frank fat-positive contribution.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: This debut picture book from #1 New York Times best-seller Murphy, the body positivity queen, is sure to draw interest. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 10/27/2023 PreS-Gr 2—Murphy (Dumplin') makes a body-positive debut into the land of picture books with this this sweet story about loving yourself for who you are! Sweet Bunny Buns Barbara becomes the brunt of teasing when she participates in a marshmallow-eating contest and does entirely too well. Murphy captures the joyful essence of the young in Bunny and just as aptly the callous teasing of her classmates as they coin the taunt "Chubby Bunny" as a nickname. Bunny's confidence is wounded by the negative connotation in the teasing of classmates, and she tries a variety of quirky endearing antics to distract from the moniker. A little grandmotherly encouragement in crafting Chubby Bunny as a neutral phrase, not a judgement, pushes Bunny to work through accepting and being confidently happy with who she is. Adorable, inclusive illustrations will draw many young readers in as they identify with one or more of the characters gracing the pages of this smart, fun, empowering story. VERDICT A delightful book that is more than a school story, it takes on body positivity, childhood confidence, and SEL issues, making it a valued addition to any collection.—Kelly Moore - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
