National Rabbit Week

National Rabbit Week is celebrated from July 15-21 to pay tribute to the rabbit for being a great companion to humans as a house pet. Recognition should also be given to any rabbit that has done something special to help mankind (e.g. saved someone's life, visited patients at a hospital, etc). The public should be informed during this week on the proper care of rabbits and the problems with buying an "Easter" rabbit.
-The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009

Without further ado, here is some rabbit literature to share with the kiddos!

Arnosky, Jim.
Rabbits & Raindrops.
1997.
G.P. Putnam's Sons

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

It's the first day outside the nest for Mother rabbit's five babies, and all sorts of new creatures and adventures await them. But when a sudden rain shower sends the rabbits scurrying for shelter under the hedge, the other wild animals come to visit them! Jim Arnosky's graceful watercolors and simple text are sure to delight children experiencing nature's wonders for the first time.

This book would be most suitable for younger children, as the text and story line is simple... but a sweet bedtime or story time story it is! It shows just how protective and caring a mother is of her young! I would think this would make a nice gift for a new mom or baby!

Freedman, Claire.
Oops-a-Daisy!
2004.
Tiger Tales.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

As little Daisy Rabbit struggles to learn how to hop, her mother points out other baby animals having trouble with their lessons until Daisy realizes that everyone needs practice when trying something new.

Oooh, this could quickly be added to my list possible favorite children's books! It's an adorable tale... and one that's likely to have a huge impact on children who are frustrated and fed up with having trouble doing something they so desperately want to succeed at! It definitely shows two phrases I'm sure we all know so well, "Practice makes perfect," and "If at first you don't succeed, try... try again." This is 100% worth sharing with children... of any age!

Dunbar, Joyce.
The Spring Rabbit.
1994.
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Smudge is the only rabbit in the woods without a brother or sister. His mother tells him to wait for spring, but that is a long way off. In the fall, Smudge builds a leaf-and-twig brother, but he blows away. He builds a snow sister in the winter, but she melts. Will Smudge's wish for a sibling ever come true?

This book would be wonderful to share with only children who are antsy and pestering parents about a baby brother or sister! It would also make for a great read in the spring, as we notice many different events occurring that typically happen in the springtime. It would even serve well as a bedtime story - I know I would have loved it as a child!

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.

Hazel's Amazing Mother and More!

Born in New York City on January 29, 1943, Rosemary Wells celebrates her 66th Birthday today! Wells has authored and/or illustrated more than 60 books over the time span of 30 years. Her characters, most famous with many of us include Max and Ruby, Noisy Nora, and Yoko. As I'm sure many of us who have read Wells' books, her characters are mainly animals, rather than people - for several reasons, as she mentions on her website, one being that she draws animals better than people!

So, today, I honor the birthday of Rosemary Wells with reviews of three of her books!

Wells, Rosemary.
Shy Charles.
1988.
Dial Books for Young Readers.

Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction - Animal
Guided Reading Level: K

Review/Summary:

There's no other way of putting it - Charles is a shy mouse and his parents are very unhappy about this. They push him to play football and join ballet. Fed up with Charles' unwillingness to talk his parents decide they need a night out and call in a baby-sitter. When the babysitter arrives, Charles high-tails it upstairs to his room to play alone. However, he soon discovers that Mrs. Block, the babysitter, has fallen down the stairs in her attempts to join Charles. In his discovery, he acts quickly, bringing her a blanket and cocoa before braving use of the telephone to call for help! His parents are finally pleased that Charles has communicated and rescued Mrs. Block, but Charles sits back and barely reacts to the reaction of his parents.

I will be honest in saying that I was somewhat disturbed by this story - despite the fact that his parents are obviously concerned over Charles' lack of communication and involvement I don't believe that the right message is being sent to young children who may be in similar situations - his mother said she should spank him for not saying thank you, his father calls him a "jelly roll" and a "cowardly custard." Some children just take longer in overcoming their shyness... this story might put fear in the minds of shy children.

Wells, Rosemary.
Ruby's Beauty Shop.
2002.
Puffin Books.

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fiction - Animal
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

Unique is probably the best way to describe this book! I have a hard time how it could be brought into a classroom for educational purposes except perhaps as part of a Rosemary Wells author study, but children will probably love it none-the-less!

Max's sister Ruby and her friend Louise like to play beauty shop! Unfortunately for Max, his being outnumbered by the girls results in him being their first customer - eeks! Wigs, make-up and stick on nails for Max? Max eventually gets sick of being just the customer and decides to join in on playing beauty shop. Inside of Louise's beauty kit he finds Rock-around-the-Clock hair color (lizard green, sunflower yellow, ocean blue) and sets to work on himself. Another customer phone call comes in and Ruby and Louise are not able to answer because of wet fingernail polish and running mascara, so Max takes things into his own hands and Grandma becomes his very first customer! You can only imagine the makeover she has in store for her!

Wells, Rosemary.
Hazel's Amazing Mother.
1985.
Dial Books for Young Readers.

Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction - Animals
Guided Reading Level: K

Review/Summary:

Hazel's mother sends her with a nickel to get something special for their picnic. Hazel sets off in search of the perfect item but winds up getting lost and ends up in a park with a bunch of bullies who eventually ruin her doll, Eleanor and send Eleanor's stroller into the pond. Somehow, from the other side of town, Hazel's mother gets the feeling that Hazel really needs her. It just so happens that the blanket that was to be used for the picnic ends up acting as a parachute and parachutes her mother right to Hazel!

This is a sweet tale that gives children the sense that sometimes mothers do really have a sixth sense that allows them to feel their children's pain in times of need!
Lesson Plans/Book Activities:

• The World of Rosemary Wells
• The World of Rosemary Wells Literature Guide
• A Video Interview with Rosemary Wells
• Rosemary Wells Author Study