Module 1 - The Runaway Bunny

Summary

A baby bunny wants to get away from his mother.  His mother reassures him that wherever he goes she will be following him there.  He provides many ways in which he plans on getting away from her.  With each new idea his mother explains how he will stay with him.  When he says he will become a bird and fly away from his mother.  Her reply is that should that occur she will become a tree so that he can fly home to her.  This banter continues as the young bunny provides many different ways in which he could change and get away from his mother.  This continues until the bunny realizes that no matter what happens his mother will find him so he should just stay home with his mother.

Personal Impressions

It is virtually impossible for a parent to not feel a connection to this book.  The thought of a parent doing whatever it take to be with their child is a priority to any good parent.  The combination of black and white and colorful illustrations is both interesting and unique.  

Reviews

Bethany Miller Cole (Children's Literature)

Many children may wonder what it would be like to strike out on their own, but seldom imagine it as beautifully as the little bunny in this classic tale. The little bunny dreams of becoming a fish, a bird and even a “crocus in a hidden garden.” With each new incarnation the bunny imagines, his mother promises to become a fisherman, a tree and a gardener so that she may still watch over, guide and protect her little bunny. Realizing that his mother’s love is unwavering, the little bunny concedes defeat and decides he would be wise to stay home and just be himself. This picture book edition of the beautiful fable is perfect for even the smallest listener. Clement Hurd’s black and white and colorful, dream-like illustrations grace spreads throughout the book, bringing to life perfectly the imagination of the young and the depth of love a parent has for a child. Children and the adults who love them will treasure this story. 2005 (orig. 1942), HarperFestival/HarperCollins, $16.99 and $17.89. Ages 6 mo. to 5.

     Sarah Meitzler (Kutztown University Book Review, Fall 2005)

A little bunny tells his mother he wants to run away and the mother always finds a way to be with the bunny. If the bunny decides to be a fish, the mother would be a fisherman, or if  the bunny was a rock the mother was a rock climber. The little bunny realized it didn’t matter what he was, the mother would care and love him and find him every time. The illustrations are done in watercolor by Clement Hurd who is known for his illustrations of Brown’s Goodnight Moon. The same cute rabbits are depicted. The  book was reprinted from the 1942 edition. This book is a classic and should be in any children’s library along with Brown’s other books. Mothers could read this as a bedtime book to children to assure them of their love. Category: . 2005, HarperCollins, $17.89. Ages 3 to 5.

Elementary Library Uses

This would be a great book to read to PreKindergarten or Kindergarten students at the beginning of the year.  It would e a fantastic way to remind the worried or tearful ones that their parents will be there for them after a long day away from them.  

Bibliographic Citation

Brown, M. (1977). The runaway bunny. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.