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What If Bunny’s NOT a Bully?
Not your typical bullying story.Gertie the elephant says everyone on the playground should stay away from Bunny because she’s super mean. But Kitty has How did Bunny become a bully? Was she born that way? Did she catch the bully flu? Wait, does that mean bullying is contagious? Could the other animals catch it? But … then no one would play would them either, and that doesn’t seem fair. Might Bunny be sorry? Should they give her a second chance?Flipping the focus turns ideas about bullies (and those who call them that!) on their heads.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2020
25 people want to read
About the author
Lana Button
24 books31 followersLana Button is an award-winning children's author of several picture books as well as a presenter and early childhood educator. The New York Times describes Lana's book TOUGH LIKE MUM (Tundra, 2021) as a "tender tale that imparts that asking for help shows toughness too." Kirkus says the book is "powerful in its vulnerability."
Lana's super fun read-aloud THE COW SAID BOO! (Pajama Press, 2021) is described by Kirkus as "an infectious seasonal read-aloud."
Her first book, WILLOW'S WHISPERS (Kids Can Press, 2010) was described by Kirkus as "A victory for any reader who struggles to be heard, even metaphorically"
Lana strives to support, inspire and entertain her young readers. The Globe and Mail said, "It's easy to forget that my kids think their problems are as massive as I think my own are. Button never does. To her enormous credit, she's written a book that speaks directly to their experience."
When Lana isn't writing for young children, she can often be found presenting messages of empathy, resilience and understanding to children through virtual and in-person author visits. She believes that now, more than ever, we can all use a little more story time!
Lana's super fun read-aloud THE COW SAID BOO! (Pajama Press, 2021) is described by Kirkus as "an infectious seasonal read-aloud."
Her first book, WILLOW'S WHISPERS (Kids Can Press, 2010) was described by Kirkus as "A victory for any reader who struggles to be heard, even metaphorically"
Lana strives to support, inspire and entertain her young readers. The Globe and Mail said, "It's easy to forget that my kids think their problems are as massive as I think my own are. Button never does. To her enormous credit, she's written a book that speaks directly to their experience."
When Lana isn't writing for young children, she can often be found presenting messages of empathy, resilience and understanding to children through virtual and in-person author visits. She believes that now, more than ever, we can all use a little more story time!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 2, 2019
This book has an important message, but one I thought could've been taken further.
An elephant tells all the other animals on the playground to stay away from Bunny because she's a bully. We don't know exactly what Bunny did to deserve this ostracizing, but the kids run with it. All the kids except for Kitty, that is. They wonder if Bunny's always been a bully and what makes her that way. Eventually, the kids all decide to give Bunny another chance and let her back into the group.
I think the issue I have with this is that the question in the title isn't satisfactorily addressed. From what I can tell, Bunny isn't actually a bully. It sounds more like she was just having an off day and said or did something that the other kids didn't like. That is not bullying. That's making a mistake. There's no indication that Bunny's words or actions were repetitive or sustained. Too many people today are quick to hurl accusations of bullying around whenever someone says something they don't like, even if it's only said once. Sorry, but that's not bullying. This book had the opportunity to clear up that misconception. Unfortunately, it didn't. The elephant harping on and on about Bunny being so terrible seemed more like bullying to me, given the fact that it was repetitive and there was a clear power imbalance (elephant versus bunny).
So this book, while attempting to deal with bullying and empathy, kind of missed the mark. The illustrations are cute, but the story that goes along with them is a bit weak in places. I would definitely sit down with a child and have a discussion about the themes here, if they're going to read the book; there's a lot of potential for misunderstanding what bullying actually is.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.
An elephant tells all the other animals on the playground to stay away from Bunny because she's a bully. We don't know exactly what Bunny did to deserve this ostracizing, but the kids run with it. All the kids except for Kitty, that is. They wonder if Bunny's always been a bully and what makes her that way. Eventually, the kids all decide to give Bunny another chance and let her back into the group.
I think the issue I have with this is that the question in the title isn't satisfactorily addressed. From what I can tell, Bunny isn't actually a bully. It sounds more like she was just having an off day and said or did something that the other kids didn't like. That is not bullying. That's making a mistake. There's no indication that Bunny's words or actions were repetitive or sustained. Too many people today are quick to hurl accusations of bullying around whenever someone says something they don't like, even if it's only said once. Sorry, but that's not bullying. This book had the opportunity to clear up that misconception. Unfortunately, it didn't. The elephant harping on and on about Bunny being so terrible seemed more like bullying to me, given the fact that it was repetitive and there was a clear power imbalance (elephant versus bunny).
So this book, while attempting to deal with bullying and empathy, kind of missed the mark. The illustrations are cute, but the story that goes along with them is a bit weak in places. I would definitely sit down with a child and have a discussion about the themes here, if they're going to read the book; there's a lot of potential for misunderstanding what bullying actually is.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.
April 10, 2020
This book is a beautiful story as everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone makes mistakes. That's what happened to Bunny.
I highly recommend it for children, send a beautiful message.
I highly recommend it for children, send a beautiful message.
December 19, 2019
Bunny was a bully,
Someone who was super mean,
So her old friends used to avoid her
Whenever she was seen.
But that made Kitty think
Just what had made Bunny mad
And wonder if they'd treat her like that
Made kind Kitty very sad.
It helps the friends to wonder
If bunny is really sorry and hates
The name calling being done
By folks who once were mates.
This story is delightful
With pictures that appeal
And a story that has a message
That's important to reveal.
It is an insightful rhyming story,
Making you think whilst being fun,
About how name calling and not playing
Is also mean and shouldn't be done
This story is great for children
With a message oh so true
And could be used by teachers
To help children know what to do.
A great story to get folk talking
And looking from different points of view
Helping them to understand
The impact of what we do.
I loved the colourful illustrations
That help the story, too
And have no hesitation in
Highly recommending this book to you!
I'd like to say thank you
To Kids Can Press for giving me
A copy of this book to read
Via NetGalley.
This review is my honest opinion
After choosing to read this book
And I hope it will encourage you
To go give it a look!
Someone who was super mean,
So her old friends used to avoid her
Whenever she was seen.
But that made Kitty think
Just what had made Bunny mad
And wonder if they'd treat her like that
Made kind Kitty very sad.
It helps the friends to wonder
If bunny is really sorry and hates
The name calling being done
By folks who once were mates.
This story is delightful
With pictures that appeal
And a story that has a message
That's important to reveal.
It is an insightful rhyming story,
Making you think whilst being fun,
About how name calling and not playing
Is also mean and shouldn't be done
This story is great for children
With a message oh so true
And could be used by teachers
To help children know what to do.
A great story to get folk talking
And looking from different points of view
Helping them to understand
The impact of what we do.
I loved the colourful illustrations
That help the story, too
And have no hesitation in
Highly recommending this book to you!
I'd like to say thank you
To Kids Can Press for giving me
A copy of this book to read
Via NetGalley.
This review is my honest opinion
After choosing to read this book
And I hope it will encourage you
To go give it a look!
January 22, 2020
This is a wonderful children's book about bullying. It is not the normal type of story though. When Gertie the Elephant tells everyone to stay away from Bunny because she is a bully, Kitty starts to wonder. Is Bunny really a bully? How did she become a bully? Is she sorry about what she did? I liked that this book talks about what bullying is and what it isn't. When someone does something that is bullying behaviour, does that mean they are a bully? What happens if they are sorry, but not given the chance to show it or redeem themselves? Does that make those who shun her also bullies? This is a great book to start discussions about these issues. The rhyming way the story is told produces an easy reading cadence. The illustrations are also well done and interesting. They can also start discussions as actions sometimes speak louder than words. The emotions shown on the faces add much to the story. I liked the ending of this one and certainly recommend this story to primary classrooms and families. The message that everyone makes mistakes, and that forgiveness and making things right is important. A book that needs to be in every school library. The publisher generously provided me a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
February 18, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from netgalley.
I loved this book! What an amazing story about bullies, empathy and second chances. The story itself is wonderful and the illustrations are adorable! I think this should be in every preschool and elementary school.
5 stars all day long
I loved this book! What an amazing story about bullies, empathy and second chances. The story itself is wonderful and the illustrations are adorable! I think this should be in every preschool and elementary school.
5 stars all day long
March 12, 2020
This is a great book on giving people second chances. So often people are labeled bullies when they just had an off day and handled things poorly. There are truly bullies but sometimes people just need a second chance to right their wrongs. This book teaches kids that it's not nice to shun people after a mistake and to offer another chance. I read this with my 7 and 4 year old daughters and they both loved the illustrations. My 7 year old struggled a bit with the story just because she's a black and white kind of kid and really needed this lesson. She's not a bully but can feel that other kids are based on their behavior, when really they aren't bullies, they just made a poor choice.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for our honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for our honest opinion.
December 19, 2019
This is a fantastic children's book, which could be used to discuss bullying. It's simple and easy to read making it accessible to all.
It's written in a lovely poetic form with short four line poems and beautiful illustrations. The book allows conversations to develop about what bullying is and what makes a bully - they surely haven't always been this way. After all, there's no 'Bully School' or 'Bully Fever' we could catch.
It has a fantastically sweet ending and show's that everyone can make mistakes, it's trying to make things right which is important. A moral I feel we could all use in today's world.
It's written in a lovely poetic form with short four line poems and beautiful illustrations. The book allows conversations to develop about what bullying is and what makes a bully - they surely haven't always been this way. After all, there's no 'Bully School' or 'Bully Fever' we could catch.
It has a fantastically sweet ending and show's that everyone can make mistakes, it's trying to make things right which is important. A moral I feel we could all use in today's world.
January 23, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This Is a lovely rhyming book about putting yourself in another's shoes and being emphatic towards others. It gives a good message about how sometimes we all make mistakes but that mistake doesnt define us and we all deserve a second chance.
This Is a lovely rhyming book about putting yourself in another's shoes and being emphatic towards others. It gives a good message about how sometimes we all make mistakes but that mistake doesnt define us and we all deserve a second chance.
February 14, 2020
This was a sweet quick read all about bullying, taking chances on each other and trying again.
The illustrations are super sweet the characters all look lovely and their varying vibrant colours will be sure to catch children's eyes and help children take in the story and it's lessons.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
The illustrations are super sweet the characters all look lovely and their varying vibrant colours will be sure to catch children's eyes and help children take in the story and it's lessons.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
November 19, 2019
Sympathetic story about bullying but also, and mostly, giving a second chance to someone. The overall book is okay but nothing really made it worth it, just too simple, but at the same time the message is good and important...
March 28, 2020
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~
This review will post on my site on March 29, 2020.
According to Gertie the elephant, Bunny had apparently always been a bully. Everyone goes along with Gertie and now the kids want nothing to do with Bunny until Kitty comes into the picture. She questions things such as what made Bunny a bully; she even wonders about Bunny when she is old: Will she still be a bully?
In some ways the story becomes a reverse bullying situation with the kids all ganging up on Bunny, until Kitty and her questions come in to play. Then the kids realize what they themselves are doing to Bunny.
This is a definitely an important picture book for young children (the book is aimed for ages 3-7) to help them understand the subjects of bullying, inclusion, understanding, empathy, and the ever important second chances. This ‘reverse bullying’ angle also shows children what it may be like to walk in another person’s shoes.
The illustrations definitely add to the story as they show the emotions the kids are all feeling. Small children who can’t read would definitely get the story from the pictures as the story is being read to them.
Many thanks to the publisher Kids Can Press for granting me a copy to read and review. It was a pleasure!
~~~~
This review will post on my site on March 29, 2020.
According to Gertie the elephant, Bunny had apparently always been a bully. Everyone goes along with Gertie and now the kids want nothing to do with Bunny until Kitty comes into the picture. She questions things such as what made Bunny a bully; she even wonders about Bunny when she is old: Will she still be a bully?
In some ways the story becomes a reverse bullying situation with the kids all ganging up on Bunny, until Kitty and her questions come in to play. Then the kids realize what they themselves are doing to Bunny.
This is a definitely an important picture book for young children (the book is aimed for ages 3-7) to help them understand the subjects of bullying, inclusion, understanding, empathy, and the ever important second chances. This ‘reverse bullying’ angle also shows children what it may be like to walk in another person’s shoes.
The illustrations definitely add to the story as they show the emotions the kids are all feeling. Small children who can’t read would definitely get the story from the pictures as the story is being read to them.
Many thanks to the publisher Kids Can Press for granting me a copy to read and review. It was a pleasure!
February 16, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
What If Bunny's NOT a Bully? is a picture book with sweetly rhyming text for the youngest readers. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Kids Can Press, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardback and ebook formats.
This book has a good message about inclusivity and giving people another chance as well as being aware that everyone can do things which they regret. The text by Lana Button is short and simple and scans well. The typeset is easy to read and the formatting gives a good and readable contrast. The illustrations, by Christine Battuz are done in an appealingly whimsical collage with hand drawn elements and include a surprising amount of detail which encourages a lingering look (or hunt and find side game when reading).
Four stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, read-to-me, or gift.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
What If Bunny's NOT a Bully? is a picture book with sweetly rhyming text for the youngest readers. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Kids Can Press, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardback and ebook formats.
This book has a good message about inclusivity and giving people another chance as well as being aware that everyone can do things which they regret. The text by Lana Button is short and simple and scans well. The typeset is easy to read and the formatting gives a good and readable contrast. The illustrations, by Christine Battuz are done in an appealingly whimsical collage with hand drawn elements and include a surprising amount of detail which encourages a lingering look (or hunt and find side game when reading).
Four stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, read-to-me, or gift.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 14, 2020
A story that teaches children that if someone does something mean; they should be given a chance to say they’re sorry before labeling them a bully.
Everyone is friends with Bunny until she was really mean one day. After that, they labeled her a bully and nobody would play with her. Then she was mean all the time.
The story examines how Bunny became a bully. Finally, the group wonders if Bunny could be sorry for being mean. They never give her a chance to apologize. Once they invited her to play again, she said she was sorry. She wasn’t considered a bully anymore.
This is a good story to teach kids that someone labeled a bully may have just made a mistake. Everyone gets angry and makes mistakes once in a while. We would all like to be given a second chance when we make a mistake. Everyone gets angry and reacts inappropriately sometimes.
Very cute illustrations that accompany rhyming statements. A very special book.
I received an ARC from KidsCanPress through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
Everyone is friends with Bunny until she was really mean one day. After that, they labeled her a bully and nobody would play with her. Then she was mean all the time.
The story examines how Bunny became a bully. Finally, the group wonders if Bunny could be sorry for being mean. They never give her a chance to apologize. Once they invited her to play again, she said she was sorry. She wasn’t considered a bully anymore.
This is a good story to teach kids that someone labeled a bully may have just made a mistake. Everyone gets angry and makes mistakes once in a while. We would all like to be given a second chance when we make a mistake. Everyone gets angry and reacts inappropriately sometimes.
Very cute illustrations that accompany rhyming statements. A very special book.
I received an ARC from KidsCanPress through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
December 11, 2019
This is a great story that shines a light on "bullying." Gertie the elephant persuades everyone on the playground to shun Bunny citing that she is really mean. All the animals agree to the Bunny boycott except Kitty.
Kitty starts pondering such ideas as: How did Bunny become a bully? Was she born that way? Did she catch the bully flu and is it contagious? Did she take a tumble and get a nasty lump? or Does she have an allergy that gave her bullybumps?... just to name a few. Kitty thinks that just perhaps Bunny may be sorry for her indiscretions and maybe giving her a second chance might be the right thing to do. Will Kitty persuade the other animals to join her as she reaches out to Bunny to include her in the playground games?
Written in cadenced rhyming text the storyline includes compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, fairness and friendship. The illustrations greatly enrich the text and the book is a wonderful choice to start conversations about bullying whether at home or in a classroom situation. I highly recommend this book.
Kitty starts pondering such ideas as: How did Bunny become a bully? Was she born that way? Did she catch the bully flu and is it contagious? Did she take a tumble and get a nasty lump? or Does she have an allergy that gave her bullybumps?... just to name a few. Kitty thinks that just perhaps Bunny may be sorry for her indiscretions and maybe giving her a second chance might be the right thing to do. Will Kitty persuade the other animals to join her as she reaches out to Bunny to include her in the playground games?
Written in cadenced rhyming text the storyline includes compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, fairness and friendship. The illustrations greatly enrich the text and the book is a wonderful choice to start conversations about bullying whether at home or in a classroom situation. I highly recommend this book.
June 20, 2020
What if Bunny’s Not a Bully? by Lana Button, illustrated by Christine Battuz. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2020. $18. 9781525300554
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
Bunny did something loud and angry and now Elephant is very vocal about not letting the bully Bunny play with them ever again. Kitty is not so sure - wondering if maybe they should give Bunny a second chance.
I think Button is trying to differentiate between someone who was angry once and now is disliked vs someone who is displaying constant bullying behavior. I think that difference will be lost on the books audience. It feels like another victim-shaming book. Should you forgive is someone apologizes? Yes. But there are also limits if someone doesn’t actually change their behavior.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
Bunny did something loud and angry and now Elephant is very vocal about not letting the bully Bunny play with them ever again. Kitty is not so sure - wondering if maybe they should give Bunny a second chance.
I think Button is trying to differentiate between someone who was angry once and now is disliked vs someone who is displaying constant bullying behavior. I think that difference will be lost on the books audience. It feels like another victim-shaming book. Should you forgive is someone apologizes? Yes. But there are also limits if someone doesn’t actually change their behavior.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
February 27, 2020
Lana Button enjoys an uncanny understanding of kindergarten/primary kids anxieties. Read all her Willow Books: Willow's Whispers, Willow Finds a Way and Willow's Smile--and read My Teacher's Not Here! You'll see what I mean.
What if Bunny's NOT a Bully strikes a new chord addressing not bullying so much as "herd" ghosting and shaming. Something adults can learn from especially if they trial and execute (through opinion) perceived offenders on the internet.
It only takes one kitty to stand up and challenge the guilt of the unfortunate bunny.
Different kinds of animals, large and small, populate the story adding a pictorial diversity. And Christine Battuz's illustrations are just plain irresistible. Lana's rhyming is always natural and on beat and perfect for young readers who will anticipate and memorize the words on their many repeat readings.
What if Bunny's NOT a Bully strikes a new chord addressing not bullying so much as "herd" ghosting and shaming. Something adults can learn from especially if they trial and execute (through opinion) perceived offenders on the internet.
It only takes one kitty to stand up and challenge the guilt of the unfortunate bunny.
Different kinds of animals, large and small, populate the story adding a pictorial diversity. And Christine Battuz's illustrations are just plain irresistible. Lana's rhyming is always natural and on beat and perfect for young readers who will anticipate and memorize the words on their many repeat readings.
March 26, 2020
What if Bunny's NOT a Bully? written by Lana Button and illustrated by Christine Battuz gives a very different view on the so called playground bully. I think there are many good story books which focus on how to handle a bully, but this one asks the simple question: :why is she a bully?'. The children then begin to question why Bunny is a bully and what if she just needed to be forgiven for her past mistakes. The children also take a look at their own actions of excluding Bunny from play. This is a perfect opportunity for teachers and parents to talk to their children about playtime, social skills, empathy, and forgiveness. The story is excellent and the illustrations are gorgeous. I think children will enjoy having this story read to them.
March 19, 2020
I really really enjoyed this story by Lana Button! What If Bunny's NOT a Bully? teaches a very important, and seldom discussed lesson. With a wonderful lyrical rhyming pattern that is fun to read aloud, kids are able to realize that sometimes bullies are just people that made a mistake, that it is important to give everyone a chance to make amends.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read this title in exchange for a honest review,
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read this title in exchange for a honest review,
April 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this thoughtful book about bullying. It has been written in an approachable way so that children can realize that bullying is not black and white but has many sides to it. The text shows how a child can think through the whole issue which is wonderful. It is written in rhyme and the illustrations really help tell the story.
March 10, 2020
This book has a great "aha" moment while kids are on a playground discussing how bunny was a bully and how people become bullies. It is told in rhyme so it will make a great read aloud. School counselors will want a copy of this.
August 24, 2023
There will always be a market for books about bullying. Especially good-and-useful books about bullying. But is this one of them?
Goodreader, do you believe that empathy, and even some gentle psychological probing, could change a bully? Then you'll adore this book. Theories galore are offered, such as:
Or did she [the bully] start out friendly,
a kid like you and me,
but ran into a bullybug
whose stinger makes you mean?
In honor of you Goodreaders who believe in this approach, since you (not I) are the intended audience for this book, I'll give it FOUR STARS.
WHY ONLY FOUR?
Because I consider this one of the worst written picture books I've ever seen.
Just take another look at the quote above, in italics.
Goodreader, do you believe that empathy, and even some gentle psychological probing, could change a bully? Then you'll adore this book. Theories galore are offered, such as:
Or did she [the bully] start out friendly,
a kid like you and me,
but ran into a bullybug
whose stinger makes you mean?
In honor of you Goodreaders who believe in this approach, since you (not I) are the intended audience for this book, I'll give it FOUR STARS.
WHY ONLY FOUR?
Because I consider this one of the worst written picture books I've ever seen.
Just take another look at the quote above, in italics.
Read
February 28, 202302/28/23 Little Learners story time - AZ
March 13, 2023
This started a great conversation with Maddie and Kait about what it means to be a bully.
April 13, 2023
Story 4.5
Illustrations 5
Really liked this one
Illustrations 5
Really liked this one
April 7, 2024
The elephant should have been called out for spreading misinformation and the execution of the story could have been more cleaner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
So many great lessons in this picture book. I liked the voice of reason and the acknowledgment that people make mistakes and friends need to forgive each other.
September 23, 2023
No one will play with Bunny on the playground, citing her to be a bully. Kitty asks, what if Bunny is sorry? The reader sees apologizing and forgiveness demonstrated. Nice illustrated.
March 3, 2020
It's a bit confusing because we never see Bunny act like a bully. One could interpret the word and behavior of the others as gaslighting the bunny into thinking she's a bully so they can manipulate her...
February 28, 2020
A compassionate, relatable story about empathy and forgiveness captured from a child's point of view.
March 7, 2020
Es una historia que nos muestra que antes de juzgar, debemos aprender a conocer a los demás y a tener en cuenta sus circunstancias. Que es importante aprender a perdonar y dar otra oportunidad a quien lo necesite, para que lo haga mejor la próxima vez.
Un libro muy especial
Reseña completa en: https://libroshappy.org/what-if-bunny...
Un libro muy especial
Reseña completa en: https://libroshappy.org/what-if-bunny...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews