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243rd out of 2,250 books
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3,511 voters
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes
The country bunny is a lady, and she attains the exalted position of Easter Bunny in spite of her responsibilities as the mother of twenty-one children. That the story ends with success and a reward is, of course, as every child would wish.
Like so many other classic stories for children, this one grew from being told and retold to a child for many years. That is why Mr. He...more
Like so many other classic stories for children, this one grew from being told and retold to a child for many years. That is why Mr. He...more
Hardcover, 46 pages
Published
1967
by Houghton Mifflin Company
(first published September 9th 1939)
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This seems like sort of an old-fashioned book at first glance, definitely from before the mid-century explosion of children's picture books. But reading it again as an adult, I see how revolutionary it really is. The Country Bunny is told she can never be an Easter Bunny for a variety of reasons: [a] she is brown [b] she is rustic [c] she is a girl bunny [d] she is a mother. Although we are talking about bunnies here, undercurrents of race, class, and gender run through this book like freight tr...more
I'm a little early for Easter, but I couldn't resist when I saw that it was illustrated by the amazing Marjorie Flack (The Story of Ping).
In this story Cottontail is a plain brown country bunny who put aside her childhood dreams of becoming one of the five exalted Easter Bunnies to raise her own family. What follows is a strikingly feminist tale when you consider that it was written in 1939. Cottontail is marginalized by the other bunnies because her gender and even the color of her fur.
The sto...more
In this story Cottontail is a plain brown country bunny who put aside her childhood dreams of becoming one of the five exalted Easter Bunnies to raise her own family. What follows is a strikingly feminist tale when you consider that it was written in 1939. Cottontail is marginalized by the other bunnies because her gender and even the color of her fur.
The sto...more
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I had completely forgotten about this until Andrew McDonald mentioned it tonight, but it was one of the most cherished books of my childhood.
I loved how resourceful the mother bunny was, and how she raised her children to find their talents and contribute to the family and household. And I loved the idea of a bunny society. I was really into anthropomorphic woodland creatures as a kid – what can I say? Beatrix Potter got me early. And now I remember how lovely the eggs were in Marjorie Flack's b...more
I loved how resourceful the mother bunny was, and how she raised her children to find their talents and contribute to the family and household. And I loved the idea of a bunny society. I was really into anthropomorphic woodland creatures as a kid – what can I say? Beatrix Potter got me early. And now I remember how lovely the eggs were in Marjorie Flack's b...more
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I read this children's book many years ago, and although the plot confused me as a child I liked the book--you can't go wrong with bunnies!
Then, as an adult, I read it again.
The story FLOORED me.
As a mom of three very young, very active children (one of them special needs) I was slowly but surely disappearing. My "me" was lost, and I sorely missed it. Although I loved my kiddos and being a mother...had I missed my chance to be something? (Here we could go into the debate of how motherhood is th...more
Then, as an adult, I read it again.
The story FLOORED me.
As a mom of three very young, very active children (one of them special needs) I was slowly but surely disappearing. My "me" was lost, and I sorely missed it. Although I loved my kiddos and being a mother...had I missed my chance to be something? (Here we could go into the debate of how motherhood is th...more
Without a doubt this is one of my favorite books to read to children. DuBose Heyward is famous for many books but this is the only children's book he ever wrote. He made up the story at the request of his daughter and eventually had it published. The tale is set at Easter and the grandfather bunny is too tired and old to continue so a competition is held to select the new Easter Bunny. The Country Bunny has 21 little bunny children whom she has taught various household skills such as washing dis...more
This is one of my favorite books from childhood. I already started a tradition of reading this at Easter with my kids. (yeah yeah, I know, Easter isn't about bunnies)
It's the story of a little country bunny who wants to grow up to be an Easter Bunny. All the other bunnies laugh at her dream. She grows up to be the mother of 21 babies and is laughed at even more. Long story short, her mothering skills show that not only is she wise, kind, swift, clever and brave....exactly what is needed to be on...more
It's the story of a little country bunny who wants to grow up to be an Easter Bunny. All the other bunnies laugh at her dream. She grows up to be the mother of 21 babies and is laughed at even more. Long story short, her mothering skills show that not only is she wise, kind, swift, clever and brave....exactly what is needed to be on...more
I first heard of this old book (1939) through Anita Silvey's Book A Day Almanac online. She gave it high praise, so the next time I was in the public library I checked it out.
The little girl country bunny dreams of growing up to be one of the Five Easter Bunnies who deliver eggs all over the world. The rich, finely dressed rabbits and the fast jack rabbits laugh at her dream.
When she grows up, she has 21 baby bunnies and they become the focus of her life. Soon, though, they are old enough to t...more
The little girl country bunny dreams of growing up to be one of the Five Easter Bunnies who deliver eggs all over the world. The rich, finely dressed rabbits and the fast jack rabbits laugh at her dream.
When she grows up, she has 21 baby bunnies and they become the focus of her life. Soon, though, they are old enough to t...more
Just bought this book for my daughter. This was one of my favorite books to read as a child. The story and the pictures are priceless and invite the imagination to wander. I highly recommend buying this as a bedtime story for your kids, they will love it. I recently read it in my daughter's class (they have a parent come in a read the child's favorite book for their birthday in lieu of treats or cupcakes) and my daughter was VERY worried that the boys wouldn't think it was cool. The boys actuall...more
I just re-read this classic, which was first copyrighted in 1939. Wow, how things have changed!
In today's market, this would've been considered too long and unfocused. Plus, I found that it had elements of sexism, subtle racism, and abuses of the child labor laws. Ha!
In the end, the problem was solved by the hand-of-God rather than the main character solving it for herself. If I had received this for critique, the poor author would've been chastised beyond belief.
But, the art is wonderful and co...more
In today's market, this would've been considered too long and unfocused. Plus, I found that it had elements of sexism, subtle racism, and abuses of the child labor laws. Ha!
In the end, the problem was solved by the hand-of-God rather than the main character solving it for herself. If I had received this for critique, the poor author would've been chastised beyond belief.
But, the art is wonderful and co...more
I had heard wonderful things about this book, but it didn't do much for me. I expected more. It does have sweet illustrations.
It is about the selection of one of the five Easter bunnies, so there is definitely and Easter theme going on.
Editted: I read the other reviews and I guess there is a feminist theme. It is not something I really caught as I was reading it as a bedtime story and sort of falling asleep at the same time. I am sort of jealous that she has her kids doing all the housework. I...more
It is about the selection of one of the five Easter bunnies, so there is definitely and Easter theme going on.
Editted: I read the other reviews and I guess there is a feminist theme. It is not something I really caught as I was reading it as a bedtime story and sort of falling asleep at the same time. I am sort of jealous that she has her kids doing all the housework. I...more
The tale of a beleagured mama rabbit with 21 little bunnies to care for takes on a new adventure: Easter Bunny. After assigning her babies household chores, she hops off to be the fifth Easter Bunny. She thought caring for all of her furry ones was hard, but delivering baskets worldwide is a real challenge. When the Easter Grandfather assigns her with the hardest task of all, she is able to fulfill it and save the hopes of a sick child far, far away with the help of her special shoes.
Very much...more
Very much...more
Logan just loves this story and how can I not love a 1930's book that pits a little brown mama bunny against a bunch of arrogant male rabbits and ends with the mama bunny besting them all!? Way ahead of its time. It was not uncommon then to read of young, single women or girls doing tomboyish things, like Nancy Drew. But I don't recall anything where a busy mother manages to still get and hold down a demanding job. Very sweet pictures and an unusual take on the Easter Bunny myth. I never mind re...more
This is a very strange story about a determined little country bunny who manages to run a perfect household (mainly by using her excellent delegating skills), raise her 21 children to be well-behaved and accomplished, all while enjoying a great career as an Easter Bunny, delivering eggs to the boys and girls of the world.
We all wonder if it is truly possible to balance motherhood and career, and give equal weight to each. This bunny has done it and done it to perfection. And maybe when Zeke is...more
We all wonder if it is truly possible to balance motherhood and career, and give equal weight to each. This bunny has done it and done it to perfection. And maybe when Zeke is...more
The only thing better than reading Country Bunny and loving it as a child is sharing it with your own child. Little country bunny is laughed at by everyone when she says she would one day like to be one of the five Easter bunnies that take eggs to children all over the world. She grows up, has a family, and settles with never realizing her dream until one of the bunnies retires and she is given her big chance. Her kindness, wisdom, and bravery help her achieve her dream.
One of my favorite children's classics, an easter book. I am really drawn to the illustrations for some reason. The story is not remarkable but I have loved it since I was a kid, probably due to NOT being a kid who celebrated easter! While reading reviews on here, I notice some people say it adresses issues of race and class, which I have never thought about, but now that I am re reading it with that in mind, I certainly see what they are talking about.
The best children's book ever written? Or the VERY BEST children's book ever written? The Country Bunny is a feminist icon. She trains her children to take care of the house with the precision of freaking Swiss watch so she can go out and fulfill her dreams. If only human children were so trainable; in my experience they do a terrible job vacuuming the stairs and then whine when called on it.
I love this book so much I somehow acquired three copies of it.
I love this book so much I somehow acquired three copies of it.
"And by and by she had a husband and then one day, much to her surprise there were twenty-one Cottontail babies to take care of.
Then the big white rabbits and the Jacks with long legs laughed and laughed, and they said, 'What did we tell you! Only a country rabbit would go and have all those babies. Now take care of them and leave Easter eggs to great big men bunnies like us.' And they went away liking themselves very much."
Go get em, Cottontail!
Then the big white rabbits and the Jacks with long legs laughed and laughed, and they said, 'What did we tell you! Only a country rabbit would go and have all those babies. Now take care of them and leave Easter eggs to great big men bunnies like us.' And they went away liking themselves very much."
Go get em, Cottontail!
Sweet and subtly feminist. This book is about a single momma rabbit who wants to be one of the select few who deliver eggs on easter morning. None of the aloof white male rabbits think she is strong enough, and they tease her a bit about who will take care of her children while she's away. But the wise old patriarch rabbit chooses her to be an Easter bunny. Charming and beautifully illustrated.
Thanks Mom! I love this book years later.
Thanks Mom! I love this book years later.
This is one of my most favorite books from childhood. I love everything about it. As I child, it was just a fun story with pretty pictures. If you re-read it as an adult, you realize how revolutionary for its time it was. Nice to know there were open-minded Southern white men back in the 1920s.
Author DuBose Heyward also wrote the novel "Porgy", which was turned into the play/opera "Porgy and Bess", another all-time favorite of mine.
Author DuBose Heyward also wrote the novel "Porgy", which was turned into the play/opera "Porgy and Bess", another all-time favorite of mine.
One of my most favorite childrens books ever! I have found ever more reasons to love it as I continue to read it every year around Easter time. An allegory which celebrates individualism, talents,cooperation, equality, compassion, sacrifice and mercy. And the illustrations are deliciously colorful in their vintage way. Thanks mom! I really do cry every time I read it. I see the Savior in the Grandfather Bunny<3.
I read this book many years ago and put it back on the shelves. Cleaning this summer I found it again and re-read it. I had forgotten how much I loved this book. It's a nice little book to read to children about bunnies, Easter, and delivering Easter baskets. Reading a little deeper it's a wonderful story of a mother bunny trying to be the Easter bunny-when most of the males thinks she can't do it, but she does. Nice story.
A great secular Easter book. It introduces kids to the tradition of the Easter bunny (in slight variation from the most common tradition) along with emphasizing the value of kindness and wisdom. Well written as well, with cute pictures. Absolutely no religious elements whatsoever, but I enjoy passing on both the secular and religious traditions of Christian holidays to my children, so I don't mind that.
I read this book with my mom when I was little for Easter, maybe that is why I like it so much. It is about a mom bunny that wants to deliver easter eggs on Easter but decides to have a family and raise baby bunnies instead. Years later she decides that her bunnies are ready to care for the house herself and goes to fulfill her dream and deliver Easter eggs. So cute! A great read for Easter!
Re-reading this Easter classic to my daughter, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it beyond the substantial nostalgia value. Charming illustrations, interesting characters, an exciting adventure up the mountain, and a little bit of magic. As a sidenote, it is very affirming of the value of stay at home moms and their ability to translate their skills to the workplace.
We picked this out for an Easter read. It's an old story, but one that I do not remember from my childhood, so I enjoyed discovering it for the first time, too. It's a tribute to Moms, especially those with a lot of children. I liked the message that anyone can aspire to greatness, despite humble beginnings or divergent paths.
Dec 28, 2010
Danielle
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
exceptional-kids-books
Why would a Jewish kid be completely captivated with an Easter story - I don't know, but I just loved this charming story about a young mother bunny who passes the test to become an Easter bunny by delivering a special pair of shoes to a sick child (I'm tearing up, writing this!!) Delightful story with beautiful pictures. A classic.
I came across this book at the library the other day. I immediately recognized the cover and a rush of memories filled my head. I couldn't remember the story, but I flipped open the pages and the pictures were so familiar. Cute bunnies and now I know why my mom read it to me...all the little bunnies have specific household tasks to do.
I know I don't have any other children's lit books on my list, but I had to add this one for Easter. (I have hundreds of children's books in my shelves at home. What can I say, I'm a little obsessed.) Written in 1939, this is an early feminist tale of self-reliance and love. I love this book and have since I could barely walk.
I have to review this book and I haven't even read it with Emerson yet. I saw this book on good reads list several nights ago. I had completely forgotten about this book. Once I saw the cover and the photos it was amazing. I brought it home and Philip remembered too!
I can't wait to read it with Emerson I hope he likes it
I can't wait to read it with Emerson I hope he likes it
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Edwin DuBose Heyward (August 31, 1885 – June 16, 1940)was a white American author best known for his 1925 novel Porgy. This novel was the basis for the play by the same name (which he co-authored with his wife Dorothy) and, in turn, the opera Porgy and Bess with music by George Gershwin.
Heyward was born in 1885 in Charleston, South Carolina and was a descendant of Thomas Heyward, Jr., who was a si...more
More about DuBose Heyward...
Heyward was born in 1885 in Charleston, South Carolina and was a descendant of Thomas Heyward, Jr., who was a si...more
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“Cottontail knocked on the big front door and was admitted to the Palace. There she stood in her funny country clothes but none of the other four Easter Bunnies laughed, for they were wise and kind and knew better.”
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