Bunny with a Big Heart

by Marilyn Sadler

In this funny follow-up to the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny, P.J. Funnybunny learns a lesson in kindness that's perfect for Eastertime—and gift-giving all year long!

P.J. Funnybunny is a very busy—and not very considerate—bunny! Always rushing from one place or the other, he leaves toys on the floor and dirty dishes on the table. He forgets to return things, is impatient with his sister, and shows up late for play dates. But when a twisted ankle forces P.J. to spend a few days in bed, the thoughtfulness of his family and friends inspires P.J. to become a kinder bunny. With colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, this story of self-discovery is a perfect Easter treat for beginning readers and bunny fans of all ages!

Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

49 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2023

About the author

With a degree in fine arts, Marilyn Sadler assumed she would be an illustrator. But when early in her career she was presented with an opportunity to write, she seized it and quickly discovered that she had found her true love. No sad, sappy stories for her, however. She likes to make herself laugh, and with that her characters usually end up looking pretty silly for one reason or another.

Her first children’s book featured a fastidious little English boy named Alistair Grittle and was originally created for the English publisher, Hamish Hamilton, as well as for Simon & Schuster in the United States. Having created a boy with such perfect behavior, she then turned her attention to a not so perfectly behaved little boy. His name was P.J. Funnybunny, and he has existed in a series of books for Random House, including the highly prestigious Dr. Seuss Cat In the Hat series.

Marilyn’s television credits include two PBS Reading Rainbow programs featuring Alistair, an Alistair program for the BBC, three ABC Weekend Specials featuring P.J. Funnybunny, and a show based on her children’s book, "Elizabeth and Larry", for Showtime’s Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories.

Between 1999 and 2004, The Disney Channel produced three Original Movies based on her book, "Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century". Each of Disney’s Zenon movies had exceptionally high ratings, with Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century and Zenon the Zequel among the highest rated shows in the history of The Disney Channel.

In 2004, Playhouse Disney began production on Marilyn and Roger Bollen's animated series, Handy Manny. Handy Manny premiered September 16, 2006, as the highest rated Playhouse Disney series premiere of all time. In 2009, Marilyn was nominated for an Emmy Award as Executive Producer of Handy Manny.

Reviews

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the perfect world, this is how it would be: spoiled & selfish bunny twists his ankle & gets loved on by everyone making him realize how bad he had been treating his friends & family. When his ankle is better, he returns the favors & completely changes into a loving & respectful bunny 😳

We have loved Its Not Easy Being A Bunny for years & it’s unfortunate this story about PJ Funnybunny just isn’t as good.

[Claire Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

@justinhullman this is TOP TIER children’s books!! You must read all of them!!!!!!!

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of the I Can Read It All by Myself series for beginning readers, this book is a 2.5 for me. Treading familiar territory, the plot follows P. J. Funnybunny, the protagonist, who is too busy, preoccupied, and careless, to realize that his actions are selfish and disrespectful to others. When he's injured while playing baseball, his friends and mother rally around him, trying to find the rabbit feel better. Since he's down for the count for a few days, he has time to do some thinking and comes to the conclusion that he's been less thoughtful toward others than he should have been. Following the example of his friends and family, he tries to make up for his misdeeds. In fact, he even agrees to watch the movies that he had previously dismissed as being too babyish. There's a good message in this book, and readers will like the cartoonlike artwork as well as relating to P.J. Funnybunny's change of heart.

[Wade Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bunny with a Big Heart is a book with a big heart. In this I can Read It All By Myself Book, Bunny is not caring and he learns to be responsible. The story is relatable and cute and children will be drawn in and learn the lesson of responsibility. The Binding in this book isn't really robust for a school or public library. Recommended for ages 6-9 by the SEPA School Library Book Reviewers.

[Jarno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks about a bunny that has a big heart.
In the beginning PJ was a funny bunny that became to
Be very busy. He was carrying a box with tennis racket
And a baseball bat.
In the middle his friends wanted to stay with him. They
Told him that Pine Coney Island wouldn’t be fun without
Him.
In the ending there were no more Hoppy Bunny movies
Left to watch. PJ went fast asleep.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

PJ Funnybunny is back and being taught a valuable lesson from his friends and family. After putting his own needs above almost everyone else, PJ finds himself in need and taken care of by others. Their example of unselfish kindness provides a model that PJ decides to follow as well.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

while he is hurt Bunny learns just how great his friends and family can be. elementary and up

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

P.J. takes some time to be kind to friends and family after they took care of him when he was sick.