Sunday, November 3, 2024

Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

 Today's read should hold tons of energy, chaos, and silliness. In other words, I'm really looking forward to diving into this one. So, without further babbling, let's join in on this adventure.




BUNNIES ON THE BUX
by Philip Ardagh
Illustrated by Ben Mantle
Candlewick Press
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8


A romping, riotous read-aloud from best-selling author Philip Ardagh and award-winning illustrator Ben Mantle.

Bunnies on the bus!
Bunnies on the bus!
No wonder there’s a fuss
about the bunnies on the bus!


There are bunnies on the bus, and they’re causing mayhem in Sunny Town! Watch as they whiz past the bus stop, fly by the swings, and zoom over the crosswalk — these bunnies aren’t stopping for anyone. They finally reach the station, but where are they hopping off to now? Uh-oh . . . Acclaimed author Philip Ardagh’s rhyming, high-energy text and “Bunnies on the bus!” refrain is ideal for library or classroom read-alouds, and Ben Mantle’s colorful illustrations are chock-full of zany details perfect for repeat reads.


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MY TIDBITS

Chaos and silliness hit with adorable bunnies and tons of energy.

The streets of Sunny Town are definitely not safe, not when the bunnies are on the bus. Each one is a ball of energy, and there are quite a few of them on the journey to the train. The bus zips down the road, swerving, speeding, and causing all sorts of trouble and near mishaps. When the bus finally stops and the bunnies get off, the town can release a sigh of relief. But that was only the first leg of the journey. Next, comes the train, and no one knows what chaos will ensue now.

This is a book with the sole purpose to bring giggles and create smiles. These bunnies are very excited and can't sit still. But they aren't mean in any way. It's the bus driver, racing through the streets and creating all sorts of near misses, which is causing the biggest issue. It's hard not to gasp and giggle with wide eyes at every turn of the page. 

The rhyme flows almost like a children's song, making it a lovely read-aloud, which with a few readings, will have young listeners joining in themselves. The illustrations are what creates the silliness, though. These hold many details, which invites readers to flip through them and search every scene again and again.



And here they are...
Philip Ardagh is a prolific writer who has been published in forty languages. His titles include the best-selling Eddie Dickens trilogy; High in the Clouds, cowritten with Paul McCartney and Geoff Dunbar; and Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He lives in Kent, England.

Ben Mantle worked in animation, including on Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, before turning to children’s illustration. The illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman and many other picture books, he is also the author-illustrator of the Dinostars series as well as The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! Ben Mantle lives in Brighton, England.

1 comment:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

It just looks like silly fun.