Bunny Cakes

We first borrowed Bunny Cakes from the library when my daughter was only 20 months old. She loved it so much that we ended up renewing it again and again. The library, eventually, asked that we return it for a while and we are now buying the book. So many of Rosemary Wells' books are great, but this one really stands out. I stopped counting the number of times in a row that my daughter would ask me to read it to her. She is still asking for it. I can't wait until it arrives!

This book fascinates my 3-year-old, possibly because the actions of little brother Max are similar to hers! She is fascinated how the cakes are made. There even is an "icky" element to the story, which she delights in. Rosemary Wells continues to write in her captivating style and the illustrations are so enjoyable. As a parent, I enjoy reading this book over and over.

The charm of the Max and Ruby books owes much to the fact that many of us have had an older sibling or friend like Ruby---she knows more, is able to do more and wants to be in charge, but Max always finds a way to get what he wants! This book also explores the mystery of writing, and made my older son eager to learn to write---and I think writing is a topic less stressed in picture books than reading. Everyone should have a grandma like Max and Ruby, someone who will love both edible and inedible cakes equally! As always, Wells is wonderful!

I happened upon "Bunny Cakes" by accident about a week ago. I picked it up and read it just to pass a few idle moments, but I ended up laughing out loud, and I've chuckled about it every day since. I was unfamiliar with Max and Ruby before I saw the book, but they have instantly become two of my favorite children's book characters (Max especially). "Bunny Cakes" accurately depicts the rivalry between a bossy (but patient) older sister, and a younger brother who's determined to make a statement in the world that he's just beginning to comprehend. Clad in a sharp pair of plaid overalls, Max makes repeated trips to the grocer (red wagon in tow) to make up for his unwitting disruptions of Ruby's cake-making project, and to get the perfect ingredients for his own earthworm cake: red-hot marshmallow squirters. Although even his most beautiful handwriting is incomprehensible to the rest of the world, Max relies on his ingenuity to finally succeed in communi! cating with the grocer. The illustrations are adorable--especially those that depict the wide-eyed innocence on Max's face as he wordlessly stares up at the grocer, hoping the man will understand his scribbled request for red-hot marshmallow squirters. But don't be fooled by Max's innocent look. He's one determined bunny. He gets what he needs and he makes sure Ruby doesn't steal the spotlight at grandma's birthday party.