Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny

An enchanting children's book, ideally to be read aloud--preferably by a loving grandparent or great-grandparent. I purchased it so that I could read it to my 4-year-old great grandson.The story features a hand-made bunny, made by a young woman in England for a customer in North Carolina, and it's all about Jeremy's travels to get to his new home, and the people (and animals) that he meets along the way. Knowing my great grandson, I know that he will listen wide-eyed from the beginning 'til the end of the tale.The author, Jan Karon, wrote it for her own daughter, Candace, which is also the name of the North Carolinian recipient of Jeremy, the honest bunny, in the story.The illustrations by Teri Weidner also add a nice touch to the book. No children's book would be complete without appropriate illustrations. ...

An elegantly attired, real cute little stuffed bunny, Jeremy comes to life after having been lovingly created by Lydia in her modest country home in England. First he thanks her for having made him the best bunny ever. Then he pleads not to be placed in a mailing box he claims would be too dark and lonely for the journey. He opts to hop, asisted by two special redeeming features at his disposal: Lydia has permanently sewn honesty right into him and has confidently sent him off with her favorite verse from Psalm 91: "He will give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." What a variety of two-legged and four-legged creatures he encounters along the way as he seeks directions and hospitality and overcomes myriad obstacles! Some things go very smoothly, such as his stylish ride across the Atlantic in a sea captain's cabin, even if he does have to share it with the captain's pest of a parrot. Later on in Virginia, fortunately for Jeremy, Charles Benchley Owl, who resides in the hollow of a tree in which Jeremy chooses to rest, prefers Hershey Bars to eating rabbits. Says author, Jan Karon, "I wanted to do something for my daughter that would last a long time - perhaps even a lifetime. So I wrote a book about a bunny named Jeremy who went on a journey." Lydia, Jan Karon and mothers everywhere strive to do their best to equip and prepare their progeny well enough to go forth independently towards worthwhile goals, out into a world full of dark and lonely places where choices must be made daily to meet life's challenges. I highly recommend that the young at heart join in on Jeremy's experiences, feasting on Jan Kaaron's witty and upbeat writing, accompanied by Teri Weidner's colorful and charming illustrations.

Ms Karon has the rare ability to write a children's story that is as engaging for adults as it is for children. Her talent in bringing Jeremy to life is as notable as any classic children's author. Jeremy comes to life in your imagination as the writer intended and he's the best bunny to come along since "The Velveteen Rabbit". I think they would have been very good friends. While this is a children's story, the age of interest probably would start at age 4 or 5. The illustrations are wonderfully bright and real while allowing a child to use their imagination for the "action". If there were more than five stars to give, I'd go to the top of any number.

My wife had read all of the Mitford books, so we decided to bring this book into our home. We had no idea what a great decision it would turn out to be! This is truly going to be a classic. I read it to my wife and daughter each night before bedtime. They both loved it. The characters are colorful, and jump off the pages into your heart. The pictures fit the text perfectly. My daughter said after seeing one of the pictures, "Oh, that's what the owl looks like!" It is also a chance for Mom or Dad to get those voice talents working. I have already purchased two more while they are still available. One for my daughter, my wife won't give hers up, and one for my 8 month old granddaughter so she can have it for this coming Christmas. Thank you Jan for a classic.

My wife is a fan of Jan Karon, and we've been reading this book to our children. They love the story and the characters, and the illustrations are beautiful and compelling - there are pictures on almost every page, and they really bring the story to life. We're enjoying it as much as the kids. This is a beautifully done book, and I'm glad to see that Jan made the leap so well to children's literature.