Morris's Disappearing Bag

Now a quick note: In the original publication of "Morris's Disappearing Bag", Morris is a little white bunny. He has now been colored brown. Very interesting choice on the part of the publisher. I hereby nominate Rosemary Wells the winner of the Cute But Never Saccharine Picture Book Award printed between the years of 1800-2589. You are familiar with her work, even if you have never read it. Best known for her early board books starring the irascible Max and his patient elder sibling, the author also did slightly older fare. In every book, however, Wells takes the side of the underdog. The littlest sibling. The one most prone to feeling left out. In "Morris's Disappearing Bag" this theme has become all encompassing. Here is a story that truly captures what it feels like to be ignored and unwanted by your siblings. It is Christmas Day and Morris is delighted. As he and his three elder siblings open their presents, each rabbit (for so they are) is enraptured by their gift. Victor gets a hockey outfit, Rose a beauty kit, and Betty (just to smash a couple stereotypes while we're at it) a chemistry set. Morris gets a lovely bear, but it soon occurs to him that his siblings don't appreciate his present. While they switch one another's gifts and experiment with them, Morris is left all alone. No one wants to play with his bear. It isn't until Morris locates an extra unwrapped present containing a bag of invisibility that Morris finally has a gift cool enough to lure his elder sibs with.Is there a moral to be learned here? I dunno. If there was it would probably be something along the lines of "Get a better toy and win the love of your fellow man". I don't buy it, personally. I think this is just a fun adorable tale illustrated with Rosemary Wells's fantastic pictures. No one draws adorable bunnies like this woman. Or so perfectly evokes a child feeling sorry for himself. Morris sitting all by himself with his ears at half mast is so simultaneously cute and pitiful, you just want to give his roly-poly little body a big big hug. All in all, this is a fantastic book (the older brother applying make-up to his face is worth the price of admission alone). A great story for Christmas, and a wonderful tale for all the year round. Grab yourself a copy.

I distinctly remember this book as a child. I remember laughing over & over when my parents would read this one to me. I STILL find it hilarious. Of all the books I had as a child this is one of the few I still own. I highly recommend this book. It is not so overly Christmassy that you cannot enjoy this book year round.

Like all of Rosemary Wells' work, this book could not be improved upon! I grew up on her books, and still collect them. Her characters are illustrated in such a way that their every expression enchants, and not a word is wasted in the creation of a perfect story. In Morris' Disappearing Bag, youngest child Morris feels left out on Christmas morning while his three older siblings exchange turns playing with each others' new toys. Morris will not be consoled by his parents or by his new teddy bear. But (in characteristic Wells fashion) a surprise is in store for us that will make this Christmas a magical one for Morris--and an unforgettable read for everyone. (I've read this book every year since 1980, and I assure you, it's a must-have!) Rosemary Wells always knows how to touch the heart, be the reader adult or toddler. Max and Ruby and her Bunny Planet books are fantastic, but please keep a look out for her older (and just as perfect) ones as well.

I have been searching for this book since we had our first grandchild five years ago. I read it to my girls; it was one of their favorites. I'm sure our copy fell apart from "too much love" and I want to be sure our grandchildren have a chance to experience Morris.