The Magic Rabbit

I've read this book to many kids and have enjoyed it as much as they have! Annette LeBlanc Cate's drawing style is very similar to that of famed New Yorker magazine cartoonist, Roz Chast (mentioned for fans of The New Yorker cartoons in general, and Roz Chast fans in particular). The illustrations are wonderfully creative and very detailed -- there's something new to be discovered with every read. Kids really get a kick out of following the trail of bright yellow stars which appear on many of the book's pages and which are an important element of the storyline. Very tender story that will have everybody smiling in the end. :)

I love this book and match it with the folkmanis white rabbit in the black top hat for storytelling. I find my students enchanted and much more engaged when they have a chance to actually meet the main character. Great fun for me and the students both.

Just a response to the School Library Journal review's mention of the one "glitch" in the book: a reference to the sudden appearance of the gold stars on the sidewalk. A careful look near one of the lamp posts on the page where text reads: "As the sunlight faded away, so did everyone else." will reveal how the stars got on the sidewalk!

I love that this book takes place in an urban setting, and the feeling of the drawings is magical yet real. The intricate detail engages toddlers through to my 11 year old niece. A wonderful book.

Young readers (and adults, too) enjoy stories about friendship. Toss in a little magic, and it's sure to please. Such is the case with Annette LeBlanc Cate's touching story about two best friends, Ray and Bunny. Not only are they best pals who live together and do everything together, but they're business partners. Ray is a magician and, of course, Bunny pops out of his hat. All goes well until the day there is a ruckus on a crowded sidewalk, Bunny is frightened and runs off. Being lost in a big city is hard on anyone but it's especially difficult for a small white rabbit. How the devoted duo are reunited is the crux of the story. Illustrations are in black and white save for gold stars rather than the full-color full-page paintings that are so often the mark of a young readers' book. I found Cate's choice to be very effective. Enjoy! - Gail Cooke