Cover Image: The Backup Bunny

The Backup Bunny

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Member Reviews

I loved this book for all the same reasons I loved the Toy Story movies and the beloved classic, The Velveteen Rabbit. It's about a toy being "real", with feelings of its own. As a kid, I secretly thought my toys had a life of their own when I wasn't around. I remember throwing my door open suddenly, trying to catch them in the act of playing without me. My two kids had special toys they carried with them everywhere, and heaven forbid one went missing at bedtime. The themes of this story are universal and will hold appeal to many readers, both young and old. This new take on the "toy being real" trope is fresh and funny. The illustrations are great. I would definitely buy this book for a gift.

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WHY did I never think to have a backup? The agony, the sleepless night, the headaches that all would have been saved with this simple measure!!

This is a genius parenting hack I never thought of – when your child has something they can’t live without why not have a spare ready? Of course the spare won’t be exact because it won’t have the same feel, the same loved on, played with, fought those childhood battles with kind of aura about it but it’s better than nothing right?

Rayner discusses that idea, maybe even answers it, within her story that provides simple illustrations and great talking points to have with your kid. Why are they so attacked to a toy or blanket, what would happen if they don’t have it anymore, can something else provide the same sense of comfort and joy, and so on. I couldn’t help but think of that Mr. Mom movie at one point about when he talks to his kid that now is the time to give up the blanket that has been an essential part of his life.

As parents most of us have been there when our kid latched onto something that seemed life altering if it disappeared; this is a story about that but from the toy’s point of view which I found unique.

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What happens if you lose your best friend? Well, if your best friend happens to be a stuffed bunny, your mom might bring out the emergency back-up bunny she has stored away to replace it. Problem solved? Not quite, because young Max knows that the new bunny is not the same as his old bunny, and he isn't satisfied. But . . . maybe he can learn to be friends with the new bunny, too.

With a fun surprise at the end, readers will enjoy this imaginative story told from the perspective of the emergency back-up stuffed bunny (who usually lives in Mom's sock drawer, dreaming of the day he might get to come out and play). The illustrations show typical scenes from a young child's day, from playing in the mud to painting, and finally getting ready for bed. Young fans of Disney's "Toy Story" series will especially enjoy this book.

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This is a fun book. Every parent has experienced the loss of a beloved Stuffie. This mom had the smarts to have a backup. Just in case the real bunny gets lost. But Max knows the difference. This story is told from the perspective of the backup bunny, and he laments being stuck in the sock drawer with the caroling Christmas socks. Adorable, and lovable for all. This is a real story, not a backup one

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I got this book as a bedtime story for my 4 year daughter. She loved it. It was funny and a very cute little story. She said it ended too soon and wanted the story to be longer. She would like more bunny stories.
The story is cute and it is definitely worth the bedtime story read for a few giggles before bed!!

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The artwork was delightful in this children's picture book. The concept was great and I enjoyed reading the book and sharing it aloud to the kids. However, the concept is more suited to the adult reader than a three year old child. They understand favorite toy but not the idea losing that favorite and replacing it with another. It is a little most understandable to a 6-8 year old. As with most children's read aloud literature, it is the storytelling along with the read aloud that explains the concept to the children. Although the book is well done and enjoyable, it would not be my goto book for story time or for a young child to read alone.

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This is a lovely story from perspective of a Bunny who's "backup" saver for Max mother, if a little boy looses his favorite toy. One day it really happens...The story tells how the bunny feels living in the drawer where he is kept, how he is longing to be hugged as much as the "real" one and waits on his opportunity...

This story book was my backup plan for unexpected situations with my niece, the illustrations are lovely, spreading cuteness from each page. 

A young reader will learn about Max personality and him changing and how fun is to have various toys with little details.

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I received this book from Netgalley for a review. This is a very cute book. The colors and pictures in the book are warm and calming. Max has misplaced his bunny and mom has a back up bunny (that lives in the sock drawer) just in case. However, when she brings out new bunny Max knows right away. Backup bunny knows where bunny has gone and finally tells Max where he can find him. .This book teaches the child to do the right thing and tell the truth. Overall I loved this book and would definitely buying it for my grandson.

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Ease of reading and layout is very important to me in children's books, and this one has utilised white space and images in a really great way. There are plenty of images balanced out with white space, so the text sits boldly and is easy to read. Other images cover a full page, but again the placement of the text makes it easy to read. The illustrations are beautifully done. The story here is one that I'm sure many parents can relate to - when a child has a much-loved cuddly toy that goes everywhere with them, and inadvertently goes missing. This story looks at the 'backup' bunny, and how eventually Max comes to love both his new bunny and his old much-loved and worn bunny just the same. A lovely sweet story.

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A fun wee kids story about the 'back-up bunny', called into action when young Max loses his beloved soft toy. But when back-up bunny gets to be the main toy, will it be everything he's dreamed, or a nightmare? Should he tell Max where the original bunny is? Lovely drawings and a good story that flows well. The laughs and smiles come more from the bunny's attitude and visual mishaps, rather than rhyming, fun verse or silly words. Enjoyable.

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A cute little book...offers humor for adults & kids both. Great illustrations, & text, & good little storyline. I'd enjoy sharing this with my nieces & nephews.
I received this e-galley from NetGalley, in exchange for an unbiased review.

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Simple easy book for children to read,well illustrated,a must for school or home.
Simple story but very true.

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Backup Bunny is the toy that comes to the rescue when the original bunny gets lost. But it's not always that easy. He just wants to be loved. Cute picture book with great illustrations.

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This thoroughly enjoyable children's book tells the fate of the "backup" bunny. I can't be the only parent that has one of these, right?!? Told with humor, it's interesting to see life from the POV of the bunny. The illustrations are very good. This book is perfect for small children and would make a great addition to the home/public/school library.

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The Backup Bunny is a delightful book, with charming endpapers, and and even more charming tale that will hop right into you and your child's heart. How many times have you heard your child wail because they can't find their favorite stuffed friend? This story presents the story from the viewpoint of a sock drawer - the home of the backup bunny. What happens in this picture book will charm the socks right off you. Recommend for libraries, and for gift giving. This is cute for story time, and bedtime reading. I want a copy! Maybe I want a backup copy as well, because I will probably give mine away!

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The Backup Bunny by Abigail Rayner. Illustrated by Greg Stones. North South Books Inc. Great read-aloud book for a child who has a special stuffed animal—and has lost or misplaced it (like my child had!). Shown with cozy illustrations, a wise mom has a perfect solution when things just get too tough for little Max—like in the middle of the night. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and North South Books Inc. for providing this ebook for review.

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Such a cute story! This book is sure to bring a smile to the reader's face, whether child or adult. It's a fun story to which any child can relate, and it may be a helpful read in preparation (or during) those times that a favorite toy is lost and a "backup" toy is attempted.

The story is narrated by the "backup bunny," and his telling of events makes for a humorous read. The illustrations match the text well, too.

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I loved the cute cover, it would attract me to buying the book for my young childern. A really enjoyable read that highlights a common problem for childern with special toys. Good length and particularly good for bedtime reading. Read this to my kids and they had lots of laughter and found it a really fun story.

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