This book was absolutely adorable! The illustrations are so cute and engaging, and the story carries such a wonderful lesson—not just for children, but for adults too. “Judgy Bunny” is definitely a must-have for any bookshelf.

Judgy Bunny does not like anything about his day at the beach. The weather is too hot, sandcastles are no fun, and ice cream is nothing special. But after she gets boinked in the head with a beach ball and makes a new friend, her outlook slowly begins to change. Her new friend is positive and persistent and helps Bunny see things in a different light. The visual humor adds depth to the story, making it a hit for both kids and adults. What stands out most, however, is the gentle message: that sometimes our derision masks a fear of not fitting in, and that kindness and openness can turn even the worst day around. A great conversation starter for kids about attitude, inclusion, and giving new experiences a chance.

When can I read more??? Judgy Bunny is a cute and funny story about a judgemental rabbit who just needs to relax a little. Early readers would enjoy this book. It could be a good read aloud as well.

I think a big part of reviewing children's books is how does it make the parent feel as they read it? I want to have fun while my kid has fun. I liked the way the illustrations made me feel. There was a cute, sunny feeling. I also liked the word choice. I felt like this would be a good entry to reading. But my favorite part was when Judy Bunny says "Why are you being so nice to me?" And there was the perfect response: "I try to be nice to everyone." Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

This book is a wonderful read for children about looking on the bright side of things. It also teaches empathy and the power of friendship. This is going to be a great addition for summer reading next summer.

The illustrations were cute, but I wasn't a fan of the main character. He was negative, but not likeable like Oscar the Grouch. The message of being nice to grumpy people was good in theory.

Is the beach really so second-rate? Or is Bunny's attitude maybe a little disgruntled and critical? Find out in this cute and cleverly illustrated children's picture book, while absorbing inspiration to try to be nice to each one.

Judgy Bunny has OPINIONS.

A beautifully illustrated storybook about a bunny who is going to have absolutely no fun at all. Unless she might?

Perfect for kids 3-5, and their grown ups. Absolutely hilarious, with a reminder to be kind, and try new things.

This was a cute tale geared towards younger kids that was still fun for my 9 year old just because he really likes rabbits. It had a good message as well as great illustrations and was delivered with some excellent humor. This is definitely one to read and re-read!

Everyone has a judgy bunny in their life, and this book is a vivid little reminder that mindset can rule your life for better or worse. The illustrations are gorgeous- bright, colorful, fun, and engaging. The words and story are kept simple, making this story accessible to many ages and levels. For older children, it can be the start an excellent conversation. Well done!

Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for granting me access to a digital ARC upon my request.

super cute read. Judgy bunny is just adorable, illustrations are fabulous and a very easy read for our little bunnies.

Judgy Bunny had some really nice artwork & I loved the full page POW 💥 reminding me of the iconic Grover book I always read as a kid. Over all judgy bunny has a little too much pessimism, and I’m not sure I would want my child to be reading a book with a character this grumpy.

The cover sucked me in because it is so cute, and the illustrations are definitely in keeping with that. The problem is that the story doesn't live up to the artwork. I'm sure this would make a decent bedtime story or read along for a younger child. I just wanted more story from it. Maybe it's because it starts out so abruptly with Judgy Bunny listing complaints. I think that, if this were going to work as a story, there should be something to introduce Judy and his behaviours. Is his attitude the reason he isn't invited to play with the other bunnies or is his attitude because they didn't invite him and a way to rationalize his exclusion? There's also very little to show how his actions impact the other bunnies. The ball is probably the trigger for change, but it still doesn't really gel together. And the story does get stronger towards the end, but that comes a bit too late for me. I feel like my child would walk away from this book and pick up something else for me to read instead.

To me, this felt like an attempt at replicating the success of Scaredy Squirrel. But the story there always has a lead in to explain that Scaredy is scared of everything and then to explain what is going on (e.g. birthday party, Halloween). In the case of Judgy Bunny, it fell flat.

A very cute and very persnickety bunny learns that new experiences may not be so bad, depending on how they view them. Judgy Bunny isn't enthused with the beach despite everyone having fun around her. After a series of attempts at supposedly fun beach activities and a run in with an annoyingly round beach ball. she's ready to throw in the towel and go home. But it takes the insights of a cheery fellow bunny to show her that maybe, just maybe, she might surprise herself and have a much more fun time than she initially thought.

We've all got a bit of Judgy Bunny inside of us, some moreso than others, and this book highlights that perfectly. Fellow picky children may see a kindred spirit in her and will be drawn to what happens next in the story. Linzie Hunter's illustrations are fun and distinctive. Her designs for Judgy Bunny and her fellow rabbits show the details of their respective characters, with subtle changes to show their expressions. I also loved the way that the sea creatures reacted to Judgy Bunny's attempts to participate in beach activities, with admittedly funny results. Author Scott Rothman shows that being particular isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes that sand really is too grainy and...sandy. It's only when EVERYTHING becomes a problem that we all might need to look a little closer at ourselves.

In spite of its short length, there are some subtle character clues in the book that make Judgy Bunny more relatable, and that keep her from becoming a thoroughly unpleasant character for children. Judgy Bunny has her rude moments, to be sure. But she's never outright nasty or intentionally mean. Even the big moment of her popping the beach ball is an accident, and wasn't done with malice. It's also subtly implied that part of her standoffishness is due to her behavior of pre self-isolating because she thinks that she won't fit in with the other bunnies. She tellingly arrives to the beach alone and says that "I wasn't invited" to join the group activities even though she was welcome to join in anytime. I really appreciated how the one bunny was able to see past this and continued to reach out to Judgy Bunny, because he recognized her longing for friendship. (Her asking "Why are you being so nice to me?" is one of the emotional highlights of the book.) The dual lesson here is a nuanced and fulfilling one for kids to learn. It's important to open our minds to new experiences, but it's also important to see the person, or bunny in this case, behind the actions. (Within reason, of course; no one should ever give quarter to a true bully or mean-spirited person.) Sometimes they may want to make friends, but simply don't know how. And letting them know that someone sees them can make a difference.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Kids, for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Oh my goodness…don’t we ALL know someone like Judgy Bunny? There are some people in this world you just can’t satisfy, and he starts off being very judgmental and disapproving of everything at the beach. But then along comes another bunny who makes him see another - better - side to things, and don’t we all need someone like that? Someone to make us stop being such a stick in the mud and finally observe the beauty and wonder all around us? I love how in the end Judgy Bunny was able to see the beauty in his day at the beach. Also, the graphics in this book are adorable. I would recommend it to everyone.

Judgy Bunny is definitely judgy! Their day at the beach is anything but fun. Don’t even get them started on beach balls. Why must they be so ROUND? But then, Judgy Bunny’s day turns around as they are invited to play and share ice cream with other bunnies.

This book may be just the read for kids (and adults) who are grumpy about everything. It demonstrates that giving things a try may turn out to be a good thing and better than expected.

Charming illustrations and easy to read.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Judgy Bunny dislikes just about everything. That's until they meet a new friend who helps them change their perspective. This is a cute early reader that would be great for any kid who is stuck constantly thinking about the negatives. I really enjoyed the illustrations, as well!

Thanks to Sourcebooks Kids and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

This book is funny, cute, relatable, and heartwarming. The bunny basically hates everything about the beach until another bunny at the beach invites the bunny to play with the other bunnies.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach. This is a cute and simple story that shows even when a day starts off a little sour, it can still turn out sweet with a little help from a friend. This would be a good story time book. The illustrations are adorable and I always appreciate when there's a lesson in the story that you can relate to their real world experiences.

"Again, it's so funny, funny, funny!" - my 4 year old! 😂

Judgy Bunny is the first book in what's hopefully a new series, following the title character on a trip to the beach. This book gives the opportunity to add funny voices and laugh while reading. The only thing missing is an overt lesson, but then it leaves space to discuss the feelings in your own way.

After the first read through, my kiddo asked to read it again immediately. Can't ask for more than that!