Book

Wolfie the Bunny

📖 Overview

The Bunny family discovers a wolf cub in a basket on their doorstep and decides to adopt him, naming him Wolfie. While Wolfie's new parents are thrilled, his sister Dot remains convinced he will eat them all. Dot watches Wolfie's every move and warns others about the danger, even as he goes about normal baby activities. The family dynamics shift as Wolfie grows bigger and Dot maintains her vigilance. The story reaches a turning point when Dot and Wolfie visit the neighborhood carrot store together, forcing Dot to confront her assumptions about her adopted brother. This picture book explores themes of sibling rivalry, adoption, and the way fear can prevent us from forming meaningful connections. Through humor and heart, it demonstrates how protective instincts can transform into genuine family bonds.

👀 Reviews

Readers praise this picture book for addressing sibling jealousy and adoption with humor. Parents report their children request multiple readings and laugh at the wolf costume scenes. Teachers note it works well for classroom discussions about families and acceptance. Likes: - Illustrations capture emotions through expressions - Message about overcoming initial fears - Balance of humor and heart - Short enough for toddler attention spans Dislikes: - Some parents feel the "eating" references could frighten sensitive children - A few reviewers mention the story feels rushed toward the end - Limited appeal for children over age 7 Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (350+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (40+ ratings) "My 4-year-old giggles every time Dot says 'HE'S GOING TO EAT US ALL UP!' Perfect for new big siblings." - Amazon reviewer "The art style makes this book stand out." - Goodreads reviewer

📚 Similar books

Mother Bruce by Philip C. Stead A grumpy bear becomes an unwilling parent to a group of goslings who imprint on him as their mother.

You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown A determined bear cub attempts to make friends with forest animals who don't share her enthusiasm for friendship.

The New Small Person by Lauren Child An older sibling struggles to accept a new baby in the house until discovering the joys of being a big brother.

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith A twist on Little Red Riding Hood features a lion who schemes to eat a little girl but finds his plans thwarted by her cleverness.

That's My Carrot by Il Sung Na Two rabbits learn to share one garden and become friends despite their initial rivalry over a carrot.

🤔 Interesting facts

🐰 Author Ame Dyckman got the idea for the story after watching her daughter's reaction to bringing home her new baby brother 🎨 Illustrator Zachariah OHora used a limited color palette dominated by pink and olive green to create a distinctive retro feel 🗽 The story is set in Brooklyn, NY, and features several recognizable neighborhood elements like the co-op and brownstone buildings 👶 The book tackles sibling rivalry and adoption themes through a humorous lens, making it easier for young children to process these complex topics 📚 "Wolfie the Bunny" received starred reviews from both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book in 2016