Battle Bunny
With Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Matthew Myers
Alex has been given a saccharine, sappy, silly-sweet picture book about Birthday Bunny that his grandma found at a garage sale. Alex isn’t interested—until he decides to make the book something he’d actually like to read. So he takes out his pencil, sharpens his creativity, and totally transforms the story!
Birthday Bunny becomes Battle Bunny, and the rabbit’s innocent journey through the forest morphs into a supersecret mission to unleash an evil plan—a plan that only Alex can stop.
A New York Times Bestseller
★ "An honest reflection of the ways kids interact with books—in a way that’s accessible to kids themselves—as well as a complexly layered work of comic genius....This is an example of exactly how kids are told not to interact with their books—and that’s what makes it so effective. Alex’s gleeful disregard for the inanity of Birthday Bunny belies a deep engagement with the words in the book, an active participation with the structures of literacy that acts as a rebellious model for kids just starting to read on their own. And who can’t help but giggle at a cry of “Time to get it on, carrot breath!”? This is, then, sure to be an early reader that’s also endlessly entertaining and that will stand up to multiple readings as viewers find more of Alex’s hidden gems."
—The Bulletin for the Center of the Children's Book, Starred Review
★ “A hilarious and transgressive story with a clear message: Don’t suffer schlock.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ “An enthusiastically taboo, devil-may-care outing … and a great writing inspiration to use on old books headed for the bin.”
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ “This is a perfect book to give independent readers who are looking for something a little different. The unique layout and design will inspire creativity in readers.”
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ "This is a perfect book to give independent readers who are looking for something a little different."
—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
★ ”Just about everything explodes.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
"It is original and funny and is likely to appeal to children who think that woodland creatures are drippy and like superhero action. It might even encourage them to be creative—all over other books.”
—The Sunday Times
“[O]riginal, hugely enjoyable…[a] celebration of of the power of story and children’s creativity.”
—Books for Keeps
“A funny, subversive act of vandalism that will instantly appeal to all mischievous imaginations, young and old.”
—Absolutely Chelsea
