Chubby Bunny by Julie Murphy, Sarah Winifred Searle
ISBN: 0063011182
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

“Chubby Bunny” is bestselling author Julie Murphy’s first picture book. The book is illustrated by Sarah Winifred Searle. Barbara “Bunny” Binks is a grade school student with a mother and grandmother who are both named Barbara. Bunny is excited about field day at school, but when teachers have the kids take part in the “chubby bunny” marshmallow challenge, Bunny is teased about her body and repeatedly called “Chubby Bunny.” There is an excellent conversation in the book between Bunny and her grandmother about how it’s okay for people to have different shaped bodies and that chubby is not a bad thing to be called.

The illustrations are beautiful and fun. I feel like the fact that the “chubby bunny challenge” can be a choking hazard makes this book a bit uncomfortable for adult readers. There is a note on the back cover that “chubby bunny” should not be attempted without adult supervision. Unfortunately the positive message of this book is muddled by the marshmallow challenge and the lack of apologies from the bullies in the end. Written for ages 4 – 8. An additional purchase for library picture book collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.