Little Rabbit Goes to School ANNOTATION
Little Rabbit takes his favorite toy along for his first day of school and when there is trouble, he blames it all on Charlie Horse.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Little Rabbit takes his favorite toy, Charlie Horse, along for his first day of school and when there is trouble, he blames it all on Charlie.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
The beguiling bunny introduced in Little Rabbit Lost here heads to the schoolhouse, leaping out of bed on the first day of class with abundant enthusiasm: " `Now we are big,' said Little Rabbit proudly. `We are going to school.' " He insists on bringing his special toy, Charlie Horse, whom he has gussied up with a red ribbon, and bounds off to the schoolhouse through a charmingly imagined forest of giant trees, thistles and mushrooms. But Charlie Horse soon shows a penchant for mischief, interrupting storytime by galloping across the teacher's shoes and diving into a bowl of cake batter. At recess, Little Rabbit won't share him with the other kids ("Charlie Horse does not want to play with you"). The author lets young readers decide whether Charlie Horse is the naughty one or if Little Rabbit is pulling the strings, acting out in response to a scary new situation (though he offers a sly hint with "Miss Morag let Charlie Horse rest on her desk while Little Rabbit painted a picture"). Whoever the culprit, youngsters just starting school will find Little Rabbit's ups and downs highly familiar as he navigates a rocky first day, perpetually in motion, adorable in his trademark ear-shaped cap and red raincoat. In the end, Little Rabbit triumphs over the day's dramas and decides Charlie Horse should stay at home a decision that children will relate to as they, too, begin to discover the delights of independence. Ages 2-6. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.
Little Rabbit was excited about his first day of school. He jumped out of bed and got Charlie Horse ready to go with him. His mother told him that wooden horses might not be welcomed in school, but Little Rabbit ignored her suggestion. He took off pulling Charlie Horse behind him. Little Rabbit liked school, but Charlie Horse kept causing trouble. He wanted to gallop through the room during story time and ran right over Miss Morag's shoes. He hopped off the table to dance during music class, and he jumped right into the cake batter that the class was mixing for snack time. After Miss Morag washed Charlie Horse and the students cleaned up, they took off for a nature walk. Charlie Horse spotted a beautiful flower and Little Rabbit wandered off the path with him to pick it. When he looked up, the class was gone. Little Rabbit and Charley Horse were lost. They ran around in fright. Then Little Rabbit remembered a song and began to whistle. Miss Morag found him. Little Rabbit had a great day at school. He couldn't wait to go back, but Charlie Horse had to stay home. He was too naughty for school. Charming pastel illustrations depict an exuberant rabbit interacting with a loving teacher and an affectionate family. This is a good read aloud for preschoolers and kindergartners. 2004, Peachtree, Ages 3 to 6.
School Library Journal
PreS-K-It's a special morning for Little Rabbit-his first day of school. Over his mother's mild objections, he insists on taking his wooden toy. Unfortunately, Charlie Horse misbehaves terribly: he runs around during storytime, jumps into the cake batter, and gets Little Rabbit lost when their class goes for a walk. All ends well, however, and when he is safely back at home in his mother's lap, Little Rabbit decides Charlie Horse is not ready for school, but that he most certainly is. Fashioned in warm colors, the watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations are wonderful. Along with the engaging text, they endearingly capture the diffidence and anxiety Little Rabbit feels as he faces an unfamiliar situation, and his gradual realization that this new experience is fun. No matter how many titles you have on this topic, be sure to make room for Little Rabbit.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Horse distills a universal experience into an amusing story with distinct characters and delightful detail. The irrepressible Little Rabbit is back, and this time he's heading off to cause chaos at school. Of course, it's not Little Rabbit's fault-it's that naughty Charlie Horse (a polka-dotted pull toy), who tempts Little Rabbit into misbehaving in a wide variety of ways. Luckily, Little Rabbit's teacher's patience and the generosity of two new friends prevent minor mishaps from turning into total disasters. Although ostensibly oblivious, it's clear that Little Rabbit has learned his lesson when he acknowledges that from now on Charlie Horse will be better off at home. Winsome ink-and-watercolor illustrations showcase a charming woodland world overrun with adorable bunnies. Although the pictures have an old-fashioned feel, Horse's deadpan delivery makes the story truly timeless. Young children, and especially their parents, will recognize both Little Rabbit's imaginative rambunctiousness and his new-kid-at-school nerves. Utterly engaging and ultimately reassuring. (Picture book. 3-6)
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