silly stories ( )

The story of a big bunny, being told as a bedtime selection by an off-page parent, is continually interrupted and augmented by the child-listener (also off-page) in this newest picture-book from author/illustrator Rowboat Watkins. The listener in question wants thrills and excitement, and eventually takes over the storytelling process altogether, when the reader gets frustrated with their interjections. It is only at the end that the parent and child - a pair of cabbages! - is revealed, along with a real bunny listening at the window...

After reading and enjoying Watkins' previous two forays into the world of picture-books (Rude Cakes and Pete With No Pants), I had great expectations for Big Bunny, especially after a colleague gave it high praise. I ended up enjoying it, but not quite as much as I had expected to. The artwork is amusing, and I liked the story idea, but somehow the concluding episode, which some found hilarious, didn't quite strike my funny bone. Tastes vary, and humor is highly idiosyncratic of course, so I would imagine that others will react differently, especially if they are fans of Watkins' work. It is to such readers that I would recommend this one. ( )