THE JUDGY BUNNY

An overly critical rabbit learns the errors of her ways in author/illustrator Sir’s picture book.

Bunny never leaves her burrow without tying her long ears up, so no one can see that one ear’s a bit floppy. “She wanted everything to be perfect. Maybe that’s why she was very judgy.” She finds fault with everyone she meets—Horse’s shoes are too small, Pig is messy, Goat is loud, and his diet needs improvement. Her criticisms leave them feeling anxious, embarrassed, and confused. The next day, Horse gets metal-bucket shoes, Pig takes a bath in a duck pond, and Goat eats Bunny’s carrots. Bunny, awakened by the commotion, runs out without styling her ears. Goat points out her floppy ear, and she begins to cry—but he assures her that “Ears can’t be wrong. They are just ears.” She’s perfect the way she is—in fact, they all are, he says. Accepting this, Bunny makes amends. The importance of being kind to oneself and others isn’t an uncommon sentiment in kids’ books, but having young readers examine their own self-critical behavior is novel and worthwhile. The book also insightfully notes how a need for perfection can result in hurtful remarks. Sir’s colorful photo art is a treat, featuring cute, hand-felted animals posed in miniature fabric landscapes.

An excellent lesson in being gentler, featuring adorable visuals.