Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Publisher: Walker & Company (February 1, 2011)
Audience: 3 to 6 year olds
Source: Review Copy
Description from GoodReads:
Frog and Bunny are best friends. RIBBIT, RABBIT! They do everything together, like fight monsters (ZIP IT, ZAP IT!). And even though they get in fights sometimes-YIP IT, YAP IT!-they always make up in the end.
Ribbit, Rabbit features an effortlessly clever text that, in less than 150 words, captures the ups and downs of young friendships. Combined with adorably hip and fresh illustrations and an irresistible package, Ribbit, Rabbit is the perfect choice for the youngest of readers.
I first encountered Candace Ryan at a book signing for Oliver Jeffers. At that time, I learned about her upcoming book Animal House. When it was finally released, I had a chance to check it out. It was fun and made me giggle. (To read my review of Animal House, click here. ) And it has been a big hit among the students at my school. Of course, I was interested in checking out her next book. Ribbit, Rabbit was recently released by Walker & Company and it was fun to actually see the finished product on a shelf at my local indie bookstore.
This is a story of friendship including both the ups and downs. Frog and Bunny are friends, best friends. They do everything together but sometimes they don't see eye to eye and they fight - over the little things and the big things. Over the course of their disagreement, they learn an important lesson.
Ryan operates on a level of creative thoughts that when paired with the right illustrator produces a wonderful book. Ribbit, Rabbit is very different from Animal House. It is nice to see such different books from the same author. Ryan's ability with word play and concepts is delightful. This will be a fun book to share with young children. They will enjoy the silly rhyming words and the way the two play and even fight. The little robot that travels through the pages of the book brings the story together and when one friend ends up with the body of the robot and the other the key, it takes a little alone time to finally discover what is most important.
Lowery's simple illustrations in muted tones compliment Ryan's text and will entertain young children.
If you are looking for a read aloud for toddlers and preschoolers, you might want to check out Ribbit, Rabbit by Candace Ryan.
For more information about Candace Ryan and her books, check out her blog here.
You can follow Candace on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CandaceRyan and she is on Facebook here.
