Sometimes a scary-seeming monster just needs a friend, as the bunnies in this story know and Buddy soon discovers.
Big, hairy, orange-striped Buddy is all mouth, jagged teeth and googly eyes when he announces to a trio of rabbits, "I'm going to eat all you bunnies!" The bunnies reply, "Oh, no!" as they hop up from a board game and a poker chip goes flying. Bob Shea (Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great) nicely cuts the fright factor with humor as he next depicts the potential prey as if seen through Buddy's dark and cavernous mouth, against a bright orange background. "No, please, no! We were about to make cupcakes!" Pink-, orange- and lime-frosted baked goods fill up the monster and postpone his threat--for now. The bunnies hold off Buddy the next day with an invitation to swim, and the following day by flattering him with imitation (they paint an orange stripe across their white bellies) and forming the "Stripey Stripe Club in your honor." Day by day, the bunnies' number has increased; his suggestion that the bunnies climb into his mouth is voted down (seven to one).
Heavily doused in humor, this romp contains a pleasing recipe for winning over lonely monsters who perhaps just need some kindness and company. Pair this with Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Scott Magoon, for another take on unlikely friendships (and clever bunnies). --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness