Module 1 | Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies

PLOT SUMMARY

Henry is not the like the rest of the Buccaneer Bunnies aboard the The Salty Carrot. While his cohorts enjoy wreaking havoc on the high seas, Henry is more content to cozy up with a good book, a habit that inspires disdain from his fellow Buccaneers. But Henry’s love of reading ultimately saves the band of bunny pirates after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island; the knowledge he has acquired from his beloved books keeps the bunnies sheltered, fed, and abreast of boat-building techniques that eventually allow them to sail away.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book is an admirable, if not entirely enthralling, celebration of the joys and benefits of reading. Although Henry is mercilessly mocked at the beginning of the book by his “cooler” pals, he ultimately emerges the book’s hero thanks to his insatiable reading habit. This sends a positive message to children that reading is a worthwhile hobby, which is an important message for bookworms and reluctant readers alike. The illustrations are colorful and zany, with the bunnies’ endearingly exaggerated appearances working to enhance the book’s overall appeal.

REVIEWS
"A worthy message, even though it's delivered with hull-smashing force, and less convincingly than in Judy Sierra's Wild About Books."

Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 1, 2005, Vol. 73, No. 17

"A story on the joys and usefulness of reading is nothing new, but the funny Buccaneer Bunnies should provide some interest, even to children who are not inspired by the lesson."

Todd Morning, Booklist, Dec. 1, 2005, Vol. 102, No. 7

"Readers will learn pirate slang and phrases. In addition, more difficult words like cruising, rowdy, wriggled, meteorology, blubbered, fetching, and fronds will be acquired from the context of the illustrations and text. The playful, captivating illustrations are distinctive and humorous ..."
Gay Ann Loesch, Library Media Connection, Feb. 2006

USES IN THE LIBRARY

The book could be utilized as part of a display of pirate adventures, specifically of the picture book variety. It would also be a great addition to a library’s online list of books for boys, as the pirate theme might lure reluctant readers, while also imparting the idea that reading can be fun and beneficial. Also, the book’s primary message makes it an excellent choice as part of a literacy program for young readers at school or public libraries.

CITATION
Crimi, Carolyn (2005). Henry and the buccaneer bunnies. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.