ATTACK BUNNIES

When Renard Fox moves into the neighborhood, two rabbits get ready to defend their community.

Carrot Cake and Pufftail may look like “ordinary, cute little bunnies,” but these “whiskered warriors” are “trained to protect, to defend, and—when needed—to attack.” Their help is sorely needed: Newcomer Renard awakens Agatha Owl from her afternoon nap, hurls acorns at Sammy Squirrel, and chases the chipmunks. Worst of all, the bunnies overhear him scheming to steal Mrs. Quail’s eggs. Happily, our heroes opt for nonviolent tactics. Pufftail’s hypnotic words convince the fox to instead gobble up some walnuts—though he soon makes his way toward Mrs. Quail’s nest. Now the bunnies use another method: luring Renard into a lake via baked goods on a fishing line. When Renard emerges—sobbing and soliloquizing—the bunnies realize that the animals have misunderstood his awkward attempts to befriend them. All except poor Mrs. Quail; the fox admits that “If I can’t have any friends, at least I can have some scrambled eggs!” Pufftail and Carrot Cake then invite Renard to a friendly picnic—with the caveat that he permanently stay away from Mrs. Quail and her eggs. Gehl’s gently humorous text flows well, offering messages of withholding judgment and welcoming strangers. Patton’s garish artwork ramps up the humor, with dramatically silhouetted images of the bunnies by night, scenes of the pair striking superhero poses, and illustrations of the community enjoying jokes and carrot cake.

Funny, heartwarming, and offbeat.