BUNNIES TO THE RESCUE!

Verney’s illustrated children’s book features a trio of bunnies trying to save one of their own.

The story opens on Children’s Beach on Nantucket, where a bunny, Briella, reports to her friends Bryson and Bennett that a little boy has captured another bunny. Determined to rescue the hostage, they track down the boy and the bunny at the ice cream store. Bryson notices that it looks “a bit floppy,” not realizing that it is a stuffed animal. Relying on the Bunny Network, which has members “hopping this way and that” across Nantucket, the bunnies follow the boy and his family all over the island. They worry about the bunny’s safety as the boy takes him everywhere from Maria Mitchell Aquarium and Surfside Beach to the Whaling Museum and the Brant Point Lighthouse, but they are unable to rescue him. Finally, as the family photographs boats on Nantucket Harbor, Briella has a chance to talk to the bunny. The “captive” shares his name (Barley) and tells her that he doesn’t need to be rescued because his human friend Sam takes good care of him. Briella counters that Sam is different from Barley, but Barley insists, “Just because he’s different doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.” The bunnies realize Barley doesn’t need saving after all and say goodbye. Verney ably captures the curiosity and determination of his protagonists in this lively, fast-paced children’s story. The narrative balances dialogue and prose descriptions deftly. Bailey’s soft illustration style uses warm tones to evoke the coastal charm of Nantucket (the book also introduces readers to real-life Nantucket destinations). The bunnies’ big eyes, expressive faces, and constantly bounding bodies acutely convey the emotions they experience during their rescue mission. However, the plot leans heavily on repetition; younger children may appreciate the structure, but older readers could lose interest. While the book’s messages about friendship and embracing differences are important, they take a backseat to the bunnies’ chase.

An energetic tale about fluffy friends that prioritizes adventure over nuance.