An entertaining twist on the picky eater theme, children will discover that adults can also be picky about food. John, a young bunny, refuses to eat his vegetables. Frustrated, his father enlists the help of Uncle Bunny with the implicit instruction that, "...John eats some of everything." By engaging the youngsters in rigorous physical activities such as soccer, tug-of-war, and mountain climbing, Uncle Bunny makes sure everyone becomes hungry, including John, who succumbs to his voracious appetite and digs into his veggies. However, as Uncle expounds on the need to eat vegetables, he manages to avoid eating his carrots. When confronted by his nephew, Uncle Bunny admits to his dislike for the root but tries some, agreeing, "...they're not bad."

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Product Description

Uncle Bunny stands as an excellent role model for John, a young bunny who has a difficult time appreciating the "fine", edible delicacies of life, such as celery, tomatoes, peas, mushrooms, and carrots.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #838600 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-03
• Released on: 1999-03-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
A diminutive bunny who refuses to eat his vegetables answers with a big "NO" when his mother asks the question that has plagued untold generations of kids: "Don't you want to grow up big and strong?" John has no interest in turning into a grownup, he says, because they eat all the vegetables he despises. His antipathy disappears when Uncle Bunny baby-sits for the weekend and organizes outdoor activities that increase even a veggie-hating rabbit's appetite. But why does Uncle Bunny keep hiding his own portions of carrots? Young vegetable foes and fans alike will appreciate the humorous twist Gretz (Frog, Duck & Rabbit) gives to her cheerful tale. From the title page, which shows Jack scowling as the rest of his family schleps home oversize veggies, her watercolor art is as fresh and crisp as her narrative. The exaggerated facial expressions alone will keep readers happy. Even picky eaters will find the message palatable in this zippy delivery. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-In this entertaining twist on the fussy-eater theme, children will discover that adults can also be picky about food. John, a young bunny, refuses to eat his vegetables. Frustrated, his father enlists the help of Uncle Bunny, who is left to care for his niece and nephews over the weekend with the implicit instruction that, "...John eats some of everything." By engaging the youngsters in rigorous physical activities such as soccer, tug-of-war, and mountain climbing, Uncle Bunny makes sure everyone becomes hungry, including John, who succumbs to his voracious appetite and digs into his veggies. However, as Uncle expounds on the need to eat vegetables, he manages to avoid eating his carrots. When confronted by his nephew, Uncle Bunny admits to his dislike for the root but tries some, agreeing, "...they're not bad." Gretz's watercolor illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. The portrayals of the bespectacled and bandanna-wearing uncle and the varied facial expressions of John are especially endearing. This book will be enjoyed by young children, and adults trying to prod finicky eaters can utilize it along with Vivian French's Oliver's Vegetables (Orchard, 1996) and Nicholas Heller's Peas (Greenwillow, 1993).
Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
With wonderfully expressive comic watercolors of a rabbit family, Gretz tells a story for picky eaters. "Yuk!" says John as he refuses the carrots, celery, and mushrooms that will make him big and strong. His brother and sister love all their vegetables, and Mom and Dad are tense and worried about the young rebel. They telephone Uncle Bunny for help. The kids love playing soccer and tug-of-war with their bespectacled bluff relative, but at mealtimes this grown-up hides his carrots under his napkin or in the flowerpot. The final solution is a little too easy, but kids will recognize not only the mealtime tension but also the relaxation that comes when you find an alternative role model outside the immediate family, someone who shows you that even the most affectionate rules are not written in stone. Hazel Rochman

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Customer Reviews

Even non picky eaters will find this story tantalizing
Although my 5-year-old is not a picky eater, this engagingly presented tale has helped her to think about eating foods that she claims she does not like. As with John in the story, the lesson learned is that you cannot make a judgment until you have at least tasted the veggie in question. She still is not enthused about celery, but after reading Rabbit Food she was at least willing to taste it!