Picturebook Review: Rabbit and the Not-So-Big-Bad Wolf by Michael Escoffier and Kris Di Giacomo

Rabbit and the Not-So-Big-Bad Wolf is a picturebook written by Michael Escoffier and illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo. A rabbit is asked if he knows about the big bad wolf. But after the rabbit draws his picture of the big bad wolf the narrator suggests some changes for a more accurate picture. Change after change is made to the picture, but then the wolf in question appears and it is time for the rabbit to try to run and hide. However, the rabbit is not very good at hiding, and despite the narrators help he is caught by the wolf. Thankfully, the rabbit is in for a surprise.

Rabbit and the Not-So-Big-Bad Wolf is a fun picturebook with great illustrations. The rabbit is very expressive and funny in its attempts to perfect his drawing and hide behind objects much too small to work. The story is ultimately also reassuring, not just goofy. The 'wolf' is a wonderful reflection of Where the Wild Things Are, and childhood imagination. I think the fun and silliness here makes for a great read.

I would recommend Rabbit and the Not-So-Big-Bad Wolf for young readers, library collections, and home collections. I think the book would play well in a storytime setting, at bedtime, or with any one on one reading. It could be an opening to discussion about fear, pretend play, and animals. Just remember to add a little disclaimer that no one should pick a real bunny up by its ears, which the wolf does in the story. I would not want wounded bunnies to be the out come of a otherwise fun read.