Pat the Bunny

Not only is this a quintessentially famous children’s toy book, but it holds a special place in my heart.  My mother’s best friend Pat gave me this book as a shower gift when I was pregnant with my daughter.  Pat has since dies from Alzheimer’s.  Every time I look at this book I think about her and smile.

Author/Illustrator: Dorothy Kunhardt
Publisher:  Simon and Schuster, originally Golden Books (1940)
Prices: Hardcover - $12.78, Plastic Comb - $6.41
Reading level: 1-3 Years
Interest level: Lower Grades and younger
Physical Characteristics: 5x5.6 inches, plastic comb, 20 pages.
ISBN: 978-0307120007
Genres: Toy Book, Touch and Feel 
Subjects:
Infants-Development
Rabbits
Parent and Infants
Touch and Feel

Annotation: The original interactive book.

Summary: Pat the Bunny is an interactive telling of some of the things Paul and Judy can do, as well as things the youngest reader can do.  This includes smelling flowers, touching daddy’s beard and patting the bunny. 

Evaluation: For over 75 years this has been one of baby’s first books.  The simple color scheme, large print and minimal texts are perfect for a baby lapsit reading experience.  The sensory elements, that Ms. Kunhardt was the first to incorporate in a child’s book, are great for toddlers who want to touch and feel everything. By touching the different textures in the book or by looking in the mirror in the book the youngest of all readers can have an interactive and inviting experience with reading.  Pat the Bunny is a must for anyone with a baby on board.

Similar Titles or Authors:
Pat the Cat Edith Kunhardt Davis
Pat the Puppy Edith Kunhardt Davis

Websites:
http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/pat-the-bunny/

Awards and Recognitions:
One of the best-selling American children's book of all time
 
Professional Reviews:
OLA Quarterly

New York Times

All images (c) Dorothy Kundardt