Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnes

SLIS 5420
Module 1
January 19-24

Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies

By Carolyn Crimi

Crimi, Carolyn. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies. Candlewick Press, 2005.
ISBN: 0-7636-2449-7

Brief Synopsis:
Henry is the son of the fearsome pirate, Barnacle Black Ear Bunny. However, Henry is more interested in reading books than in pirating. When a storm wrecks the pirate crew on a deserted island, Henry is the only bunny who knows how to survive. All the pirate bunnies appreciate just how useful books can be because of Henry’s ingenuity, and they decide to read books too.

My Version of the World
This book captured my attention because I am fascinated with anything pirate in part due to the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. I also just loved the thought of a sweet lovable bunny as a fearsome pirate! It seems like a contradiction in terms, but John Manders’ illustrations make it believable. The pictures were interesting and eye-catching. In addition, Henry is a very lovable character, who doesn’t seem to really fit in with the others aboard ship. He is very easy for students to relate to. If anyone has ever not fit in for any reason, they empathize with Henry.

*Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, 2007

Book Reviews
“Henry is not a typical buccaneer bunny. Instead of performing his proper pirating duties, he would rather read the books that he took from other ships. His father, the captain, is not proud of his son and the rest of the crew makes fun of him. When they are shipwrecked on a deserted island, however, it is Henry and his "book smarts" that save the day. Although the plot is weak, the illustrations are fresh and comical, and send a clear message about the importance of reading.” Lisa S. Schindler, School Library Journal, December 2005.

“... Manders' watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations are the highlight of this effort. His rabbit pirates have huge buckteeth and look especially comical toward the end of the book, when they are elaborately decked out in eighteenth-century finery, including feathered hats and lace trim. Bookworm Henry is rather stereotypically portrayed with huge glasses hung from a string. A story on the joys and usefulness of reading is nothing new, but the funny Buccaneer Bunnies should provide some interest, even to children who are not inspired by the lesson.” Todd Morning Copyright 2005 Booklist. December 1, 2005, Booklist.

In My World
In a library setting, this book would be a great book to read aloud to encourage children to read. It is also a good book to be used to address issues of bullying and singling out others who are different than the rest of a group. I could also use this to appeal to younger age group if they were to do any sort of thematic unit on pirates.