Rabbit & Bear: Rabbit's Bad Habits by Julian Gough & Jim Field

My thoughts: Sized just right for young readers to have a "real book" that they can read, this volume is the first of a series about Rabbit and Bear and the series holds promise for popular "chapter books" (though it isn't divided into chapters).

The illustrations are spot-on attention grabbing for these young readers and even young reader-listeners.

Its Winter and Bear awakes from hibernation and is hungry but her food is missing. So bear makes a snowman.

At this point Rabbit enters the story since the snowman rolls down the hill in an "avalanche" and covers Rabbits hole in the ground. Arguments or discussions ensue but this rather tense relationship ultimately blossoms into a sweet friendship.

In the meantime, their discussion involves "poo." Rather..... eating poo. Really?

Now I realize I'm a bit of old school and a Southern lady with quirks of my own, but to entertain the subject of poo in a children's book and especially the eating of poo is really quite out of sync in my opinion. I know there is a bounty of books that focus on the subject of poo and if one wishes to acquire these, that is one's choice.

Now about the subject of this particular rabbit eating his own poo. As it turns out, there is firm truth or scientific fact behind this practice of rabbits. I know we're not going to change the rabbits from doing what they are designed to do, I just feel the presentation of this information a bit heavy and out of place in this form of children's book.

Now we have to address the third character in the book - the Wolf. He wants to eat Rabbit and so the chase ensues. This is where the friendship between Rabbit and Bear really takes root. Bear comes to the rescue of Rabbit and saves him from being dinner for Wolf.

A happy ending and a really cute book. I'd rate it 5-star for design, illustrations, and overall story. But a 3-star for the inclusion (heavily) of eating poo. Hence a 4-star overall rating. I look forward to future releases in the Rabbit and Bear series; and if the end pages map of the territory is any indication, the series will be a lot of interest and fun.

About the book: Avalanches, snowmen, a hungry wolf…and more!

When Bear wakes up early from her hibernation, she decides to build a snowman. Her grumpy neighbor, Rabbit, decides to build an even better one. Rabbit & Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habits is full of laugh-out-loud moments and chronicles the forming of an unlikely friendship. With illustrations throughout, this chapter book is perfect for middle grade readers and is sure to become a fun favorite on any kid’s bookshelf.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my own opinions which are freely given.