The Runaway Bunny - Beyond the Book Resources
Why do I love this book? I love it because it's beautiful
However, it's not just beautiful to look at, the message is beautiful as well.
The Runaway Bunny was groundbreaking was first published back in 1942, a full five years before Goodnight Moon, another book by Margaret Wise Brown. At the time of this post, The Runaway Bunny was celebrating its 80th year in publication! During that 80 year time span, this book has never been out of print.
In this classic, a sweet little bunny decides that he's going to run away. He imagines that he turns into a fish, a rock, a crocus, a sailboat, and even a boy. However, by the end of the story he realizes that what he really wants is to be a bunny and be at home with his mother. Themes
Themes: Growing Up Family
Awards & Accolades : While the book never won any awards, in 2021, the HBO animation adaptation won a Peabody and an Emmy.
Teachable Moments:
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
Very Specific Nouns - a great way to grow vocabulary
Not just a flower, but a crocus
Not just a fish, but a troutThe Power of Repeated Words and Phrases "If you become a ________, then I will be a __________ and I will find you.
Examples Shown with Images are for Reference Only - Not Part of the Download
Extend the Learning with Story-Based Play
Adding an element of play is another way to deepen your child’s understanding of concepts within and beyond a story. According to Hall (1991), young children often develop advanced literacy skills when they engage in play related to a familiar story. Many complex literacy skills develop naturally when the story and play intersect, setting the stage for your child to learn to read and write.
It’s easy. Take a great story, gather toys that align with that story, and get out of the way. Your child will do the rest. The goal is to allow the play to evolve naturally. You’ll be surprised by the amount of learning transferred and reinforced through this type of play.
Here’s Why We Love These Specific Products:
They have direct connections to the book.
They reinforce new vocabulary.
They encourage imaginative play
They make it easy to re-enact parts of the story.
They often take learning beyond the confines of the story.
Few require batteries, screens, or electricity.
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