Sharing With You

The second book in the "I Believe Bunny" series, Sharing With You, is even better than the first. The book begins by quoting Hebrews 13:16 ("Do not forget to do good to others. And share with them what you have. These are sacrifices that please God.") and does a nice job illustrating the positive effects of sharing.

As the book opens, I Believe Bunny is playing with his friends. They make daisy chains, swing on vines, make pine cone castles...Then Mouse spots some shiny rocks.

"Bunny looked at the rocks.
He didn't know what to do.
He knew his friends liked them,
but he liked them too.

These rocks were his favorites.
They gleamed in the sun.
He thought, 'I don't want to
share these rocks with anyone.'"

But before he can express himself to his friends, Magpie flies off with one of the rocks in her beak. Squirrel negotiates with Magpie by offering her a shiny ring she found months back. Bunny is moved that Squirrel would give up the ring, but Squirrel says, "You're my friend...And...you mean more to me than a bright, shiny ring."

With the treasure restored, a thankful Bunny shares all his rocks with his friends. After all, sharing is something God wants us to do. "So give it a try and/you'll find when you do,/like the I Believe Bunny/you can share too."

What I Like: Author Tish Rabe has written over 80 children's books, many for the mainstream market, and her writing skills shine. She writes rhyming verse the way it should be: Without forced rhyme and with terrific meter. The story seems to flow effortlessly from her pen. I especially appreciate it when Bunny admits he doesn't want to share his rocks with anyone; who hasn't felt this way, especially as a child? Yet, in the end, Bunny shares anyway.

Frank Endersby's illustrations depict tender, sweet creatures young children will delight in. His soft renderings help us relate to the characters and want to give them a good squeeze.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but I'd say more 2 - 5.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2009; ISBN: 978-1400314775; hardback, $9.99

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Special Info: Be sure to check out our other reviews of books in this series.