Gehl, Laura. Attack Bunnies. Julia Patton, Illus. Beaming, 02/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-506-9225-4. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Bunnies Carrot Cake and Pufftail are the defenders of the woodland creatures. They go on the attack when Renard Fox moves to their neck of the woods and seems to be causing chaos with the chipmunks, Agatha Owl, and even Sammy Squirrel. Clever text placement and lively illustrations in warm red, brown, green, orange, and yellow use all parts of the pages from edges to gutters, propelling the story with dramatic and humorous effect. When the bunnies attack, a two-page spread is used, highlighting a bunny in action, vivid with superhero-style lettering, exploding with colors. The bunny attacks are no joke: their use of a “hypnotic” rhyming letter and mouthwatering baked goods are direct hits on the fox. The bunnies do repel Renard Fox, but then overhear the fox’s despair: he just wanted to make new friends. Ultimately a story about mistaken first impressions and how to make things right, the narrative concludes with the bunnies using their attack mode to bring Renard Fox into the woodland community. This book is a great addition to classrooms and library collections in need of books that cover misunderstandings and anti-bullying situations.
Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library