Bibliography
CRIMI, Carolyn. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies. illus. by John Manders. unpaged. Candlewick. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2449-7. LC 2004062936.
Summary of the Plot
Henry and the Bucaneer Bunnies is a story about a son that would rather be reading books than doing his pirate duties. His father, Black Ear, is considered the meanest, baddest bunny pirate of his time. However, Henry still follows his own path in choosing to read books even when threatened with having to swab the deck until he comes to his senses. Midway through the book Henry notices signs that a big storm was on its way. He tried informing the crew but no one listened until it was to late. The pirate ship was lost but the crew reached an island. Everyone was feeling sorry for themselves except for Henry he got right to work. When the crew asks him how he learned to do all of the tasks, Henry told them he learned from reading books. Finally, he teaches the crew how to build another ship and they are once more on the high seas. However, this time they take a break every summer so the entire crew can read books at the Easter Island library.
Vi's Vibes
I enjoyed the well-written book. The main character has an issue with his father but stands up for himself. He accepts his punishment of having to swab the decks so he can still read the books. He does not hold a grudge against the rest of the crew when they are stranded on the island. Black Ear the father finally does agree with Henry that books are necessary.
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, Bethpage Public Library, NY School Library Journal 11/01/2005
As the pirate ship The Salty Carrot sails the high seas, all of the rabbit pirates pitch in to help with the duties except Henry, the captain's son, who prefers to read. After their ship succumbs to a storm, the rabbits find that Henry's trunks of books can act as life rafts, which transport them to a desert island. On land, Henry's vast book learning becomes invaluable, and he provides the rabbit crew with food, shelter, and a means of escape. 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 MorningCopyright © American Library Association.
Utilization for Library Classes
I would use this book as a read aloud and have the student's discuss different endings for the book. What might have happened to the bunnies if the books had not been saved in the treasure chest? How else might the bunnies have survived?
Another take on the story might be a discussion emphasizing the importance of reading. How would the bunnies have made it if Henry had not learned from reading the books? I would have the students create treasure chests then write or illustrate the book covers that they would put in their treasure chest in case they were ever stranded on an island.
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