I Am a Bunny
A Golden Sturdy Book Series
What’s inside...
I Am a Bunny is a classic children's picture book written by Ole Risom and illustrated by Richard Scarry. The story follows a small bunny named Nicholas as he experiences the changing seasons throughout the year. Nicholas picks flowers in the spring, chases butterflies in the summer, watches the leaves fall in autumn, and sees the snow come in the winter. The book is known for its simple, engaging text and charming, colorful illustrations, making it a favorite for young readers and an enduring tale of the joys of nature and the passage of time.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicholas
Discussion points
What different seasons do you see in the book, and how does Nicholas the bunny experience each one?
What are some of your favorite activities to do in each season, just like Nicholas?
How do you think Nicholas feels when he sees all the changes happening around him? Why?
What other animals do you notice in the book, and what are they doing?
If you were a bunny like Nicholas, what would you like to do the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the book together, letting your child turn the pages. Ask them to describe what they see before diving into the questions. Relate Nicholas’s experiences to your child’s by recalling family moments that mirror the activities Nicholas enjoys in each season. Encourage them to use their imagination and think about what it's like to be Nicholas, linking their feelings to the story. Finish by asking your child what they liked best about the book and if there’s anything they would like to do like Nicholas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Seasonal Awareness
Explanation: Through Nicholas the bunny's journey throughout the year, children learn about the different seasons and the changes they bring.
Real-World Application: Children can observe their own surroundings and notice how nature changes with seasons, enhancing their observational skills and understanding of the environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Nicholas explores his world with curiosity, from watching leaves fall to gazing at the rain.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and explore the natural world around them, whether it’s a backyard or a local park, fostering a love for nature and discovery.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The book’s vivid illustrations and Nicholas’s interactions with his environment highlight the beauty of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Promotes environmental awareness and appreciation, motivating children to care for and respect nature.
Example Lesson: Learning through Observation
Explanation: Nicholas learns about his environment by observing it throughout the different seasons, noticing details and patterns.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of observation as a learning tool, encouraging them to pay attention to details and learn from their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Pleasures
Explanation: Nicholas finds joy in simple activities like watching snowflakes or jumping in puddles.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to find happiness in simple, everyday activities and appreciate the small things in life.