Cinder Rabbit
by
Lynn E. Hazen

Illustrated by Elyse Pastel & Published by Henry Holt, April 2008


School Library Journal:

HAZEN, Lynn E. Cinder Rabbit. illus. by Elyse Pastel. 64p. CIP. Holt. Apr. 2008. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-8194-7. LC 2007027318.

K-Gr 2—Zoe, a young bunny, is excited to have the role of Cinder Rabbit in her school's spring play. That is, until she learns that as the star she will be required to lead the class in the Bunny Hop. Zoe was quite a confident little hopper until an unfortunate mis-hop left her in a mud puddle with class bully Winifred laughing at her. Now she can only walk or scurry, and the thought of hopping on stage leaves her petrified. On a trip downtown, Zoe is unexpectedly forced into action and is able to regain her hop; the quick thinking of a classmate helps her to re-create her success for the stage. This early chapter book is for any reader who has ever frozen in the face of pressure, or for those who face the taunts of a bully. It is sweet and fun, with bunny details liberally inserted throughout. Black-and-white illustrations on each spread expand on the characters—a bunny selected as the assistant director wears a bow tie, the teacher has a double-pierced ear, and Zoe's nemesis has a perpetual frown. Short chapters will allow beginning readers to finish in manageable segments, and the book's simple but consistent story arc will leave them cheering for Zoe's triumph in the end.—Heather M. Campbell, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

 

More Praise for Cinder Rabbit:

"Children will hop, skip, and jump to read this story again and again. A delightful early reader."
--Elissa Haden Guest, author of the Iris and Walter series

 

"Hip hop hurrah for Hazen's satisfying romp about a courageous rabbit who saves the day and the school play! Beginning chapter book readers will love Cinder Rabbit, a story filled with humor and pizzazz."
-- Phyllis Root, author of Big Momma Makes the World

 

From Kirkus Reviews (March 15, 2008):

CINDER RABBIT
Author: Hazen, Lynn E.
Publisher:Henry Holt

Zoe is ecstatic when she lands the lead in her school's spring play, Cinder Rabbit. That is, until she realizes that she will have to lead the other students in the Bunny Hop. Zoe hasn't been able to hop since Winifred laughed at her when she bounced into a mud puddle and fell. As the play approaches, Zoe feels increasingly anxious and, practice though she may, she can't get her hop back. Meanwhile, the class prepares the sets, creates posters, costumes and invitations for the production. During rehearsal, though Zoe tries to overcome her fear and her classmates cheer her on, she feels defeated when Winifred teases her again. On the night of the performance, despite her buoyant nature, Zoe freezes up until Prince Charming's amusing reenactment of a trip to town inspires her to leap above her fears. Plentifully illustrated with darling, expressive bunnies, this early chapter book lightly but effectively explores the consequences of bullying while extolling the virtues of perseverance. (Fiction. 6-9)

 

Download a free printable Cinder Rabbit Activity sheet (pdf)

Elyse Pastel, illustrator of Cinder Rabbit

Elyse Pastel is a freelance illustrator. She is a graduate of Art Center College of Design. Elyse spent many years in the animation industry working for Walt Disney among other animation companies. She has illustrated two books; Tutu Twins and Cinder Rabbit. Elyse is also an instructor at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA). She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.

Click here for an interview with illustrator, Elyse Pastel

And here to download Elyse's free printable pdf of How to Draw Cinder Rabbit activity sheet for home or school use.

Cinder Rabbit, published by Henry Holt & Company, April 2008

Website & Text copyright © 2008 by Lynn E. Hazen

Illustrations copyright © 2008 by Elyse Pastel