“With playful, alliterative, fun-to-read-aloud language and its fantastical storyline, this winning 32-chapter novelette recalls the magical whimsy of Roald Dahl. The author’s winsome watercolors lend an ethereal quality to this sweet, funny story that respectfully maps the warrens of a child’s psyche as it celebrates the glorious mess that is nature.” Kirkus Reviews, February 2009 (starred review) (The Best Children’s Books of 2009, Kirkus Reviews)
“Told in very short chapters and using language in unusual ways, this is a small delight, cunningly illustrated by Hannigan’s own sweet watercolors, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter’s works. The fun wordplay is just the thing to get new readers going, but most children will simply enjoy listening to the story—again and again.” ALA Booklist, January 2009 (starred review).
“Katherine Hannigan won much acclaim for her debut middle-grade novel, ‘Ida B.’ This new book, a charming fable about conformity and independence, about humans and their penchant for paving and ‘improving’ and destroying the natural world around them, is even better and features lovely, delicate illustrations by the author…The lilting language has a wonderful rhythm that carries the story along and would make a wonderful read-aloud. And the hint of mystery and suggestion of another world that lurks just beyond the confines of our ‘known world’ is magical.” Los Angeles Times, reprinted in The Buffalo News, March 2009.
“…Gorgeous illustrations complete a charming book.” 24 Great Outdoor Books, grandparents.com.
“Hannigan follows Ida B, her critically acclaimed debut, with this environmental fable, which she has illustrated with tender watercolor art that often displays deft touches of humor…the text, art and compact trim size add up to an overall package that young animal lovers will likely find irresistible.” Publishers Weekly, February 2009.
“In ‘Emmaline and the Bunny,’ Katherine Hannigan spins an environmental fable in a novel that is a terrific read-aloud, but also works for independent readers who’ve just graduated to chapter books…The small size, ample white space, attractive cover and lovely, winsome watercolors are also kid-pleasers.” The News-Tribune, April 2009.
“The book’s most distinctive feature is its delightful, inventive language: Emmaline ‘skoot-skedaddles,’ and Orson Oliphant’s belly is ‘bobbalobbing.’ Hannigan also utilizes unusual sentence structure (‘Dirt she dug,’ ‘Sleep Emmaline couldn’t’). Even though the protagonist is a spirited heroine, this is a quieter story…and the author’s soft watercolors enhance the tone. It would make an ideal read-aloud or recommendation for readers who are ready for transitional chapter books.” School Library Journal, March 2009.