This is part of the Reading out Loud series. Make story time engaging with character voices. Listen in on how we do it.
“That’s when I saw him. He was bunny beautiful.”
Yes, this is about a boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny. Not only that, his grandpa is ex-Vice President Mike Pence. But this story isn’t about ex-Pence, because he is boring. This is the story of Marlon Bundo and his very special day.
“We are getting married, so we can hop together forever!”
Why read this book?
“Everyone is different,” as the characters in the story each express in their own way. And this book encourages your child, and you, to accept these differences. But there are still some old Stink Bugs out there who preach tolerance while lashing out at anything that doesn’t fit their mold (see below).
As you’d expect with John Oliver as one of its creators, this book is subtly hilarious. You’ll smile the whole way through.
And my favorite thing about this book: the unique characters calling out for fun voices to engage kids at storytime.
You heard the protagonist, Marlon Bundo, above. Now meet his soon-to-be bunny husband, Wesley:
“My name is Wesley. And my family calls me Wesley.”
Marlon and Wesley are lucky to have each other. They were happy, even planning their future together. Until they heard a booming voice:
“Boy bunnies don’t marry boy bunnies! You are different, and different is bad!”
The Stink Bug doesn’t like the idea because, well, he’s in charge. And he plans to put an end to this unacceptable boy-bunny wedding plan.
Luckily, Marlon and Wesley have some great friends, each with their own quirks, who step up to make the case for different. Friends like,
Pumpernickel the badger:
“I eat my sandwiches crust first.”
and Dill Prickle the hedgehog:
“I read the ends of books before the beginning.”
and then there’s Mr. Paws, who is very good dog:
“I sniff butts.”
and summing up their fight against stinkiness is Scooter the turtle:
“Different is not bad. Different is special.”
Can they unite in their differences to overcome the Stink Bug?
You can listen in on our story to find out. Hope you enjoy it a much as we do.
Other audio books in this series:
- → The Day the Crayons Quit [audiobook]
- → A Bit Lost [audiobook]
- → More coming soon. Put in your request below!
Looking for more ways to engage your kids curiosity and creativity? Leave your email and we’ll keep you posted about once a month:
