Review by Booklist Review
Daddy Rabbit has funny names for his little bunnies: Ben, who always hurries, is Big Brother Rushabout; neat Sophie is Big Sister Tidypaws; and Little Bella, who worries about everything, is Little Baby Not-Sure. When Daddy asks, Who wants to go ice-skating today? Ben and Sophie yell, Yes, but Bella worries about looking silly and not being able to keep up. Daddy says, Don't worry, let's have some snow fun first. When they go sledding, Ben and Sophie fall off, but Bella holds tight all the way to the bottom. With new courage, Bella is surer of herself, and proves she can be a skater, too. The softly colored illustrations are just right for this charming, gentle story about confidence and family togetherness. Preschoolers will relate to Bella's fear of trying new things and grin when she succeeds; parents will appreciate the reassuring, one-step-at-a-time approach.--Cummins, Julie Copyright 2007 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This tale of learning to try new things embraces the idea that having a positive outlook is more than half the battle. Unlike her speedy and fastidious older rabbit siblings, cautious Bella is less than eager to tackle the challenge of ice skating. Daddy Rabbit, who nicknames her "Little Baby Not Sure," is always quick to comfort her, but doubts remain. ("She only had little legs. What if she couldn't keep up?") But a series of self-esteem boosters on the way to the lake slowly increase her confidence, and after the pivotal moment when Bella steps onto the frozen lake, she slips, slides, but ultimately skates across a double spread, her father completely out of sight. Whybrow's (the Harry and the Dinosaurs books) gentle text never dismisses Bella's worries, but the steady stream of parental reassurance helps them seem less daunting, while Reeve's (Delilah D. at the Library) fuzzy pastels amplify the bunnies' cozy familial tenderness, creating an ever-cheery world of snow drifts and hot chocolate. Ably using scant lines for down-turned eyebrows and a frown, Reeve delivers a very honest portrait of a tentative tot-but in such a sugarcoated setting, there's never any doubt that Bella will eventually join the happy crowd on the ice. Ages 3-8. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Daddy Rabbit calls Bella "Little Baby Not-Sure" because she tends to worry. When he suggests that the family go ice-skating, she hesitates, so they play in the snow instead, building snow rabbits and sledding. Bella builds a snow mouse. "`Well done, my Funny Bunny!' said Daddy." With each successful activity, Bella's nickname changes for the better, so when they finally go skating, she has gained enough confidence to become Daddy's "Super Skater," leaving her worrying ways behind. Although Daddy Rabbit is patient and understanding, his penchant for nicknames makes one wonder how much a moniker reinforces a child's self-image, for better or worse. Still, sweetness abounds in this book, with bright and playful pastel illustrations featuring adorable bunnies frolicking across spreads. An agreeable choice for storytimes dealing with anxiety and self-confidence.-Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Despite the regrettably trendy-sounding title, Whybrow's latest release is a sweetly wholesome tale. Given the moniker "Little Baby Not-Sure" by her father, the young rabbit Bella struggles with her propensity to worry. Overshadowed by her exuberant siblings, Bella takes a cautious approach to new experiences. When her father suggests an ice-skating outing, Bella is consumed by anxiety. Whybrow exhibits a keen understanding of a little one's misgivings, as Bella nervously wonders what could go wrong. Bella's father wisely suggests a series of confidence-building, play-centered activities to allay Bella's concerns. Reeve's illustrations, rendered in a medley of muted hues and softly blurred lines, further convey the winsome tenderness of the tale. Whybrow's adept and compassionate approach to resolving Bella's situation is bound to encourage fellow kindred spirits. Reluctant readers will take heart in Bella's ultimate triumph. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
