Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
An anxious young rabbit with a gift for storytelling narrates this intimately voiced, community-centered novel by Dimopoulos (Turn the Tide), which explores the value of crossing species lines and the bravery required to live in the world. When a birdseed-controlling blue jay eats a robin's egg in an act of retribution, Milkweed Meadow's young bunnies--taught to "stay alive" via brainpower and rigid rules--are told to "worry about the burrow-dwellers only." But young Butternut, an anxious rabbit who thrills at the stories recounted in her family's root room, wonders about the event's communal and long-term effects. Butternut soon meets a gregarious, newly fledged robin named Piper, and they encounter and befriend an injured fawn, acts that eventually lead to a cooperative rescue of creatures in dire need. As Butternut's world grows larger ("I'd performed a feat of athleticism. I'd met a young robin that spoke like an old poet"), her action-packed adventures with Piper underline the way that a survivalist mentality can come at the cost of a compassionate, connected, meaningful life. Occasional illustrations by Salati (Hot Dog), in graphite and gouache, elegantly depict wildlife scenes. Ages 8--11. Author's agent: Allison Hellegers, Stimola Literary. Illustratior's agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary Studio. (May)
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Review by Horn Book Review
"Bird affairs are not rabbit affairs," says Butternut's mother. But when the young rabbit meets Piper, an outgoing and adventurous fledgling robin, she starts connecting with other animals in Milkweed Meadow and finding the world less frightening. Butternut directly addresses readers, dropping carrots of wisdom about story structure and life. "Life-and-death stakes might enhance a story, but they were terrifying to live through." The animal characters are anthropomorphized, but they retain core species characteristics and behaviors; some readers may even recognize the dynamics of wildlife interactions around the bird feeder near Butternut's den. Salati's (Caldecott winner for Hot Dog, rev. 11/22) textured black-and-white illustrations mirror this blend of realism and fantasy. The animals' faces are expressive, but they look like animals, especially in their body language. When Butternut has to decide whether or not to risk her safety to attempt the rescue she's been foreshadowing since the first sentence of chapter one, no one will be surprised. But how it happens is "a wood-gnawing climax," as Butternut's grandmother would say. This chapter book has a relatively rare and welcome level of depth, and the strong narrative voice, ecological awareness, and themes around the value of connection and community will call to many readers. Adrienne L. PettinelliSeptember/October 2023 p.73 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A wild rabbit narrates a tale of friendship, bravery--and storytelling. Young Butternut and her siblings receive an in-depth education from their mother, who in turn learned from Butternut's grandmother Sage, a wise, experienced rabbit who's determined to keep her family safe. Humor shines through as Butternut describes lessons in survival, storytelling, and grooming. Grandmother tells the younger rabbits that just as monarch butterflies have the advantage of eating milkweed (which makes them toxic and keeps them safe from predators), "Our milkweed is our brain power." Despite her family's misgivings, Butternut--known for her "brambles" (or anxiety) and storytelling prowess--befriends Piper, a baby robin who enjoys using alliteration. The duo soon start venturing out at night to help an injured fawn, and more adventures ensue as Butternut slowly learns that there are some things in life worth taking risks for. By the time of the titular rescue, a host of secondary characters have been introduced, including a bullying blue jay and a "little female human." Cleverly, the text uses Butternut's voice to point out literary devices and techniques as she tells her tale. Witty, engaging, and heartfelt, this novel compares favorably with Cynthia Voigt's gray squirrel odyssey, Toaff's Way (2018), expertly entwining actual, observed facts about wildlife with whimsical anthropomorphism. The charming illustrations complement the text and show the girl to be light-skinned. Use your milkweed: Read this! (Fiction. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
