Pooka & Bunni
Jennifer Zivoin, Author and Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Nov. 10, 2020
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes: Sisters, Sibling relationships, Imagination, Creativity, Perseverance, Problem solving
Opening: “This is Bunni…and this is Pooka. Bunni is big, clever, and interested in many things. Pooka is small, clever, and interested in whatever Bunni is is doing.”
Synopsis:
Bunni is building a wonderful pillow castle while her little sister, Pooka, peppers her with questions and wants to help. Bunni replies, “You’re too little to help! You’ll just knock everything down.” Bunni leaves for her whistling lessons and warns Pooka not to touch anything.
But you know little sisters. The moment Bunni is gone, Pooka peers inside the castle with awe. She bounces up and down until “uh oh…” the castle comes tumbling down on top of her. But don’t under estimate little sisters, even if the pillows are much bigger than she is and way too heavy. Pooka uses her imagination and creativity and perseverance to build something just as wonderful! What will Bunni think?
Why I like this book:
Jennifer Zivoin has written a delightful story about siblings playing together that is full of heart. Bunni is like many older siblings who don’t want their little sisters to get in the way of their big projects. Except there is a twist in this story that makes it such an endearing read for children and their parents. Kids will cheer for Pooka and her her imagination and can-do attitude. And they will be delighted with Bunni’s response and the Ooops! moment at the end.
Zivoin’s illustrations are beautiful and showcase the wonder of children dreaming big and playing together. Just look at that cover! This book is an excellent bonding story for parents to share with siblings.
Resources/Activities: This book is a great starting point to encourage your older and younger kids to build, draw, decorate, bake or plant something together, Younger siblings look up to their older siblings and want to do everything they do. What a fun family discussion book about teamwork and playing together.
Jennifer Zivoin has illustrated over 30 books, including Something Happened in Our Town and A World of Possibilities. This is the first book has has both written and illustrated. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington. Jennifer lives in Carmel, Indiana. Visit her at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Reviewed from a copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Children's Books Heal 
I will recommend this one to several parents I know with young siblings. Delightful cover and a story to match.
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Yes, I love that great cover! Jennifer Zivoin has illustrated a number of books I’ve reviewed and her art is outstanding. Such a fun book to read with siblings.
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Great pick, P. A pillow castle story is always a winner. Each morning as soon as Mom gets into the shower, I try to build a blanket castle. Less of a winner, but still fun.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Yes, pillow towers would be fun to build. I always built box towers. You really are rearing an Einstein, Genevieve!
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This sounds like a sweet sibling story. I love the illustrations! Thanks for the rec, Patricia!
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The illustrations are beautiful and lively. I’ve reviewed other books Jennifer has illustrated. But glad to see her writing and illustrating!
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Sounds like a fun tale; as we go through our mom’s old pictures, we realize over and over again how much the siblings mean to each other! Awesome pick, Pat. Can’t wait to check it out.
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Sweet story with gorgeous illustrations that kids will love. I know what you mean about looking through family albums. Lots of good memories, even though I’ve lost my two younger brothers to cancer. It’s my sister and I now. I was the eldest of four, so I retain a lot of memories. And we did have fun!!
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Ooh my gosh – I chuckled at those names and the silly happy faces. Sounds like a good sibling story. I look forward to figuring out the twist. Thank you.
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You’d enjoy this pick! Jennifer illustrated I Am Strong and Fantastic You, and I know how much you loved those books! Glad to see her as author/illustrator. Her work is magnificent!
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What a fun story about siblings that includes situations with which many will identify.
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Yes, I loved this fun sibling story by Zivoin. I’ve reviewed two other wonderful books by her in the last year that she illustrated, “Fantastic You” and “I Am Strong.”
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I love those titles.
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