Personally, the book spoke to me on so many levels. While reading it, I was reminded of the times during my childhood when I would say I wanted to run away from home, usually after my little brother and I would get into a fight. Deep down inside though, I knew I wouldn’t do any such thing – mostly because I would miss my mother (and my father too of course – and yes, my little brother too!).

The book also reminded me of how I should be as a mother – accepting, gentle and unconditional in loving my kids. I tend to forget this many times, and on my bad days I most certainly act like a “Monster Mama” – someone kids would definitely want to run away from! On those days, I find myself including “The Runaway Bunny” in our “book basket,” which contains books we plan to read for that particular day, especially at bedtime.

Besides its wonderful message of unconditional love, I also liked that the illustrations by Clement Hurd alternate between black and white (the pages where the bunny is running away) and full color (the pages where the mommy bunny goes after him / looks for him). Parents can use the book to teach symbolism i.e. the colorful pages depict joy and love – all “warm” feelings and emotions, while the black and white pages depict sadness, etc. After all who would want to live in a black and white world?

Parents can also use the book to play a modified version of “I Spy” with their kids. For example, they can ask them to “spy” or look for the bunny “hiding” on certain pages, and look for other objects as well. You can also introduce “If” and “Then” situations to teach your children how to respond to different situations.

Overall, I would highly recommend this classic children’s book to all families – it would be a wonderful addition to your home library! I’d also recommend it to teachers and storytellers as well. It is a great book for your quiet, cozy bonding times with the children under your care.

“In this modern world where activity is stressed almost to the point of mania, quietness as a childhood need is too often overlooked. Yet a child's need for quietness is the same today as it has always been--it may even be greater--for quietness is an essential part of all awareness. In quiet times and sleepy times a child can dwell in thoughts of his own, and in songs and stories of his own.” ― Margaret Wise Brown